Kuwaiti Food: What Should You Try?

When we visit any new country, trying the local food is part of the fun. In Kuwait, you might come across rice dishes filled with aromatic spices, fresh seafood, and sweet treats you haven't tried before. Not sure what to order first? Here are a few Kuwaiti favourites to look out for.

Start with Machboos

If you see machboos on a menu, give it a try. It's a popular Kuwaiti rice dish prepared with chicken, lamb, or fish. Spices such as cardamom and dried lime give the rice a rich aroma, and a tomato and garlic sauce called daqqus often comes on the side. It's filling, flavourful, and a good introduction to local cooking.

Try Something Different with Balaleet

Would you eat sweet noodles with eggs? That's the interesting combination behind balaleet. The vermicelli is flavoured with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, then served with a savoury egg omelette. It's often eaten for breakfast or on special occasions. The sweet and salty flavours might surprise you if you've never tried them together.

Luqaimat, Kuwait’s Sweet Treat 

If you enjoy sweet snacks, look for Luqaimat. These little dough balls are fried until golden and crisp outside, with a soft centre. They're finished with syrup or honey, making them a lovely treat after a meal.

Where Can You Find These Foods?

Souq Al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait City is a good place to explore traditional shops and look for places serving local dishes. You can also check restaurant menus around the city. If you don't recognise a dish, ask about its ingredients or how it's prepared. You might discover a new favourite.

Before travelling, check the entry requirements for your nationality. If you need visa information, you can visit Kuwait eVisa.

Make Food Part of Your Kuwait Trip

You don't need to try everything at once. Start with machboos, see what you think of balaleet, and finish with a few luqaimat. Trying local dishes is a simple way to learn more about Kuwait, one meal at a time.