What Food To Try in Kuwait City and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kuwait City for 2024.
National currency: Kuwaiti Dinar, symbol — (international currency code KWD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kuwait City cafes and restaurants
$6.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.08
$58.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $32.65
$6.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.53
What to Try in Kuwait City
Must-try Dishes
Foul Medames - Foul (breakfast staple) - A hearty dish made of slow-cooked fava beans, garlic, and spices, usually topped with olive oil and lemon. It's a popular breakfast option enjoyed with flatbread, often shared among family or friends, making for a cozy start to the day.Shawarma - شاورما (savory street food) - Juicy, marinated chicken or lamb is roasted on a vertical spit, then sliced thin and wrapped in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. Locals grab this quick meal from street vendors during lunch breaks, where the aroma alone is enough to draw you in.
Mujadara - مجدرة (main course) - A comforting mix of lentils and rice, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Often served with yogurt or a side salad, this dish is a favorite for dinner gatherings, especially during the cooler months, when warming comfort food hits the spot.
Machboos - مجبن (local specialty) - A spiced rice dish with saffron, cooked with tender pieces of chicken, lamb, or seafood, all served on a large platter. Traditionally enjoyed during family celebrations, it's a must-have for any festive occasion, bringing everyone together over a communal feast.
Jajeek - جاجيك (surprising combination) - A cool, refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip seasoned with mint and garlic, often served as a side to spicy foods. This unexpected pairing brings balance to heavier dishes, and I’ve found it’s a delightful addition to any meal, despite its simplicity.
Garbeh - القروية (seasonal vegetable dish) - Made with fresh, seasonal greens, this dish is usually cooked with rice and flavored with spices like cumin. Often enjoyed in the spring when local vegetables are at their freshest, it’s a lighter option perfect for lunch, allowing you to savor the taste of the season.
By the way, be cautious with how you order shawarma; locals usually add pickles and hot sauce, but many tourists forget those customization options!
Desserts & Drinks
Karak - كرك (spiced tea with milk) - A flavorful tea brewed with strong black tea, milk, sugar, and cardamom, creating a rich and aromatic drink. Locals often sip Karak at coffee stalls while catching up with friends in the evenings, especially during the cooler months.Limonana - ليمونادة (mint lemonade) - A refreshing blend of fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, and sugar, served over crushed ice. This thirst-quencher is popular during the scorching summer heat, enjoyed at picnics or outdoor gatherings. (Trust me, it’s extra soothing after a hot day!)
Arak - عرق (anise-flavored spirit) - This potent drink is made from fermented dates and flavored with anise, typically mixed with water which turns it a milky white. Arak is often shared among friends during social gatherings and special occasions, so don't be surprised if it’s served alongside delicious mezze.
Knafeh - كنافة (cheesy dessert) - A warm pastry made with fine semolina dough, layered with gooey cheese and soaked in syrup. Served hot, it’s a favorite during family celebrations, especially during Ramadan for its sweet indulgence. (Be warned: it’s quite easy to overindulge!)
Gelato - جيلاتو (Italian-style ice cream) - Locally adapted, this luxurious treat comes in various flavors, often featuring dates or pistachios. Served chilled, it’s a popular option during the sweltering summer, especially at dessert shops around the city. By the way, don’t miss out on the saffron flavor—it's a local twist that’s simply divine!
Food and Groceries in Kuwait City
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.84 |
| Bananas | $1.85 |
| Oranges | $1.8 |
| Potatoes | $1.06 |
| Apples | $2.27 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.52 |
| Imported Beer | $1.14 |
| Milk 1L | $1.45 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $10.6 |
| Chicken | $5.38 |
| Cigarettes | $2.94 |
| Rice | $2.06 |
| Local Cheese | $4.47 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The food scene in Kuwait City unfolds at a rhythmic pace, particularly evident during lunch hours. From around 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, local offices and businesses come alive with the scent of shawarma and biryani wafting through the air. Many people flock to the bustling markets in areas like Sharq and Salmiya, where food stalls and small eateries serve up an array of affordable meals. A typical plate of kebab or a generous shawarma wrap can cost anywhere from 1-2 KD, making these spots popular among locals craving a quick bite.
Dinner hours shift the focus to family dining, usually between 7 PM and 9 PM. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, dining a bit earlier or later can make a significant difference—especially on weekends when families tend to gather. In the heart of the city, expect to find restaurants brimming with families after the evening prayer, creating a lively scene filled with chatter and laughter.
When it comes to payment customs, cash is still king for many local eateries, although credit cards are gradually becoming more accepted. Just a heads up: if you’re planning to visit some markets, the vendors might prefer cash to keep things simple. Tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated; rounding up your bill or leaving a small extra (around 1 KD) goes a long way and often earns you a friendly smile.
One authentic local custom worth mentioning is the communal sharing of dishes, particularly during iftar in Ramadan. Friends and families gather around large platters, passing food around; it’s a warm, communal experience that reveals both the generosity and hospitality of Kuwaiti culture. However, a common mistake among visitors is assuming that all meals come on individual plates, which just isn’t the case in many local places.
In terms of specific neighborhoods, the area around the Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a vibrant foodie hub, especially known for its traditional dishes, while the trendy cafes in Kuwait City offer a modern twist with some meals hovering around 4-6 KD, depending on the ambiance and ingredients.
As the weather gets hotter, dining shifts indoors, and outdoor enjoying at night becomes prevalent. Expect an adjustment in meal offerings too, as many restaurants start to focus on lighter fare during the summer.
Overall, understanding these local dining patterns not only enhances the experience but also allows you to appreciate the evolution of Kuwait City’s food scene as it continues to grow and adapt.
Dinner hours shift the focus to family dining, usually between 7 PM and 9 PM. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, dining a bit earlier or later can make a significant difference—especially on weekends when families tend to gather. In the heart of the city, expect to find restaurants brimming with families after the evening prayer, creating a lively scene filled with chatter and laughter.
When it comes to payment customs, cash is still king for many local eateries, although credit cards are gradually becoming more accepted. Just a heads up: if you’re planning to visit some markets, the vendors might prefer cash to keep things simple. Tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated; rounding up your bill or leaving a small extra (around 1 KD) goes a long way and often earns you a friendly smile.
One authentic local custom worth mentioning is the communal sharing of dishes, particularly during iftar in Ramadan. Friends and families gather around large platters, passing food around; it’s a warm, communal experience that reveals both the generosity and hospitality of Kuwaiti culture. However, a common mistake among visitors is assuming that all meals come on individual plates, which just isn’t the case in many local places.
In terms of specific neighborhoods, the area around the Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a vibrant foodie hub, especially known for its traditional dishes, while the trendy cafes in Kuwait City offer a modern twist with some meals hovering around 4-6 KD, depending on the ambiance and ingredients.
As the weather gets hotter, dining shifts indoors, and outdoor enjoying at night becomes prevalent. Expect an adjustment in meal offerings too, as many restaurants start to focus on lighter fare during the summer.
Overall, understanding these local dining patterns not only enhances the experience but also allows you to appreciate the evolution of Kuwait City’s food scene as it continues to grow and adapt.