Whether you’re born and raised here, just arrived in K-town and already noticed few of its rich traditions, its dialect, the food, and the unique spots, or generally, the way of life, some things are bound to pop up! For this month’s hit list, we shared what we believe is quintessentially Kuwaiti. Tell us yours!
Name: Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Content)
Quintessentially Kuwaiti: The phrase الله يرحم والديك which is a prayer for your parents. I heard this most often from older Kuwaitis when I held the door for someone or gave them space to pass and I had originally thought it was a strange way to say thank you, but then realized that they come from a time when family was everything and the generational bonds meant something more. I love how simple it is and that it is a constant reminder that you are only part of a much older story.
Name: Yasmine El Charif (Content Manager)
Quintessentially Kuwaiti: Souq Al Mubarakiya! There’s something so uniquely Kuwaiti about strolling down the food markets, listening to the fishmongers announce their catch of the day, the date sellers, and inhaling the aromas wafting out of the different restaurants. I have so many fond memories of bargaining with the salesmen when it’s fag3 (Truffle) season, and having long conversations with the Iranian carpet sellers about their incredible pieces. While I’ve visited other old markets in the region, I’ll always have a soft spot for Souq Al-Mubarakiya.
Name: Hallah Danbouh (Mixed Media Content)
Quintessentially Kuwaiti: Block 13 (قطعة ١٣). The Kuwaiti animated series which aired 20 years ago, all the way back in 2000 was one of many that I couldn’t stop watching or referencing during my childhood days. Even though it was a rip off of South Park, Block 13 was more relatable in terms of the jokes, and the general local similarities we all drew from back then. The intro song remains to be an oldie bop!
Name: Farah Barakat (Mixed Media Content)
Quintessentially Kuwaiti: PUFAAAAK, NOM NOM. Every time I see Pufak, I think of Kuwait. Not only do I love to indulge in Pufak every now and then, I also learned the best and only correct way to eat it. The only way to eat it is to douse it with hot sauce (daqoos). Bil3afya!
Name: Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer)
Quintessentially Kuwaiti: As a relative newcomer to Kuwait (been here almost three years!), I think what’s uniquely Kuwaiti to me is the architecture! Whether it is older structures like the now-demolished Sawaber, the Water Towers, the Kuwaiti National Assembly Building, or newer constructions like Al Shaheed Park or the Central Bank of Kuwait, there is something quite different about the buildings here! The older buildings, honestly, stand out to me more and have the best of local heritage and international designs. We can only hope these structures, monuments, museums and historic sites that define Kuwait, literally and figuratively, continue to be preserved!
Follow @bazaargram on Instagram for our monthly hitlist questions. Image taken by bazaar Studios.
