Culture and Food at the Youm Al Bahar, Kuwait
Located in Kuwait City on Gulf Road, Youm Al Bahar is a heritage village situated right by the sea. From craft stores to authentic local restaurants, this is a great spot in the city to head to if you would like to soak up some of Kuwait’s culture and food.
Family-Friendly
When you first enter Youm Al Bahar, you will notice a sign saying that admission is for families only. While this may seem odd to some international visitors, this is actually a great step that was taken, as it means that the atmosphere here is always quite relaxed, friendly and safe.
Local Food and Snacks
Within Youm Al Bahar, there are a number of restaurants and cafés that serve up freshly made local snacks. Food is always such a significant part of a culture’s heritage, making this a great way to taste the true flavor of Kuwait. The stuffed Arabic breads are a must-try, and these are stuffed with everything ranging from cheese to spices and herbs, while the wafting scent of the kebabs cooking will no doubt tempt you over for a sample. If you would prefer something sweet, give Luqaimat a try, which are sweet dumplings that are crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. Of course, you cannot leave the city without tasting machboos, which is famous for being the national dish of Kuwait. Consisting of rice that has been cooked with rose water and saffron, served up alongside meat and a garlic tomato sauce, this is a dish that you will not forget.
Shopping
Shops and stalls can be found throughout Youm Al Bahar, and these sell a variety of local goods. Local crafts tend to be the highlight here, and, even if you are not looking to make a purchase, these are still so interesting to browse, as they display such a high level of workmanship. In addition to the crafts, you will find everything from leather sandals to musical instruments to herbs and spices here, creating a wonderfully diverse shopping experience.
A Local Experience
While Kuwait City may have experienced so much development over the years, a visit to Youm Al Bahar is a great way to enjoy an authentic local experience, getting a glimpse into what Kuwait used to be like. In addition to all of the restaurants at Youm Al Bahar, you will also notice a number of local coffee shops. Head into one of these and order a cup of traditional mint tea, and then, if you have some time to spare, join the locals in a game of backgammon, of which you will find many around the area.
Youm Al Bahar is open every day of the week throughout the year, although if there is a specific shop or restaurant that you are hoping to visit, it would be worth checking out their opening times beforehand, as each of these is run individually. Whether you are seeking somewhere authentic for a bite to eat, or want to do a spot of shopping, including some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home with you, the heritage at Youm Al Bahar makes it one of the highlights of a visit to Kuwait City.