Category: Food & Drinks

OffTheCoal is a restaurant that’s been over a decade in the making. Its owner, Bader AlMutairi, has always had a passion for food and design, and OTC is a combination of all his interests and obsessions rolled into one.

Before my first visit, I had seen photos of the space, but once you’re actually there, it’s a completely different experience. The owner, a fan of the lifestyle and design of the 1920s to 1950s, as well as both Steampunk and Art Deco, worked with @manmade.studio to bring his vision to life. Every corner is filled with quirky details, from vintage gears to bold geometric patterns to a retro-style flap display that shows custom messages. There’s even a miniature train-like mechanism that transports food between the back kitchen and the front bar. The space feels more like a themed movie set than a typical restaurant, and that’s exactly how the owner wanted it.

The restaurant itself is meat-centric. They have a highly specialized smoker that runs 24 hours a day, constantly churning out pastrami and ribs for guests. The pastrami, by the way, is one of the best I’ve had and completely caught me by surprise. The menu is full of fresh, creative, and slightly upscale small dishes, most of which feature smoked or roasted elements.

Going back to the retro-style flap display I mentioned earlier, guests can even request to show their own custom messages on it. That’s just one of the ways they can interact with the space. OTC also has carnival-style coupons and golden tickets that can be used to redeem fun prizes. These touches were inspired by the owner’s love for the 1920s and the nostalgic spirit of mid-century American boardwalk carnivals. It’s a playful reference to that era and a way to make the dining experience feel more personal and engaging. As for the name OffTheCoal? It was inspired by Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall album. That’s another one of Bader’s interests.

OffTheCoal is clearly a passion project, so whether you’re into design, food, or just curious to try some of the best pastrami in town, it’s worth experiencing at least once. Here is their location on Google Maps and they’re on Instagram @offthecoal

Condé Nast Traveler just published their list of “The 11 Best Restaurants in Kuwait” on their website. Here’s what they picked, in no particular order:

• B+F
• Dandoosh Restaurant
• Better Diner
• Milk Bun
• Freej Swaileh
• Lï Beirut
• Selera Kita Restaurant
• Midar
• Cocoa Room
• Amiti Noura
• Shawarma Mishref

Seems like an odd list. I definitely would’ve included Phet Phet, Matbakhi, and Oak & Smoke. Having two burger spots and two shawarma places also feels repetitive for such a short list.

Pictured up top is Li Beirut.

Keeta, the giant Chinese food delivery service, is coming to Kuwait to compete with the likes of Talabat, Deliveroo, Jahez, and Cari. I hadn’t heard of Keeta until recently, but they’re the world’s largest food delivery platform, with over 770 million users, 98 million daily orders, and more than 7 million drivers.

I don’t think there is room for another delivery service in Kuwait, but they were able to do really well in Saudi, and quickly. It took them just four months after launching to become the third-largest food delivery platform there. So they might do the same here and push someone else out of the top three.

To capture such a large chunk of the Saudi market so quickly, Keeta replicated the strategy they used in China: ultra-low prices and no delivery fees. From what I’ve been told, they’ll be waiving delivery fees in Kuwait as well, at least for the first 12 months.

Their delivery speed roadmap for Kuwait is also ambitious. The initial plan is a consistent 25–30 minute delivery time across Kuwait, with phase two targeting under 20 minutes in dense areas. The long-term goal is a 15-minute “hyper-local” service.

Another cool feature they’ll have is Keeta points which you earn with every order. You’ll be able to convert those points into airline miles, hotel loyalty programs, or lifestyle memberships.

Being a Chinese company, they’re obviously very tech-focused. This past December, they launched a small-scale drone delivery service in Dubai, using drones to deliver food and medical supplies to Keeta delivery stations around the city. In China they’ve also been experimenting with autonomous vehicles and delivery robots. Not sure if we’ll ever get any of these here, but even if we don’t, their app and restaurant software system is supposedly one of the best.

They’re planning to officially launch in Kuwait this coming September, with a soft launch before with select restaurants.

Aseer Time, the largest juice shop franchise in Kuwait, just opened in China – yes, China. The new branch in the city of Quanzhou marks their 501st branch overall. Aseer Time now operates over 500 branches across 23 countries, with more locations launching soon in Australia, the Netherlands, and a 14th U.S. branch in Los Angeles.

Aseer Time opening in China was definitely not on my 2025 bingo card.

