2:48AM - Entertaining Kuwait since 2003
Ok this is an update to my 2024 post, “Everything that is closed in Kuwait Airways Terminal 4“. Here are the restaurants and coffee shops that are still operating as of March 2025:
And that’s it. Everything else has closed down including Starbucks. On the bright side, Pret A Manger is opening up where the Shake Shack seating area used to be.
CAF is always up to something cool, and this Ramadan, they’ve teamed up with Birkenstock for a one-of-a-kind rooftop experience at Assima Mall.
Every night from futoor till 3 AM, the space transforms with a special setup, a unique menu, and co-branded cups. There are also exciting activities to check out, plus Birkenstock will be dropping something special every night, making each visit different from the last.
If you’re looking for a spot to hang out this Ramadan, swipe left to check out photos of their cool setup or head over to the CAF account for more info @cafcafe
Go Greek Yogurt is an LA-based brand known for its authentic Greek yogurt, and they recently opened in Kuwait. They are a favorite among celebrities in LA, and you might have even seen paparazzi shots of your favorite star holding a cup of Go Greek Yogurt.
The local owner used to go there every day while studying in LA, which is what inspired her to bring the brand to Kuwait. They use actual Greek yogurt and not just regular yogurt. Most of their products are also imported from Greece and Europe, and their suppliers aren’t mass-market brands but family-run businesses from different Greek islands. So in terms of quality they’re really considered premium as opposed to other frozen yogurt places.
I passed by them recently to try them out so I could put together this post, and one thing I liked about them is that they don’t only carry frozen Greek yogurt, but also offer traditional classic Greek yogurt, and in different flavors.
I’m a huge Greek yogurt fan and tend to have it every morning at home with granola and berries. They had six different flavors, but I wanted to try their hazelnut-infused Greek yogurt and their honey Greek yogurt. Both were delicious, with the hazelnut one being something I’d have as a dessert after a meal, while the honey-infused yogurt would be the one I’d want to have for breakfast.
If you’re into the classic version like me, you can get it plain or topped with ingredients like honey, nuts, and fresh fruits. If you’re in the mood for something colder, their frozen Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to ice cream but still rich and creamy. Also, if you opt to go with frozen, one cool thing they have is self-serve. You fill up the cup with as much frozen Greek yogurt you want then pay by weight.
They currently only have one location in Kuwait, located on the ground floor of Arraya Complex (Google Maps). They’re very focused on fresh ingredients and simple, wholesome flavors and I really liked their yogurt. If you want to check them out, head to @gogreekyogurt.kw
As I do every year, below is the list of Ramadan buffets, updated for 2025. It’s technically not only buffets since I also include set menu’s, but since I’ve been using the same post title for over a decade, I’m not about to change it now.
If there has been an increase or decrease in price compared to the previous year then I’ve also highlighted that.
Below is the full list divided into two parts, hotels and restaurants. If I missed a place let me know in the comments, especially really cheap/affordable buffets. Last year I had Big C on the list, they had the cheapest buffet at KD1.900 but looks like they closed down or something. IKEA increased their buffet price this year from 2.950 to 3.950 so really need some more affordable places to add. So if you know of a place where the buffet is less than KD5, let me know in the comments.
