Dining Etiquette
When eating in Kuwait there are a couple etiquette rules you must know and follow since Kuwait is a Muslim country. First, dress on the conservatively side (see our Kuwait Culture Page for more details). Second, in conservative homes and even some restaurants, it is not acceptable to eat with a person of the opposite sex unless it is your child, sibling, or spouse. While this is uncommon in Kuwait today, to some conservative Muslims, and in some restaurants, this is important so observe the local restaurant's situation and follow a local's lead. Since sometimes men dine only with men and women only with women, don't bring a guest of the opposite sex to any meal unless you are specifically invited to do so.
Try to arrive on time for a meal and if eating in a local's home remove your shoes at the door if others have done so. Greet the elders first then everyone else by shaking each person's hand individually. Prior to sitting down you may be asked to wash your hands or if others wash their hands, follow their lead. Let your host seat you and when sitting be sure to keep your feet flat on the floor or pointed behind you as pointing the soles of your feet at another can be offensive.
Once the food is served, again follow your host's lead, but likely you, as the guest will be served first, followed by the elders. Try a bit of everything offered as turning down food or drinks can be offensive. Eat as the locals eat: in many houses this means eating with your right hand (don't touch any food with your left hand), while in most restaurants this means eating in the continental style (knife in the right hand, fork in the left). As you finish your food, leave a bit on your plate to show there was more than enough and place your fork and knife together in the 5:00 position. However, the meal isn't truly over until the host indicates it is by standing up.
If dining in a high end restaurant or a hotel restaurant be sure to check the bill for a service charge. Many restaurants include a service charge that will replace the tip, but if no service charge is included, leave a tip of 10-15%.
Celebrations & Events
Although numerous small celebrations are cause for traditional foods in Kuwait, the country has two major religious holidays that are cause for celebration among all others. Eid al Fitr is an event filled with numerous foods, which differ from family to family, but generally consist of various meats and fish as a base with other grains and vegetables on the side. This celebration occurs immediately after Ramadan, a religious holiday that requires fasting for 30 days.
The second major Muslim celebration in Kuwait is Eid al Adha, which is only celebrated after a pilgrim returns from haj, the mandatory journey for every able Muslim to go to Mecca. Again, this festival contains a large number of rice and meat dishes, including many of those served during Eid al Fitr.
Drinks
Kuwait offers all the international favorites, including coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and juices. Coffee, tea, and juices are the local favorites depending on the occasion and the season, but nearly any non-alcoholic drink is readily available in Kuwait.
As a primarily Muslim country, Kuwait has no alcohol available as it is illegal.
The tap water is generally safe to drink in Kuwait, however confirm this with your hotel or guesthouse outside of Kuwait City. If you do drink the water, many people may have trouble adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to if you are not from the region.