If you’re interested in owning a Aseer Time franchise, you can contact them by WhatsApp on +965 6709 0966

@39ertime

Just over 15 years ago, I posted a review of a then-newly opened restaurant in the city called Little Ruby’s. The place had a very cozy interior, and I loved the food as well as the atmosphere. But Little Ruby’s has grown up, which is why they decided it was time to drop the “Little” from the name and refresh the menu. Little Ruby’s is now just Ruby’s.

The two things I always loved most at Ruby’s were their salads and sandwiches. Thankfully, my favorites are still on the menu, including the Bronte Burger, which now has a new name. Their Mango Chicken Salad and one of the best Philly Cheesesteaks in Kuwait are also still available. But the majority of the menu has been updated to fit the new, more mature Ruby’s.

Kuwaiti chef Khaled AlBaker (@chefkb) really elevated the menu, starting with the pastas, which are now all freshly made in house. He also introduced new appetizers like Cacio Pepe Fries, Steak Skewers, and Chimi Arrayes. The biggest changes are in the mains, with new items like the Soho Cut made with sliced tenderloin in porcini mushroom sauce, the Club Sandwich which I need to try, and a Parma Chicken I’m saving for a cheat day.

Even the kids now have their own dedicated menu, with options like Little Tenders and Sliders.

The new branding and menu have only been rolled out at their flagship location in Assima Mall. The remaining five locations will be revamped throughout the year. So if you want to try the new menu, the Assima location is open daily from 12PM to 11PM. @littlerubys

Turns out Pret A Manger also opened in Terminal 4 of Kuwait Airport. They opened two weeks ago and took over the previous seating area for Shake Shack, on the ground floor of the departure area.

Thanks Yousef

Kuwait Flour Mills & Bakeries opened their Kuwait Airport branch in Terminal 4 this morning. I had a friend flying out and managed to take some photos which he shared with me. It’s pretty smart that they’re selling their coffee and baked goods there, but also a bit odd that they’re selling dry pasta and flour?

Anyway, Kuwait Flour Mills ran into a bit of controversy with their affordable 750fils latte and 500fils Americanos and Espressos back in April. I’m pretty sure the coffee shops at T4 aren’t going to be too excited about them opening up next to them. @kfmkuwait

Thanks Zaydoun!

A couple of days ago, Wingstop started delivery in Kuwait through Talabat. They currently have just two locations open, so the delivery coverage is still limited. For now, they deliver to the following areas:

Bayan
Daiya
Dasma
Hawally
Jabriya
Mansouriya
Messila
Mishref
Mubarak Al-Abdullah
Qadsiya
Rumaithiya
Sabah Al Salem
Salmiya
Salwa
Shaab

They’re planning to open four more locations around Kuwait, with the next one expected to launch next month at Assima Mall. As more locations open, the delivery zones will expand. @wingstopkuwait

If you’ve ever grabbed a bite from Trolley, chances are you’ve unknowingly tried something from Goodness (GDNS), their in-house fresh food and bakery brand. It’s a brand focused on fresh, affordable, and high-quality meals made for people on the go.

Their range is surprisingly pretty big since you’ll find everything from ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads to hot, freshly baked pizza and Arabian pies. The pizzas are Italian-style, made by an actual Italian chef, and ready in minutes. There’s even San Sebastian cheesecake if you’re in the mood for dessert.

They also have a popular Acai bowl that comes in a generous portion and is made with high-quality ingredients. I’ve also been told their chicken burger is a must-try since it’s their best seller, and that they recently added two new coffee options to the menu: Spanish Latte and Cold Brew. Both are priced affordably, with the Spanish Latte at KD 1.250 and the Cold Brew at just KD 1.

Goodness is currently available in most Trolley branches, with their bakery section already operating in a number of locations including:

• Abu Halifa
• Mansouriya
• Maseela
• Mina Abdullah
• Omariya
• Qurtuba
• Rahal
• Salmiya

More locations are being added regularly, but starting this week, GDNs Bakery is also available to order online through the Trolley app, Talabat, Jahez, or Deliveroo.

Next time you’re at Trolley, check out the bakery counter or the fresh food shelves, and if you’re curious about new releases, give them a follow. @Try.gdns

HBR, the locally created burger concept, just opened their first international location in London. I think this actually makes a lot of sense since I’ve always thought our burgers here were better than the ones I had in London (and other places). Now that I think about it, more of our burger concepts should be opening abroad.

