Kuwait City is the capital of Kuwait: the Gulf Road with Kuwait Towers, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, the Grand Mosque, Sadu House, the National Museum and Al Shaheed Park all sit within a short ride of each other.
Kuwaiti food blends Gulf Arab, Persian and Indian influences, with rice, fish and spiced stews central. Kuwait City offers all of it: souq restaurants in Qibla, seafood in Sharq, Lebanese and Persian grills, Indian curries and hotel fine dining. Alcohol is banned in Kuwait.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Kuwait City.
Machboos
Spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish and dried lime.
Fried or grilled fish with rice
Local hamour or zubaidi with rice and salad.
Jireesh
Slow-cooked crushed wheat with meat.
Mixed mezze and grill
Hummus, tabbouleh and fattoush with grilled meats.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
International
International Cafe
Kuwaiti
Lebanese
Mexican
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Karak tea
Spiced milk tea from courtyard cafes in Souq Al-Mubarakiya.
Price: KWD 0.3-0.5 (~$0.98-1.63)
Falafel and shawarma
Wraps from counters around the souq.
Price: KWD 0.5-1.5 (~$1.63-4.88)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
Old market lanes with dates, spices, sweets and food stalls.
Hours: About 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (reported)
Kuwait Fish Market
Large Sharq waterfront fish hall selling hamour, zubaidi, shrimp and crab.
Hours: Busiest 06:00-11:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch runs about 12:30-15:00 and dinner from 20:00; many souq restaurants stay open to midnight.
Tip about 10 percent where no service charge is added.
During Ramadan, restaurants open after sunset for iftar; daytime eating in public is not permitted.
Ride-hail apps (Careem, Uber) reach any address; there is no metro.
- Halal
- All meat is halal; alcohol is banned.
- Vegetarian
- Mezze, falafel, dal and vegetable curries are widely available.
- Allergies
- Nuts and sesame are common; state allergies clearly in writing or on a phone.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | KWD 3-6 (~$9.75-19.50) per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |