What do people eat in Kuwait?

Diet

In Kuwaiti homes, foods from other Arab countries are commonly prepared. Favorites are "dolma", rolled vine leaves stuffed with flavored rice and meat, hummus, a ground chickpea mix, and tabbouleh, chopped parsley, tomato, onion and bulgur wheat. In addition, western style fast food is now easily available. It is especially popular among young Kuwaitis.

Kuwaitis usually eat a light breakfast. Their main meal of the day, lunch, consists of many different dishes presented at once to allow individual choice. Dessert is usually a variety of fruits or prepared sweets. Common drinks consumed with the meal are water, soft drinks and leban or diluted yogurt. Tea or coffee are served in a sitting room after the meal. Dinner is a small meal.

Kuwaitis abstain from pork or alcohol as Muslims are forbidden to consume such foods. Religious Kuwaitis are particularly attentive to these prohibitions and will not consume any prepared foods that contain pork by-products such as lard or pepsin. In addition, some of the more religious Kuwaitis will only eat meat and chicken that is slaughtered according to Islamic ritual practices. Meat of this type is called Halal.

Mealtime

Kuwaitis eat with the right hand. One should leave some food on the plate when finished eating otherwise it may get filled with more food. When the host stands, the meal is over.

Traditionally, Bedouin Arabs sit on the floor, eating from a communal platter using the fingers of the right hand. Most Kuwaiti homes have both western-style dining tables as well as traditional dining facilities. Many Kuwaitis still prefer to eat sitting at a low table, but are more likely to use individual plates, cutlery and napkins.

Popular Kuwait Recipes

Black-Eyed Peas in Tomato Broth - Side Dish
Coffee the Kuwaiti Way - Main Dish
Dolma - Main Dish
Mechbous (Chicken on Rice) - Main Dish

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