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Traditional Kuwaiti meals such as khouzi, baked lamb stuffed with rice,
are still eaten, but many foods from around the world are also part of the diet. In Kuwaiti homes,
foods from other Arab countries are commonly prepared. Favourites are dolma, rolled vine leaves
stuffed with flavoured rice and meat, hummous, 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. |
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Traditionally, Bedouin Arabs sat 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. Kuwaitis use food to convey the spirit of hospitality and generosity. Food is presented in abundance and variety. No single food expresses this spirit more than Arabic coffee. The ornate coffeepot is ever present. Coffee is offered in the Diwaniya, served in small, delicate cups. 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. |
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