Where does T'bit come from?

T'bit — country of origin: Iraq.

What is T'bit made of?

Chicken, rice, tomato, onion, garlic, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, broth.

How do you pronounce T'bit?

تبيت (Arabic, Iraq) is pronounced /təˈbiːt/.

T'bit

تبيتPronunciation (IPA) /təˈbiːt/

Iraqi Jewish overnight chicken and rice, slow-cooked until the rice absorbs the seasoned juices and the chicken turns tender.

Also known as: Tbeet · T’bit · טבית · طبيث

Allergens & declarations

The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

What it really is

T'bit is an Iraqi Jewish Sabbath dish of chicken and rice cooked slowly overnight. The long, gentle cooking is central to its character and makes it a traditional meal for Shabbat lunch.

Low, prolonged cooking lets the rice absorb juices from the chicken and seasoning without frequent stirring. The stuffed bird and rice may be cooked together in a covered pot, producing a cohesive, tender dish that is served for Shabbat lunch after the overnight rest. Household recipes differ in spices, rice texture and whether the chicken is stuffed or arranged with the grains. The defining association is Iraqi Jewish Sabbath cooking, not a single mandatory spice formula. The modeled record includes poultry, rice and tomato; verify the actual stuffing and seasonings.

Chicken is seasoned with warm spices, commonly including cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and cloves, then cooked with rice and tomato in a covered pot. The pot is placed in a low oven overnight, allowing the grains to absorb the juices while the chicken becomes very tender. Household recipes differ in their spices and in whether the rice is layered, stuffed inside the chicken, or cooked around it.

T’bit is cooked as a covered, slow preparation so that the rice takes on the chicken's seasoned juices. In the whole-bird form, stuffing cooks inside the chicken; some households instead layer or arrange the rice around it. This distinguishes it from everyday chicken pilaf: the overnight timing and Shabbat meal are part of the dish's identity. Describe the serving format used, and confirm stock or added ingredients at the kitchen.

How it's served

Served hot from the pot as a Shabbat lunch main course.
Scooped so each portion includes both rice and chicken.
Often accompanied by salads or pickled vegetables.

Keep the name T'bit and describe the ingredients and preparation actually used; identify any recipe-specific variation for guests.

Typical ingredients

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Frequently asked questions

What is T'bit?: Iraqi Jewish overnight chicken and rice, slow-cooked until the rice absorbs the seasoned juices and the chicken turns tender.
Where does T'bit come from?: T'bit — country of origin: Iraq.
What is T'bit made of?: Chicken, rice, tomato, onion, garlic, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, broth.
Which allergens does T'bit contain?: The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.
What is T'bit also known as?: Tbeet, T’bit, טבית, طبيث.
How do you pronounce T'bit?: تبيت (Arabic, Iraq) is pronounced /təˈbiːt/. Select the speaker button next to the dish name to hear it.