Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kuwait City, Al ‘Āşimah, Kuwait
1. Kuwaiti Machboos
A traditional rice dish with spices and either chicken or fish, topped with roasted almonds. Try it at Al-Aziz Al Arabi Restaurant.
- Unique Spice Blend: Features a unique blend of spices not found in other Middle Eastern rice dishes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Family Recipe: Many restaurants have been using the same family recipe for generations.
2. Kuwaiti Mandi
A fragrant rice dish served with tender lamb or chicken. Visit Al-Watiya for an authentic experience.
- Slow-Cooked Meat: The meat is slow-cooked to ensure tenderness.
- Flavorful Rice: The rice absorbs the flavors of the spices and broth.
- Traditional Oven: Cooked in a traditional underground oven called an 'ottoman'.
3. Kuwaiti Majboos
A aromatic rice dish with saffron and spices, served with succulent chicken or fish. Visit Al-Harees for this tasty treat.
- Saffron Aroma: Infused with the rich aroma of saffron.
- Tender Protein: The protein is cooked until it's tender and flavorful.
- Family-style Serving: Served family-style, making for a communal dining experience.
4. Kuwaiti Hummus
A creamy chickpea dip flavored with garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Enjoy it at Al-Andalus Restaurant.
- Smooth Texture: Known for its smooth and velvety texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced chickpeas.
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared according to a traditional family recipe.
5. Kuwaiti Foul Mudammas
Mashed fava beans cooked with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Try it at Al-Naserieh Restaurant.
- Flavorful Beans: The beans are cooked until they're tender and flavorful.
- Aromatic Spices: Seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices.
- Healthy Option: A hearty and healthy vegetarian option.
6. Kuwaiti Moutabbal
Eggplant puree flavored with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Visit Al-Sham Restaurant for this delightful dish.
- Smooth Texture: Known for its smooth and creamy texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced eggplants.
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared according to a traditional family recipe.
7. Kuwaiti Lugaimat
Sweet fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup and served with date molasses. Try them at Al-Ghanim Restaurant.
- Crispy Texture: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Traditional Snack: A traditional Kuwaiti snack enjoyed during Ramadan.
- Date Molasses: Served with a sweet and tangy date molasses.
8. Kuwaiti Jabaliya
A sweet dessert made from crushed ice, rose water, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. Try it at Al-Ramad Restaurant.
- Refreshing Dessert: A refreshing dessert perfect for hot summer days.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional Kuwaiti beverage often served during Ramadan.
- Delicate Flavor: Features a delicate balance of flavors from the rose water and cardamom.
9. Kuwaiti Balaleet
A sweet vermicelli dish flavored with cardamom and saffron, served with an egg omelette on top. Try it at Al-Faisaliah Restaurant.
- Unique Breakfast Dish: A unique and tasty breakfast option.
- Flavorful Vermicelli: The vermicelli is flavored with cardamom, saffron, and other aromatic spices.
- Crispy Omelette: Topped with a crispy and flavorful egg omelette.
10. Kuwaiti Kabsah
A traditional dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in a large pot. Visit Al-Rashid Restaurant for this hearty meal.
- Family-style Serving: Served family-style, making for a communal dining experience.
- Tender Meat: The meat is tender and flavorful.
- Fragrant Rice: The rice absorbs the flavors of the spices and broth.
11. Kuwaiti Shuwaima
Grilled corn on the cob served with a mix of seven spices. Enjoy it at Al-Ataris Restaurant.
- Flavorful Spice Blend: The seven-spice blend adds a unique flavor.
- Fresh Corn: Made with fresh, locally-grown corn.
- Street Food Favorite: A popular street food in Kuwait City.
12. Kuwaiti Maqluba
A dish made by layering rice, vegetables, and meat in a pot, then turning it upside down to serve. Try it at Al-Shati Restaurant.
- Unique Presentation: Served upside-down for a unique presentation.
- Tender Meat and Vegetables: The meat and vegetables are tender and flavorful.
- Fragrant Rice: The rice absorbs the flavors of the spices and broth.
13. Kuwaiti Mahyawa
A fish dish cooked with lemon juice, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Try it at Al-Watan Restaurant.
- Tender Fish: The fish is tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-caught fish.
- Tangy Sauce: Served with a tangy sauce made from lemon juice, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
14. Kuwaiti Madrouba
A dish made by slow-cooking meat in a sauce of yogurt, garlic, and spices. Visit Al-Mandar Restaurant to try this tasty meal.
- Tender Meat: The meat is tender and flavorful.
- Creamy Sauce: Served with a creamy sauce made from yogurt, garlic, and spices.
- Slow-cooked: The meat is slow-cooked to ensure tenderness and flavor.
15. Kuwaiti Koshary
A popular Egyptian dish adopted by Kuwaitis, featuring rice, macaroni, lentils, and a spicy tomato sauce. Try it at Al-Dabab Restaurant.
- Unique Fusion Dish: A unique fusion dish that combines Egyptian and Kuwaiti culinary influences.
- Flavorful Components: Each component (rice, macaroni, lentils, spicy tomato sauce) adds its own unique flavor.
- Hearty Meal: A hearty and filling meal that's perfect for travelers.