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Kuwaiti food guide: dishes to try
Kuwaiti cuisine blends Arabian, Persian Gulf and Indian influences, with seafood, rice dishes and spices at its core.
Quick answer: Try machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), murabyan (shrimp rice), jireesh, harees, Arabic coffee with dates and karak tea. Alcohol is not served anywhere in Kuwait.
Dishes to try
- Machboos: fragrant spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish.
- Murabyan: rice cooked with shrimp, a coastal favourite.
- Jireesh and harees: slow-cooked wheat dishes, especially in Ramadan.
- Samoon and fresh breads with dips and grills.
- Luqaimat and dates: sweet treats served with Arabic coffee (qahwa).
Drinks
Karak tea, Arabic coffee, fresh juices and specialty coffee are widely available. Alcohol is banned in Kuwait.
Where to eat
Souq Mubarakiya for traditional food, Salmiya and Sharq for a wide range of restaurants, and malls for international chains. International cuisine from India, Lebanon, the Philippines and elsewhere reflects Kuwait’s diverse population.
Etiquette
- Use your right hand to eat and pass food
- Accept coffee or tea when offered
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Check halal status if relevant
Frequently asked questions
What is the national dish of Kuwait?
Machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat or fish, is widely regarded as a national favourite.
Is alcohol served in Kuwait?
No. Alcohol is prohibited in Kuwait.
Is Kuwaiti food spicy?
It is aromatic and spiced rather than very hot, though heat levels vary.
Is it easy to find vegetarian food?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian options, especially Lebanese and Indian ones.
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