HOTELS
Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort – Taima’a Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD9.5 (+0.500)
Telephone: 24590000
Courtyard by Marriott – Atrium
Buffet Price: KD15 (-1.000)
Telephone: 22997000
Crowne Plaza – Al Ahmadi Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD17 (+1.000)
Telephone: 1848111
Crowne Plaza – Al Noukhaza Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD17
Telephone: 1848111
Crowne Plaza – Sakura Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD18.950 (+0.950) (Thursdays Only)
Telephone: 1848111
Four Seasons – Jawaher Tent
Buffet Price: KD27 (+1.000)
Telephone: 22006000
Four Seasons – Li Beirut
Set Menu: KD28
Telephone: 22006000
Grand Hyatt – Stambul
Buffet Price: KD20
Telephone: 22007698
Grand Majestic Hotel
Buffet Price: KD8
Telephone: 22254700
Hilton Garden Inn – The Avenues
Buffet Price: KD20
Telephone: 22262000
Holiday Inn – Ayam Zaman
Buffet Price: KD13.950 (-2.000)
Telephone: 1847777
Jumeirah Messilah Beach – Asateer Tent
Buffet Price: KD24 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22269600
Jumeirah Messilah Beach – Garden Cafe
Buffet Price: KD26 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22269600
Marina Hotel
Buffet Price: KD17 (+1.000)
Telephone: 22230030
Millennium Hotel – Lamar International Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15
Telephone: 22050505
Movenpick – Free Zone – Bays Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15 (+1.100)
Telephone: 22055700
Movenpick – Al Bida’a – Breeze Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD15
Telephone: 22253100
Park Inn by Radisson
Buffet Price: KD18
Telephone: 22068540
Radisson Blu – Al Bustan Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD18.5
Telephone: 25673000
Safir Hotel – Fintas
Buffet Price: KD11.9 (-2.000)
Telephone: 25455555
St Regis – Diamond Ballroom Tent
Buffet Price: KD30 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22422055
Symphony Style Hotel
Buffet Price: KD14 (+2.000)
Telephone: 25770000
SVN
Buffet Price: KD19
Telephone: 1876777
The Regency Kuwait – Silk Road Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD24
Telephone: 25766666
Waldorf Astoria – Oxio
Buffet Price: KD28 (+1.000)
Telephone: 24774414
RESTAURANTS
Almayass
Set Menu Price: KD11.5
Telephone: 25761001
Assaha Lebanese Restaurant
Buffet Price: KD12.750 (+0.250)
Telephone: 22533377
Babel
Set Menu Price: KD14.950
Telephone: 22081111
Dar Hamad
Buffet Price: KD16
Telephone: 22275555
Dean & Deluca
Set Menu Price: KD10.950 (+1.200)
Telephone: 22242224
Em Sherif
Set Menu Buffet Price: KD25
Telephone: 90977997
Gulf Royal Chinese
Buffet Price: KD8.5
Telephone: 22622770
IKEA
Buffet Price: KD3.95 (+1.000)
Telephone: 1840408
Jihan Khanah
Buffet Price: KD10
Telephone: 1819991
Kuwait Towers
Buffet Price: KD13 (-2.000)
Telephone: 24965500
Leila Min Lebnen
Set Menu Price: KD15
Telephone: 22996414
Mughal Mahal – Hawally
Buffet Price: KD7.45
Telephone: 22626782
Naranj
Buffet Price: KD12
Telephone: 22268666
Paul
Set Menu Price: KD12.5 (+2.000)
Telephone: 22208204
Vapiano
Set Menu Price: KD7.950
Telephone: 22597171
Villa Fayrouz
Buffet Price: KD12
Telephone: 22650052
Wok and Grill
Buffet Price: KD3 (+0.005)
Telephone: 64440089
The past few days my TikTok and Instagram feeds have been flooded with videos of people dressed as ketchup bottles running around Kuwait City. It was really bizarre, and pretty cool, but I had no idea what it was for. Turns out it was a marketing campaign by Prolife for their two new limited flavors, Ketchup and Flamin’ Ketchup!
Prolife is a Kuwait-based brand, specializing in high-protein salty snacks made with premium ingredients and bold flavors. Their latest flavors, Ketchup and Flamin’ Ketchup, are available for a limited time and pack 13 grams of protein at just 258 calories. To find out more, check out @prolifesnacks.
Celebrate National Day with Jahez’s special edition cake! Made just for the occasion, this cake serves 15 people and costs only KD2.950.
The cake is available now on the Jahez App. @jahezkuwait
Nagwa was founded in 2004 and they’re one of my favorite spots when I want to pick up sweets to take with me to a lunch or dinner. They have 12 branches across Kuwait and over the past three years, they’ve expanded into Saudi Arabia, and this Ramadan, they’re opening a new branch in Bahrain. Their Ramadan campaign, “حكايتنا ننسجها,” draws inspiration from Middle Eastern embroidery, reflecting the craftsmanship and storytelling behind their designs.
This Ramadan, Nagwa is blending tradition with elegance, offering a variety of beautifully designed sweets and gifts:
VIP Trays – Luxurious packaging for premium gifting.
Hampers – Available in multiple colors, featuring tassels, badges, and removable pins for a personal touch.
Tahado w Tahabo – Now offered in a new size with customization options.
The Photo Frame Box – A unique way to personalize gifts by putting in your own photos in the frame.
Gergean – Include extra giveaways in your Camel or Trolley picks.
Wooden Boxes – Elegantly finished in shades of blue, green, and natural beige.
This year, Nagwa is introducing 35 new designs, including hampers, trays, wooden boxes, and Gergean, available in a variety of colors and sizes. Their signature embroidery-inspired designs extend to the finer details, from ribbons to greeting cards, adding an extra layer of elegance.
Their offerings cater to a range of tastes and budgets, making them perfect for both gifting and personal indulgence. Their thoughtful packaging and intricate designs is one of the main reasons I like gifting their stuff so much.
