If you’re visiting Kuwait and want to dive into authentic local flavors, you’re in for a treat. Kuwait’s food scene is loaded with rich, exciting dishes and some mouth-watering street food. You’ll find a mix of Middle Eastern favorites, Persian, and Indian influences, all coming together to create a truly memorable eating experience. In this article, I’ll share the best traditional foods to try and top restaurant recommendations, so you know where to go when hunger strikes.
Traditional Kuwaiti Dishes to Try
Machboos
Machboos is Kuwait’s national dish. It’s a flavorful combination of rice, seasoned meat (usually lamb or chicken), and a blend of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. You’ll often find it served with a side of “deyyaa” (tomato sauce) to add some extra flavor. This is a must-try for anyone wanting to get a real taste of Kuwait.
Look for it at traditional restaurants across Kuwait City or in people’s homes as part of a communal meal. It’s best when freshly cooked!
Muttabaq Samak
If you love seafood, then you will appreciate Muttabaq Samak. This dish is made with rice and fish—usually grilled or fried—and is well-seasoned with spices. The fish can vary in type but is usually from the Gulf, giving the dish a fresh flavor. The rice is cooked to perfection, soaking in the essence of the fish.
You can find great Muttabaq Samak at local seafood restaurants or cafes near the waterfront.
Jireesh
Jireesh is a traditional Kuwaiti porridge dish made from crushed wheat and cooked with meat or chicken. It’s slow-cooked with onions, spices, and sometimes tomatoes, making it creamy and hearty. It’s a typical comfort food in Kuwait and usually features in family gatherings or traditional events.
This dish pairs well with yogurt or pickles.
Qouzi
Qouzi (also spelled “Ghoozi”) is another famous dish made with roasted lamb stuffed with rice, spices, eggs, and vegetables. The lamb is tender, and the stuffing is packed with flavors. It’s a celebratory meal often served during weddings or major holidays.
This is one of those dishes worth trying at a high-end restaurant where they prepare it the traditional way with utmost care.
Popular Street Foods
Shawarma
Of course, who could skip shawarma? Known across the Middle East, it’s a quick, cheap, delicious meal you can grab on the go. You’ll find it in almost every neighborhood in Kuwait. Made from layers of meat (chicken or beef) stacked and cooked on a vertical rotisserie, it’s sliced thin and packed into bread, usually with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies. Get it spicy if you like a kick!
You’ll find shawarma stalls scattered throughout the streets of Kuwait City and Souq Al-Mubarakiya.
Falafel
If you’re looking for something vegetarian, falafel is the way to go. These are deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and spices. Typically served in pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, and salad. Falafel is a great street food option when you want a quick, filling snack.
Falafel stands can be found all over Kuwait, but my favorite spot is a small stand right near the Souk in Kuwait City.
Khoshari
Khoshari is a filling Egyptian dish that has grown popular in Kuwait. Made with rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and topped with a spicy tomato sauce, crispy onions, and garlic vinegar, it’s a flavor-packed dish. The carb overload is worth every bite!
You can grab Khoshari from small, local places serving Egyptian street food in the center of Kuwait City.
Sweet Treats to End Your Meal
Gers Ogaily
A traditional Kuwaiti cake, Gers Ogaily is flavored with saffron and cardamom, making it aromatic and slightly sweet. It’s usually enjoyed with tea or coffee and is perfect for when you want to end your meal on a light, delicate note.
Many traditional restaurants serve this cake, but you can also find it in local bakeries around Kuwait City.
Legemat
These are sweet dough balls fried until crispy and drizzled with sticky date syrup or honey. Legemat is a favorite dessert during Ramadan, but you can find it year-round at food stalls and cafes across the country.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip this indulgent treat!
Top Restaurants in Kuwait
Freej Swaileh
This place is one of the best spots to try traditional Kuwaiti food. The menu is packed with all the classics like Machboos, Jireesh, and Qouzi. The portions are huge, and the quality is consistently good. The restaurant’s décor is also authentic, giving you a taste of old Kuwait.
Location: Salmiya, Block 5
Al Boom Steak & Seafood
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, Al Boom is a great choice. Known for its seafood and meat dishes (especially their Muttabaq Samak), the restaurant is designed to look like an old wooden dhow, giving it a unique dining ambiance. It’s a splurge but worth it for the quality.
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait City
Shrimpy
If fast food seafood interests you, Shrimpy is the answer. You’ll find delicious, fresh shrimp sandwiches here, along with other seafood snacks like calamari and fish fillets. It’s been a local favorite since 1988, and while it’s casual, the seafood is great for a quick bite.
Location: Multiple locations across Kuwait
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
This is not one place but an entire historic market. It’s one of the best locations to taste Kuwait’s street food offerings. From shawarma to falafel and grilled kebabs, there is no shortage of cheap, delicious food here. You can also snack on dates, nuts, and traditional sweets.
Location: Kuwait City
Tips for Finding Authentic Eateries in Kuwait
- Stick to places frequented by locals. If it’s packed with local families, it’s a good sign.
- Ask taxi drivers or your hotel staff for recommendations, especially if you want to try hidden gems.
- Check out the old neighborhoods in Kuwait City, particularly around the souks, where authentic street food is easy to find.
- Visit during local holidays or festivals, as many traditional dishes will be served fresh.
Kuwait’s food scene is bursting with flavor, and the best way to soak it all in is to explore. Whether you’re sitting down for Machboos at a restaurant or picking up shawarma from a street stand, you won’t leave hungry. Bon appétit!
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