Kuwaiti cuisine is a hidden gem in the Middle Eastern culinary world.
It’s a beautiful blend of traditional Bedouin flavors, Persian influences, and Indian spices, all coming together to create dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and downright unforgettable.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate, Kuwaiti food is where it’s at. Trust me, once you try these dishes, you’ll be hooked.
From savory stews to sweet treats, Kuwaiti recipes are all about bold flavors and rich textures.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a trip to Kuwait.
Let’s dive into the 10+ best Kuwaiti recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life.
1. Machboos (Kuwaiti Spiced Rice with Chicken)
Machboos is the ultimate comfort food in Kuwait. Think of it as the Middle Eastern answer to biryani or paella.
It’s a fragrant, spiced rice dish usually made with chicken, though lamb or fish can also be used.
The secret? A killer blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric, plus a hint of dried lime for that tangy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups water
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried limes (loomi)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the chicken pieces and brown them slightly.
Toss in the spices, dried limes, and tomatoes, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add water and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken, add the rice, and cook until the rice is fluffy. Serve the chicken on top of the rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s pure magic.
Why we chose it: Machboos is the heart and soul of Kuwaiti cuisine. It’s flavorful, aromatic, and brings people together.
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
2. Margoog (Vegetable and Meat Stew)
Margoog is a hearty stew that’s packed with veggies, meat, and thin dough strips.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly nights when you need something comforting.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or chicken, cubed
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil, then add the meat and brown it.
Stir in the spices and tomato puree, then add the veggies and enough water to cover everything.
Let it simmer until the meat is tender. For the dough, mix flour and water to form a soft dough, then roll it out thinly and cut into strips.
Add the strips to the stew and cook until the dough is tender.
Why we selected it: Margoog is a wholesome, nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor.
It’s a great way to sneak in those veggies while enjoying a satisfying meal.
3. Gers Ogaily (Kuwaiti Sponge Cake)
This traditional Kuwaiti cake is light, fluffy, and subtly sweet. It’s often served with tea or coffee and is a staple at celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup rose water
- 1/4 cup orange blossom water
How to Make It:
Beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, cardamom, and baking powder.
Mix in the rose water and orange blossom water. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool before serving.
Why this made it to our list: Gers Ogaily is a unique dessert that’s light yet flavorful. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
4. Harees (Wheat and Meat Porridge)
Harees is a traditional Kuwaiti dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Made with just a handful of ingredients, this porridge-like dish is a staple during special occasions and family gatherings.
t’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat grains, soaked overnight
- 500g chicken or lamb, cubed
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
How to Make It:
Drain the soaked wheat and boil it in water until soft. In a separate pot, cook the meat until tender.
Combine the cooked wheat and meat in a large pot, adding salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Finish by stirring in ghee or butter for richness.
Why we chose it: Harees is a dish that’s deeply rooted in Kuwaiti culture. It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for anyone who loves comfort food.
5. Balaleet (Sweet Vermicelli with Eggs)
Balaleet is a unique dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way.
It’s often served for breakfast or as a dessert, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves experimenting with flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vermicelli noodles
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp saffron (optional)
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1/4 cup rose water
How to Make It:
Cook the vermicelli according to package instructions. In a pan, melt ghee and add the cooked vermicelli, sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
Stir until well combined. In a separate pan, scramble the eggs. Serve the sweet vermicelli topped with the scrambled eggs.
Why we selected it: Balaleet is a dish that surprises and delights. The combination of sweet and savory is a game-changer.
6. Mutabbaq Samak (Spiced Fish with Rice)
Mutabbaq Samak is a flavorful fish and rice dish that’s popular in Kuwaiti coastal regions.
It’s packed with spices and herbs, making it a standout dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500g white fish fillets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the fish fillets and cook until lightly browned.
Stir in the spices and tomatoes, then add the rice and enough water to cook it. Cover and simmer until the rice is fluffy and the fish is tender.
Why this made it to our list: Mutabbaq Samak is a coastal classic that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves seafood.
7. Jireesh (Cracked Wheat with Meat)
Jireesh is a rustic dish made with cracked wheat and meat. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cracked wheat
- 500g lamb or chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the meat and brown it slightly.
Stir in the spices and cracked wheat, then add enough water to cover everything. Simmer until the wheat is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Why we chose it: Jireesh is a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Kuwaiti cuisine.
8. Luqaimat (Sweet Dumplings)
Luqaimat are small, deep-fried dumplings that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re drizzled with date syrup or honey, making them the perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup semolina
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Oil for frying
- Date syrup or honey for drizzling
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, semolina, yeast, sugar, and cardamom in a bowl. Gradually add warm water to form a thick batter.
Let it rest for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown. Drizzle with date syrup or honey before serving.
Why we selected it: Luqaimat are a beloved dessert in Kuwait. They’re sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive.
9. Thareed (Bread and Meat Stew)
Thareed is a traditional Kuwaiti stew that’s made with layers of bread and a rich meat and vegetable broth. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or chicken, cubed
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
- 4 pieces of flatbread
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until golden. Add the meat and brown it slightly.
Stir in the spices, tomatoes, and veggies, then add water and simmer until the meat is tender.
Tear the flatbread into pieces and layer it in a serving dish. Pour the stew over the bread and let it soak for a few minutes before serving.
Why this made it to our list: Thareed is a dish that’s rich in flavor and history. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves hearty stews.
10. Qouzi (Stuffed Lamb with Rice)
Qouzi is a show-stopping dish that’s often served at celebrations. It’s made with a whole lamb stuffed with spiced rice, nuts, and dried fruits.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole lamb (or lamb shoulder)
- 4 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, pine nuts)
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Season the lamb with salt and pepper, then roast it until tender. Cook the rice with spices, nuts, and dried fruits. Stuff the lamb with the rice mixture and serve.
Why we chose it: Qouzi is a dish that’s fit for a feast. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.
11. Zalabia (Fried Dough with Syrup)
Zalabia is a sweet, crispy dessert that’s similar to funnel cake. It’s drizzled with syrup and often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Oil for frying
- Syrup (sugar, water, and lemon juice)
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, cornstarch, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Add warm water to form a thick batter.
Let it rest for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a spiral pattern. Fry until golden brown. Drizzle with syrup before serving.
Why we selected it: Zalabia is a sweet treat that’s crispy, syrupy, and utterly delicious.
Conclusion
Kuwaiti cuisine is a celebration of flavors, traditions, and hospitality.
These 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore this rich culinary heritage.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to try something new, these dishes are sure to impress.