Nagwa’s Ramadan collection is available now in all their branches and website. For more info head over to @nagwakuwait, or if you’re in KSA and Bahrain @nagwaksa @nagwabahrain
Last night, I got to try some amazing sandwiches at a new spot simply called The Sandwich Shop.
The Sandwich Shop is run by chef and digital content creator Haya from @ahha.kuw, but she’s also a friend and my former neighbor. She started AH-HA because she loved ASMR food content and wanted to give it a shot. Initially, she focused on sharing her skills and recipes, but she quickly realized people weren’t looking for recipes—they wanted to try her sandwiches. And that’s how The Sandwich Shop was born.
Haya decided to open The Sandwich Shop with her best friend (and now business partner) Dalal, who found the beautiful space. They’re both hands-on, with Haya handling all the cooking while Dalal takes care of the guests. The shop is right next to OVO in Massaleh Towers (google maps), and even though I’ve passed by the location many times before, I never noticed how cozy that corner was. It’s in a courtyard-like space with plenty of seating inside and out.
I passed by last night with my best friend so we got to order a few things and share them. The menu currently has around 8 of Haya’s sandwiches from AH-HA, as well as some salads, sides and the best banana bread I’ve ever had for dessert. We got the following:
Cowboy Steak Sandwich: Angus striploin steak, with caramelized onions, arugula and a cowboy mayo sauce on ciabatta bread.
Berry, Brie, Bacon: Mixed berry compote, hickory bacon & cheddar cheese on sourdough
Rio Garlic Bread: Creamy, buttery, cheesy, herby garlic baguette
Burnt Butter Banana Bread: Chocolate banana bread topped with vanilla ice cream
It’s hard to pick a favorite. The garlic bread caught me by surprise with how good it was, the Cowboy Steak was really delicious, and the banana bread—like I said—the best I’ve ever had. I guess the BBB was the weakest link, but even that was good. With so many recipes in her library, the menu should always have something new. Should be fun.
If you want to try her sandwiches, The Sandwich Shop opens tomorrow. They’ll be open Tuesday to Saturday from 3 PM to 9 PM.
Check them out @thesandwichshop.kw
Don’t forget to get your loved one a Shani today. shaniday.com
Rebels Air Nuts is a new revolutionary snack that just became available in Kuwait. It’s considered revolutionary in the snack industry due to its unique production process and innovative approach to healthy snacking.
Unlike traditional fried or baked snacks, Rebels Air Nuts uses a new air-puffing process that removes the need for added oils and fats while maintaining a crunchy texture. This makes the peanut lighter, crispier, and healthier compared to regular peanuts and other nut-based snacks.
The snack was developed in Spain and comes in three flavors:
Hot Chili: A spicy option for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Sour Cream: A milder, tangy flavor.
Sal & Pimienta (Salt and Pepper): A classic savory combination.
They sent me all the flavors to try and my favorite was the Hot Chili. Looking at the snacks it’s hard to imagine they started off as regular peanuts, it actually reminds me of popcorn, like they’ve made peanuts pop. The snack isn’t as brittle as popcorn, and it’s also more crunchy. I took some photos of it in my hand so you can see how big they are as well.
The brand is being introduced in Kuwait by the company Dunes of Kuwait who also brought the healthy and popular ‘Greenback’ plant-based protein bars to Kuwait (they also taste really good).
Rebels Air Nuts will initially only be available on the Dunes online store ‘Swap It‘ before becoming available in other stores around Kuwait. So if you want to try these new snacks, head over to @swapit.kw
Tim Hortons’ iconic French Vanilla is known for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet, comforting vanilla flavor. Many fans consider it a go-to, especially in colder months, but now there’s an all-new iced version too. If you’re a fan, you can enjoy it hot, iced, or frozen.
If you also want to kick it up a notch, you can add a shot of espresso for an extra boost, balancing the vanilla sweetness with a strong coffee kick. A simple Tim hack that is the ultimate pick-me-up.
Tim Hortons have 12 locations across Kuwait, celebrated for their warm ambiance, 100% premium arabica coffee beans and, of course, their iconic freshly baked and dipped donuts and timbits. Visit @Timhortons.Kuwait and enjoy what ‘always fresh’ stands for.
BEAK, the local fried chicken spot, just revealed the Buttermilk sandwich, a new fried chicken burger with an all-new recipe. Featuring an all-new batter and marinade, they’re keeping it classic with just cheese, pickles, and honey mustard.
