Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, and it is observed worldwide by millions of Muslims. Kuwait is a predominantly Muslim country, and Ramadan is an essential part of the country’s culture and tradition. In this article, we will explore Ramadan in Kuwait, including the Iftar and Suhoor culture and the favorite dishes that Kuwaitis enjoy during these meals.
Ramadan in Kuwait
Ramadan is a month-long observance, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, and another meal is eaten before sunrise called Suhoor. In Kuwait, Ramadan is observed in a unique way, and it is a time when families come together to observe the holy month.
During Ramadan, Kuwaitis follow a strict routine, with work and school schedules adjusted to accommodate the fast. The country’s working hours are shortened, and schools start and end earlier. This is to allow Muslims to rest during the day and break their fast in the evening.
Iftar and Suhoor Culture in Kuwait
Iftar and Suhoor are an integral part of Ramadan in Kuwait. Families come together to break their fast, and the meal is often a lavish spread of traditional dishes. Iftar is usually a time for celebration, and it is common for families and friends to gather at each other’s homes to break their fast together.
Suhoor, on the other hand, is a smaller meal that is eaten before dawn. It is usually a lighter meal, with foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. Suhoor is an essential part of the fasting process, as it helps to keep the body hydrated and energized during the long day of fasting.
Favorite Iftar and Suhoor Dishes in Kuwait
Kuwaitis are known for their love of food, and Ramadan is a time when traditional dishes take center stage. Below are some of the most popular Iftar and Suhoor dishes in Kuwait:
Machboos: This is a traditional Kuwaiti dish made with rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a variety of spices.
Gabout: This is a sweet, fried pastry filled with cream and topped with honey.
Harees: This is a traditional Arab dish made with boiled wheat and meat (usually lamb or chicken).
Luqaimat: This is a sweet, deep-fried dough ball, usually served with honey or syrup.
Qatayef: This is a sweet, stuffed pastry that is often filled with cream or cheese.
Laban: This is a yogurt-based drink that is popular in Kuwait during Ramadan. It is often flavored with mint or rosewater.
Samosas: These are fried or baked pastry pockets filled with savory fillings such as spiced meat or vegetables.
Ramadan is an essential part of Kuwait’s culture and tradition, and it is observed with great enthusiasm and dedication. Iftar and Suhoor are important meals that bring families and friends together to celebrate and share traditional dishes. The above-listed dishes are just a few of the many foods that Kuwaitis enjoy during Ramadan, and they represent the rich culinary heritage of the country.
During Ramadan, many restaurants and hotels in Kuwait offer special menus for Iftar and Suhoor, catering to those who are fasting and looking for a meal to break their fast or to prepare for the day ahead. These menus often include a variety of traditional dishes, as well as some international options.
Iftar Offerings:
For Iftar, most restaurants and hotels in Kuwait offer a variety of traditional dishes, including soups, appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Some popular dishes that are commonly found on Iftar menus in Kuwait include:
Dates: Dates are an essential part of breaking the fast during Ramadan, and most Iftar menus include a selection of dates.
Soup: Lentil soup is a common dish on Iftar menus, as it is nutritious and easy to digest after a day of fasting.
Main Courses: Traditional dishes such as Machboos, Harees, and Grilled Meat are often found on Iftar menus. Some restaurants and hotels also offer international options such as sushi, pizza, and pasta.
Desserts: Sweet treats such as Luqaimat, Baklava, and Umm Ali are commonly offered for dessert.
Suhoor Offerings:
For Suhoor, restaurants and hotels often offer a selection of lighter dishes that are easy to digest and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Some popular dishes that are commonly found on Suhoor menus in Kuwait include:
Omelets: Made with a variety of fillings such as cheese, vegetables, and meat, omelets are a popular choice for Suhoor.
Shakshuka: A dish made with eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, Shakshuka is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is commonly offered for Suhoor.
Laban: A yogurt-based drink that is popular in Kuwait during Ramadan, Laban is often served for Suhoor to help keep the body hydrated.
Foul Medames: A dish made with fava beans, onions, and spices, Foul Medames is a popular choice for Suhoor as it is high in protein and fiber.
In conclusion, restaurants and hotels in Kuwait offer a wide variety of traditional and international dishes for Iftar and Suhoor during Ramadan.
These menus cater to those who are fasting and provide nutritious and flavorful options for breaking the fast and preparing for the day ahead.
