Kuwait’s culinary landscape is rich and diverse especially when you compare it to the country’s size and population. Food is definitely our collective love language and we’re spoilt for choice. There is always a new concept opening up that gets all the hype. And even though we’re always first in line, we all know of a hole in the wall shawarma place, a burger place that makes the most underrated dessert, or an oft-forgotten bakery that we love. This month bazaar staff are sharing some of our local faces.
Name: Farah Barakat (Mixed Media Content)
Underappreciated restaurant: Shawarma Shuwaikh
Why: I discovered it when a few friends of mine ordered their shawarmas (which are bomb btw) however, true to my nature I was craving something sweet so I ordered the Mary Cake off the menu. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I think that’s all I order from there anymore. It reminds me of lazy cake, but creamier.
Name: Jennifer Cádiz (Mixed Media Content)
Underappreciated restaurant: Kalha
Why: This has got to be one of the most affordable concepts. There have been times when I’ve been living on one delicious and filling superfalafel sandwich a day; bread, falafel, tahini, tomatoes, chips, aubergine, mint. It has everything. It was a shock when it went up from 250 fils to 300fils, but in the scheme of things that’s pretty good and when finances are tight at the end of the month you can still get a box of falafel for 100fils! Stuffed falafel is the treat for when you’re feeling flush with cash at 2 for 200fils. Packed with flavor covered in sesame seeds, sumac and stuffed with sauteed red onions. Nom nom nom.
Name: Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer)
Underappreciated restaurant: Vasantha Bhavan in Mahboula
Why: There are many Indian restaurants in Kuwait, but if you are looking to go beyond the naans and paneer and try authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, then Vasantha Bhavan is a good place to start! This tiny restaurant houses no more than six tables but is quite clean. A group of us decided to visit one rainy Saturday morning after numerous recommendations and we immediately devoured the crispy vadas, fluffy steamed idlis and piping hot filter coffee! I love the Ghee Roast dosa and their flavorful lunch thalis are perfect for those looking to have a big meal. Vasantha Bhavan is much smaller than established places like Saravana Bhavan and Sangeetha in Salmiya, but is definitely worth a visit!
Name: Yasmine El Charif (Content Manager)
Underappreciated restaurant: Pattaya Beach Restaurant
Why: While Kuwait has lots of delicious Thai cuisine offerings, Pattaya Beach is by far the most authentic and in my humble opinion, the most delicious. I’ve been going to the original location in Kuwait City ever since I was a kid! My mom’s office is located in the same complex, so I vividly remember the tourism posters of Thailand decorating the space, the very simplistic seating, the family operated dynamic that’s always fun to observe to this day, and by far the tastiest green or red curry you could ask for. While so many places can compete on the curry offering, their Pad Thai wins on flavor every single time. I also love their signature clams in spicy chilli sauce. They’ve got a cozy, but much more upscale location in Salmiya right next to Al Fanar mall, but I still love visiting the older location in Kuwait city.
Name: Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Content)
Underappreciated restaurant: I have no idea what this place is called, but it is the only kiosk in Souq Salmiya that makes Egyptian Zalabya.
Why: Call them zalabya, donut holes or loukoumades, these little fried dough ball babies are the perfect dessert. They’re warm, carby, sweet, crispy golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can enjoy them by the sea in the summer and they will warm you up in the winter. Toppings can vary from powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and even nutella, but I am a purist and I like mine with syrup. And this little booth will serve them fresh, hot and oh-so delicious.
Photo by Levi Elizaga on Unsplash.
