Top 10 Must-Try Kuwaiti Foods for Every Foodie

By Mabel Collins | Update on: Jan 03, 2025

Kuwait is a vibrant cultural crossroads with spectacular architecture, such as the Kuwait Towers and the crowded Souq Al-Mubarakiyah market. The country is located in the northern regions of the Arabian Peninsula and has the world's largest oil reserves.

The culinary industry reflects this ethnic fabric, combining traditional cuisines with foreign influences. Kuwaiti cuisine combines Najdi, Persian, Mediterranean, and Indian culinary traditions to create an integrated mixture of local heritage and international exchange. A journey around the land provides a lovely selection of flavors that highlight the different characteristics of Kuwaiti cuisine. This article explores the top 10 most popular Kuwaiti foods you should try.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Kuwait Popular Foods That You Must Try
Conclusion

Top 10 Kuwait Popular Foods That You Must Try

1. Machboos (Kuwaiti Biryani)

Machboos, perhaps Kuwait's national food, is a rice-based dish with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon spices. This delicious meal combines fragrant saffron and rose water-infused rice with soft layers of meat covered with crunchy fried onions, juicy raisins, and hearty chickpeas. It is frequently served with the famous tomato-based sauce laced with garlic and cilantro, known locally as Dakkus or Dakoos, to enhance the taste. Locals consider obtaining the right texture in the rice, known as Nathri, essential for producing great Machboos.

Machboos

Machboos

2. Mandi

When it comes to beef, mandi Laham is another must-have Kuwaiti distinctive that succeeds in the local dining experience. This Kuwaiti traditional dish consists of lamb or chicken cooked in a tandoor or clay oven. Covering the pot while cooking is critical to capture the steam and keep the meat soft and juicy.

Mandi Laham is typically served with aromatic basmati rice seasoned with spices or biryani and pairs well with a refreshing side of salad, yogurt, or dakoos. The process of preparing basmati rice differs from that of jasmine rice.

To cook basmati rice, it is first soaked in warm water before boiled in salt-seasoned water or a savory meat broth. After the rice softens and the water boils, let it drain and slowly cook over low heat.

Mandi

Mandi

3. Mutabbaq Samboosa

Mutabbaq Samboosa is a famous Kuwaiti street meal made of thin layers of crispy dough filled with a delicious blend of minced beef, onions, and spices. The pastries are folded into triangles and deep-fried until golden brown, leaving a crispy surface and wonderfully spicy inside.

Although Mutabbaq Samboosa is usually served as a quick street food snack, It reflects the essence of Kuwaiti culinary tradition, providing a flavor that makes a lasting impact on the tongue.

Mutabbaq Samboosa

Mutabbaq Samboosa

4. Majboos Laham

Majboos Laham is a delicious rice dish similar to Machboos but with soft marinated lamb or beef portions. The meat is slow-cooked with an exquisite spice blend until it is melt-in-your-mouth satisfying then served over fragrant rice coated with simmering features. Majboos Laham is an authentic and hearty meal that conveys Kuwaiti culture.

5. Balaleet

Balaleet is a distinctive and delightful Kuwaiti morning meal that blends sweet and savory ingredients. This popular meal features vermicelli noodles cooked with flavorful herbs and spices (such as saffron, cardamom, and rose water), resulting in a pleasant and savory foundation. Balaleet, served with a thin layer of seasoned omelet, perfectly balances the noodles' sweetness and the egg's savory richness. Garnished with fried onions and juicy raisins, each bite delivers a balance of textures and tastes that awakens the senses. Balaleet captures the right blend of spicy and sweet ingredients, making it an excellent way to begin the day.

Balaleet

Balaleet

6. Foul Medames

Foul Medames is a traditional Arabic dish included in Kuwaiti cuisine. Cooked fava beans are seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil and covered with sliced parsley, tomatoes, and onions. Foul Medames are often offered as a hearty breakfast or a pleasant snack, accompanied by freshly baked bread for dipping, letting guests enjoy every delightful bite. This meal, topped with fresh parsley, chopped tomatoes, and onions, provides a refreshing variety of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Foul Medames

Foul Medames

7. Maqlooba

Maqlooba, which means "upside down" in Arabic, is a tasty one-pot meal as visually appealing as appetizing. It is usually made up of layers of rice, veggies, and chicken or lamb, all cooked together till soft and spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin.

Cooking vegetables and meat alongside rice creates an enjoyable flavor combination. This slow-cooking method offers enough time for the flavors to mix perfectly while protecting the veggies from burning as they lay beneath the rice layer. This Kuwaiti dish is flipped upside down onto a serving tray, presenting a wonderfully layered display.

Maqlooba

Maqlooba

8. Harees

In Kuwaiti households, it is a tradition to host numerous guests for meals, leading to the serving of food on generous trays with abundant portions to accommodate the feasting. During Ramadan, Harees grace the tables, providing guests with a special delight whether it's for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) or iftar (breaking the fast in the evening).

Harees is a traditional Kuwaiti food with Arabic heritage. It features a simple yet comforting combination of wheat and meat. The dish is made by slow-cooking widened wheat with meat, typically chicken or lamb, until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Harees are often enjoyed during Ramadan or other special occasions, as they are hearty and nutritious.

Harees

Harees

9. Zalabia

Zalabia is a popular sweet dish in Kuwait, known for its crunchy texture and addictive sweetness. It is made of little pieces of dough that are deep-fried till golden brown and crunchy. The dough is normally formed from a simple combination of flour, water, yeast, and sometimes sugar. After frying, Zalabia is often dipped in syrup, honey, or powdered sugar to add sweetness and taste. These crispy pastries are popular as a dessert or snack, especially on special occasions or as street food. Zalabia is sometimes coated with syrup or covered with sugar powder before serving, making it an exquisite dessert for people with a sweet appetite.

Zalabia

Zalabia

10. Khameer

Khameer is a traditional Kuwaiti bread that can be consumed as a meal or a snack. This traditional bread is carefully prepared from a basic combination of wheat, yeast, sugar, and water, with delicate overtones of cardamom and saffron added. If cooked to perfection, Khameer has a soft interior and a delicately crispy outside, making it an ideal addition to various cuisines or a nice independent snack. Khameer is often cooked till golden brown, with a soft, pillowy texture ideal for dipping into soups.

Khameer

Khameer

Conclusion

Kuwaiti cuisine is an interesting mix of appearances and dishes representing the country's multiple cultural influences and culinary traditions. Kuwait's culinary choices, which range from fragrant rice dishes to exquisite meats and delicious sweets, will please food lovers worldwide. Whether you're exploring the busy streets of Kuwait City or dining with locals in a traditional majlis, be sure to try these top ten most popular specialties for an amazing culinary experience.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.