HBR launched just five years ago with one goal: to serve good food and create a spot where customers can kick back and relax. Since then, they’ve grown to nine locations across Kuwait, with their first international branch now opening in the UK.

Not only that, but HBR is also taking the local dessert brand Bascota with them to London as part of the HBR menu. Bascota is known in Kuwait for their signature cookies topped with ice cream and their popular Lava Cookie Experience.

The grand opening was today, so if you’re in London or heading there this summer, make sure to pass by. @hbr.ldn @hbr.kwt

Jahez is kicking off their new 2 x 2 campaign in Kuwait! When you join Jahez and make your first order, they’ll drop 2KD straight into your wallet and hook you up with free delivery for 2 months. All you need to do is download the app, place your first order, and let Jahez do the rest. @jahezkuwait

A few months ago, I posted about a guy named Abdullah AlJarallah. During the day, he managed investment deals, but at night, he was in the kitchen perfecting his pizza-making skills. He operated out of a small commercial kitchen with no set menu, timings, or delivery. Whenever he planned to make pizza, he’d let his followers know what was on offer and when, and they’d place their orders and pick them up.

A lot has changed since then, and Abdullah just opened his first restaurant called Jars (@atjars).

Jars is a small, cozy pizza spot located in Hawalli. It’s right off the main highway, so you don’t have to deal with the usual Hawalli traffic. The interior has a basic, slightly industrial look because he had to work with a limited budget, but it works well for the concept. Abdullah also keeps things simple with a set menu. It starts with a welcome bite of focaccia and butter, followed by two seasonal starters. The mains include four pizzas: Margherita, mushroom, pepperoni, and a fourth one that changes often. For dessert, there are two choices.

Yesterday the starters were Bresaola and a watermelon feta cheese salad. For the pizzas we were two so we ordered the pepperoni (Pep Talk) and the mushroom (Funghi Bianco). We also ordered a gelato and strawberries with mascarpone for dessert.

The starters were good. The bresaola was great, though the portion was small. You can’t go wrong with a watermelon and feta cheese salad in summer. Between the two pizzas, I liked the pepperoni more and would order it again next time, or maybe try the Margherita or whatever special pizza Abdullah’s cooking that day. His crust is very crispy with little to no flop, so if you’re not into soft floppy pizzas, you’re gonna like this. I also preferred the gelato over the strawberries with mascarpone for dessert.

Jars opened about a week ago, and even though it wasn’t a full house when I visited, the service was good and friendly. The set menu costs KD 8.750 per person (doesn’t include drinks and dessert), and you need to reserve ahead since they don’t accept walk-ins. They’re currently open from 7PM to 11PM, and you can find them on Google Maps by searching for Jars. To reserve, click here.

Looking for refreshing, healthy options this summer? Joe & the Juice has introduced new summer items that are light and satisfying.

Most of their sandwiches are already pretty light, but they’ve now added a creamy Labneh sandwich with mint and cucumber. They’ve also expanded their drinks lineup with the Iced Lavender Matcha Oat Latte and the Iced Blueberry Matcha Oat Latte.

My personal favorite iced drink isn’t new, but it’s one I order all the time, the Pick Me Up. It’s made with strawberries, banana, and apples, and I find it very cooling.

What’s great about Joe & The Juice is that they’re all over Kuwait, so you’re always close to one. And if you’re not, that’s fine since they also offer delivery through Talabat and Deliveroo. Check them out this summer @joeandthejuicekuwait

OLE Coffee, the local independent coffee roasters, just opened their 45th branch at Kuwait Airport’s Terminal 4.

The terminal was long overdue for a specialty coffee spot, so I’m glad that OLE Coffee stepped in. They’re known for using high-grade beans that are freshly roasted in Kuwait and ethically sourced directly from farmers. They’re also committed to sustainability. On top of that, they also serve exceptional ceremonial-grade matcha imported from Japan.

The new OLE Coffee branch is located near the arrivals area at T4, so you can grab a coffee before checking in or while waiting for someone to land. Find out more over at @theolecoffee.

If you’ve been craving something sweet, December Bakery has a deal that makes it even harder to resist. For a limited time, and exclusively on Jahez, when you order their Molten, Vanilla Cake, or 2 Cup Cakes, you’ll get a free coffee with it.

Perfect pairing? Absolutely. Just open the Jahez app, search for December Bakery, and make your pick. @decemberbakery_kw