Kuwait is not just known for its oil wealth and modern skyline but also for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Popular Kuwaiti food dishes you need to try in 2025 reflect a perfect blend of traditional Arab ingredients, Persian influences, and Indian spices. These dishes offer a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting, with unique flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist planning your trip to the Gulf region, these ten traditional dishes are a must-try. From hearty meat platters to sweet delights, here’s your complete guide to the popular Kuwaiti food dishes you shouldn’t miss in 2025.
1. Machboos – Kuwait’s National Dish
Machboos is the most popular Kuwaiti food dish, and a proud symbol of the country’s culinary identity. This fragrant rice dish is typically made with basmati rice, slow-cooked meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish), and a rich blend of spices including saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and black lime.
The slow-cooked meat is tender and juicy, served over seasoned rice with raisins and nuts. It’s commonly enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions and should be your first stop on a Kuwaiti food tour.
2. Harees – A Ramadan Favorite
Harees is a soft wheat porridge cooked with minced meat and lightly seasoned. It’s one of the most popular Kuwaiti food dishes served during the holy month of Ramadan due to its light yet fulfilling nature.
The texture is smooth, similar to oatmeal, but the taste is rich thanks to the long hours of slow cooking. It’s often served with ghee (clarified butter) and is both nourishing and satisfying.
3. Jireesh – Wheat and Chicken Comfort Food
Jireesh is another wheat-based dish, prepared using crushed wheat, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It resembles a thick porridge and is often served warm with a dollop of yogurt.
This dish is especially popular during winter months in Kuwait and is a perfect example of how traditional ingredients are transformed into wholesome meals.
4. Murabyan – Shrimp Rice Delight
If you’re a seafood lover, Murabyan is one of the best popular Kuwaiti food dishes to try in 2025. This dish is made with basmati rice, shrimp, and caramelized onions, seasoned with turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves.
Murabyan showcases Kuwait’s coastal heritage and love for seafood. The shrimp is juicy, and the rice is packed with flavor—a great balance of spice and seafood sweetness.
5. Maglooba – The Upside-Down Rice Dish
Maglooba means “upside-down” in Arabic, and that’s exactly how this dish is served. A pot layered with meat, rice, and fried vegetables is flipped upside down during serving, creating a layered tower of flavor.
Although more common in Palestinian cuisine, it’s widely enjoyed in Kuwait and has become one of the popular Kuwaiti food dishes you can’t ignore.
6. Quozi – Whole Stuffed Lamb for Big Celebrations
Quozi (or Ghozi) is a festive dish prepared with a whole lamb stuffed with rice, nuts, spices, and sometimes eggs. The stuffed lamb is slow-roasted until the meat falls off the bone.
This dish is a grand centerpiece at weddings and feasts. Its preparation might be labor-intensive, but the final product is a rich and unforgettable meal. If you’re in Kuwait during Eid or a big celebration, you’re likely to witness this dish on the table.
7. Lentil Soup – A Simple Yet Loved Starter
Lentil soup is a staple starter in Kuwaiti households and restaurants. Made with red lentils, onions, garlic, cumin, and lemon, it’s light, flavorful, and very healthy.
Though simple, it’s one of the popular Kuwaiti food dishes for breaking the fast during Ramadan or as a light meal before heavier servings. Don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s delicious.
8. Samak Meshwi – Grilled Local Fish
Samak Meshwi refers to grilled fish, often made using Zubaidi, the national fish of Kuwait. The fish is marinated with garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled to perfection.
It’s usually served with rice, salad, and bread. The smoky flavor and crispy skin make it a local favorite, especially in coastal restaurants and homes.
9. Gers Ogaily – The Perfumed Kuwaiti Cake
Desserts in Kuwait are just as important as the main course. Gers Ogaily is a traditional sponge cake made with saffron, cardamom, rose water, and sesame seeds.
It’s served during family gatherings and special occasions, offering a fragrant and sweet end to any meal. In 2025, you’ll find modern versions of this cake appearing in local cafes, adding a twist to tradition.
10. Khabeesa – A Sweet Breakfast Treat
Khabeesa is a sweet dish made from semolina, sugar, rose water, cardamom, and ghee. It’s a popular breakfast or snack dish in Kuwaiti homes and often served to guests with tea or coffee.
Soft and aromatic, Khabeesa is both comforting and indulgent—perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Why You Must Explore Popular Kuwaiti Food Dishes in 2025
The popular Kuwaiti food dishes listed above are more than just meals; they’re a window into Kuwait’s culture, history, and hospitality. In 2025, food tourism in Kuwait is expected to rise, and these dishes are at the center of it.
Each dish tells a story—from coastal seafood recipes passed down through generations to hearty wheat-based dishes made for endurance in the desert climate. Visiting Kuwait without tasting its traditional food is like reading only half of a book.
Final Thoughts
Kuwait’s culinary traditions are rich and inviting. As you plan your food adventures in 2025, make sure to include these popular Kuwaiti food dishes in your list. You’ll not only enjoy unique flavors but also gain a deeper appreciation of Kuwaiti culture.
Whether you’re trying Machboos at a traditional restaurant or enjoying Khabeesa in a local home, every bite brings you closer to understanding Kuwait through its most loved ingredient—food.
Also Read – Omani Food: 7 Irresistible Reasons It’s Gaining Global Popularity