Founded in 2017, they’re known for using locally sourced, organically fed, never-frozen chicken. Lately, they’ve been on a roll, launching their Kids Meal, Spicy Twister wrap, and chocolate chip cookies.
BEAK currently have two locations, a dine-in location in Al-Masayel, as well as a pick-up location in Hawally. They’re also available on all the popular delivery platforms including Talabat, Deliveroo, Cari and Jahez.
The new Buttermilk sandwich launches tomorrow (Thursday), if you want to try it, head over to @beak.kw
I try not to post too many food posts back to back, but this one couldn’t wait. According to a source of mine, La Petite Maison (LPM), the popular high-end French Mediterranean restaurant, is planning to open in Kuwait. Supposedly, the same company that brought Beefbar, Ferdi, and Philippe by Philippe Chow to Kuwait is now bringing LPM.
Since opening in London in 2007, LPM has expanded to 10 locations worldwide, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.
I reached out to both parties for confirmation. The Kuwait-based company told me they’d update me in a couple of weeks, while LPM said they can’t confirm anything for Kuwait just yet.
“Just yet” sounds promising, so hopefully, an official announcement is coming soon. For now, I’ve filed this under a rumor. @lpmrestaurants
Update: According to a reader who just messaged me, looks like LPM are coming to Kuwait because they were in negotiations for a seaside location.
I’ve been working in the food industry for years now and I haven’t come across a concept similar to this. It literally breaks all the rules for what a restaurant should be.
The owner, Abdullah AlJarallah, comes from a financial background. By day, he manages investment deals and entrepreneurship, but his true passion is actually pizza.
Jars Pizza isn’t a traditional business; it’s a creative space where Abdullah explores the art of pizza making, experiments with techniques, and shares the journey with his small but growing community. He bakes the pizzas himself but doesn’t bake or sell every day, nor does he have a fixed menu. He isn’t even on the delivery platforms and he doesn’t have a store front. Instead, when he plans to make pizzas, he informs his followers about the type of pizza available that day and when. He involves them in the process, from making the dough to baking the pizza. Customers then pick up their orders from the commercial kitchen he operates out of. No delivery since he wants you to taste the pizza fresh.
His focus isn’t on sales, it’s on craftsmanship, fermentation, and the joy of sharing great pizza with those who appreciate it.
The concept began with his deep love for the process and the science of dough fermentation. What started as a personal pursuit evolved into something he wanted to share. His goal is to build a community that appreciates pizza—not just as food, but as an experience. Whether you want to learn, watch, or simply enjoy a well-made slice, Jars Pizza is about bringing people together over something simple yet beautiful.
I’m personally following his account so I can wait for his next drop. If you’re curious to see what it’s all about, you can follow him too at @jarspizza.
Paparazzi is a new Italian restaurant located near the fountain area outside Salhiya. I actually hadn’t been to that area for quite some time so I wasn’t aware that the fountain had actually been removed. I used to visit that corner of Salhiya a lot because of the Lebanese restaurant Leila and Johnny Rockets, but they’re both gone now with both locations taken over by Paparazzi.
When you first enter Paparazzi you’ll walk into their cafe area, a small cozy space with a cocktail bar, a small lounge composed of vintage furniture, around 8 tables with a long bench seating and a mirror above with framed celebrity photos. Paparazzi was designed to feel like an Italian restaurant in Europe that has been around for a long time and frequented by various celebrities over the decades. It worked because that’s exactly the vibe I got.
Walking past the cafe area and through the brown velvet curtains you enter the main restaurant floor, a surprisingly large area that still managed to feel warm and comfortable. I fell in love with it right away especially with all the brown tones. My winter wardrobe has mostly been shades of brown this year and so I blended in perfectly with the interior and furniture. I loved all the interior colors including their kitchen which has mustard yellow cabinets and dark green tiled walls, and the private room which used a shade of a light desaturated blue. It’s all very mid-century.
Paparazzi also has an outdoor terrace with built-in floor vents for AC cooling during the summer. I’m surprised more places haven’t adopted this since it makes the outdoor areas a lot more bearable in the summer months.
I didn’t get to try the food, I will in the next couple of days, but I did get a copy of the menu. Looking at it now, it has a small pizza section, both dry and fresh pastas, mains like steaks, chicken, and seafood, plus a variety of starters, four different carpaccios, salads, and sides. It’s a pretty substantial menu, so I’m looking forward to trying it.
Paparazzi opens tonight and, for now, will only be open for dinner from 7PM. To reserve, click the reserve button on their instagram account @paparazzi.kw