The start of a new year is usually marked by the lovely weather in Kuwait City, and with all of the new spots to enjoy, we couldn’t help the urge to simply go on a walk in K-town for the sole purpose of exploring every nook and cranny within the city streets. As much as complaining about the traffic, or trying to find a good parking spot in town, is tempting, these rants will quickly pass and fade because at the end, the turnout is actually worth it.
Now, as trendy as the hit spots can be, everyone has a certain preference or curiosity as to what the city has to offer. In terms of location, specifically Ahmad Al-Jaber Street, slowly developed into one of the busiest main roads filled with restaurants and coffee shops that continue to thrive and bring life to this street within town, including its hidden treasures at every turn.
The start of this walk began with an art piece, where a few years back, a team of talented artists began displaying murals in the city. The Jedareyat initiative truly elevated street art with their tagline ‘Let’s color the town’, giving the city walls and buildings a life of their own, plus, the perfect Instagram post.
Source: Bazaar Studios
One of their fantastic murals can be spotted once you’re on the traffic light making your way to Ahmad Al-Jaber street from Dasman, where a hint of the iconic animation Grendizeris seen. Every mural Jedareyat has displayed is a tribute to the city’s cultural heritage, be it displayed as a loved animated character from older times to Arabic calligraphy, you will surely end up with a shot or two for your Instagram profile.
Before the Jedareyat mural, on Jaber Al-Mubarak Street, is a lane dedicated to all-new local concepts. From Peko Peko, where East Asian Japanese flavors are served inventively at this eatery, to Lunch Room that introduces an all-day brunch from chef Ahmed Al-Bader. A lane with just the right hangout spot for both a weekend brunch with your family and friends, or a refreshing dinner experience where you might start obsessing over one or two items from the menu.
Source: Bazaar Studios
For those of you after a hint of nostalgia, just around the corner of the mural where the main road of Ahmad Al-Jaber Street starts, and across from Dasman Complex, lies an extremely popular shop that is filled with vintage vibes. Falafel Sharaf is an establishment that’s been in town for decades, loved by both older and younger generations, they have continued to serve only the best Falafel sandwiches in town. The action of just stopping for a quick bite will take you on a major throwback journey, where pickups were a thing rather than instant deliveries, so having Falafel while being surrounded by the city’s skyline is an extra bonus point. You get the best of the old and the new, in one delicious experience.
After passing the first corner, you might just miss the sight of The Bistro in a second, but the outdoors seating area with an open window might not allow you to miss it either. Literally placed in the middle of Kuwait City’s busiest street, The Bistro is just the spot for a quick lunch break, or a night breather filled with delicious food and a joyful weather.
A few minutes away from The Bistro, however, lies another popular lane with a diverse chain of restaurants that really depends on your mood of the day. From door to door, there is Lavan for a taste of India, Bao where the trendiest East Asian-inspired dishes are served, and finally Haute, the place for a juicy and fulfilling gourmet hot dogs. All you have to do is consider the kind of meal you’d like to have on that day, and you wouldn’t even have to worry about the distance between them.
Source: Bazaar Studios
Our next stop on this exploration walk is what we like to call as the ‘caffeinated road’. Specialty coffee starting with the classical Arabica, Yours, Roasters and Baristas, Bon, and rounding the end of the street at a turn with Mukha, and Toby’s Estate. Each one of them has its own vibe, and of course, your kind and type of coffee. For example, Mukha recently opened a rooftop section, talk about views and levels! Who wouldn’t enjoy their hot coffee on a rooftop in the middle of K-town? Count us in for another visit.
Finally, our day out in the city had to be paused at Moo Milk Bar, for that perfect cone of ice-cream to chill and end this walk with. Choosing and picking our toppings had to be the best part of this tour. But, this is not the end of our city exploration walk. Ahmed Al-Jaber Street is just one of many other streets with treasurable spots in K-town, so sit back and wait for our next issue which will feature a walk entirely focused on Mubarak Al-Kabeer Street and the little alleys of Mubarakiya.
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