Erbil Bakery Pty Ltd

Erbil Bakery in Logan Central, Queensland, is a Middle Eastern bakery where the Iraqi-style falafel is the dish people talk about first. Locals will tell you it comes out crisp and piping hot, and plenty of people order it as a sandwich with pickles. One visitor who grew up with the real thing said it took them straight back home.

The baking is the other half of the story. Manoush is a regular order, and we hear the chicken and garlic version is a rich, punchy one, with a garlic dip and refreshing pickles on the side. The lahm bijeen, sujuk and cheese, and falafel plates get mentioned too, usually alongside a glass of fresh mint tea. Everything is made fresh from the oven, and one local who has a Middle Eastern partner said even he couldn't fault it. Breakfast is a good time to drop in, and the bakers will often cook in front of you.

There's more here than hot food. A small grocery section sits alongside the counter, with Iraqi and Middle Eastern groceries, some frozen items, a fridge of drinks and a good spread of sweets, so it's easy to pick up extras while you wait. You can take away or sit in. Parking is easy in the shopping centre, and there's a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.

What keeps people coming back is the welcome. Staff are warm and friendly and speak both English and Arabic. If you're new to Lebanese and Iraqi baking, they'll happily point you in the right direction. We heard of one mixed-up order that was sorted the moment it was raised, and of a falafel wait that staff flagged honestly so a customer in a rush could choose something quicker. Prices are fair for the quality, which makes it a handy lunch stop as well.

It's open six days a week, so check the hours before you head in.