For the love of food. and desserts. a.lot.of.desserts.

The million dollar question, as I probably already mentioned, has been.. So how do you like Kuwait?? I usually say that  I like it a lot, and that there are enough things that are familiar so I feel comfortable and enough things that are different that I am excited to be learning and experiencing new things. One of the biggest examples of this can be found in restaurants and shopping. Malls are really popular places to go in Kuwait, to hangout and shop, but also to eat. There are probably close to the same number of restaurants as there are stores in the mall. No, not Auntie Anne's Pretzels and McDonald's, but like legit sit down restaurants as well. All the malls here also have an area for children as well. Not  a little section with a small playground and padded walls but more like mini amusement parks.  

Also- side note- customer service is incredible. I've thought about this, and think maybe because I am in a new place and have no idea where things are or where to find exactly what I'm looking for at times, then I've been a little more willing to take advantage of sales people (unlike at home where I'm typically hoping to dodge them). It's been my experience that the employees genuinely care about their service, and I was actually asked to fill out surveys at several stores in the mall and found myself really excited and happy to fill them out. I mean, these people really knew their stuff and I was really pleased about it. It's even more exciting when you get to the register and you pay exactly what you see on the price tag, and not 10% more (ahem, California) for tax.

Back to the food. So I get really excited when I see places such as....

BTW- Urth Caffe is coming. Very.Soon.

But also, there are many "Kuwaiti Concept" restaurants and dessert places here as well. I cannot stop having dessert after each meal. It's honestly a problem. I had breakfast this AM, and immediately craved dessert. I did not actually do it, but the mere fact that it crossed my mind at 930AM is alarming enough.

 So there are a ton of great spots from breakfast to burgers, amongst many of the American chains. Here are some of my faves:

Chocolateness.
Little Chocolate Lava cakes (some with peanut butter) you can throw in the oven. 

Slider Station

Sliders. Amazing salads and fries.

Crowd pleaser- The Obama Burger (Fried chicken)

Slider Station.
Those who have completed the "The Beast Challenge" get their name on this board.
All you have to do is eat a burger the size of your plate comprised of: two 250g patties with bacon, eggs, lettuce, onions, pickles and a special sauce.

Prime and Toast
My new faveeee restaurant.

How cute is this menu?

Thyme and Rosemary along the walls

They made me. Super cheesy was the best I could do.

Brioche French Toast. To.Die.For.

The Living Room Lounge

Of course I got dessert after lunch... and swore that meant I wasn't having dessert after dinner.

Until I met this Pumpkin Cake. And had not one, but two pieces.

 

At restaurants and at home, this is a Kuwaiti dessert called Kanafa. It's basically cream, fried noodles, syrup and crushed pistachios. It's interesting... not my favorite, but I was encouraged to try it..

On top of this, Kuwaiti's love coffee and tea. like a lot. I'm talking 3 to 5 cups a day. I'm now trying to limit myself so I can actually sleep before 1 AM.

 Basically, thank goodness for the 10K and for the beautttiful day on Saturday. I am continuing to try to do my own personal 10k a few times a week so I can actually really take in all of this food and dessert without having to buy a new wardrobe. Just really trying to get the full cultural experience, you know.

Rasheed!! Finally. Also- his wife had her baby GIRL!

My hosts love making me take photos whenever we see an American flag. Luckily,  we were not quick enough to awkwardly pose behind the man in the white jean jacket with a huge American flag on the back...

Publish Post

Pretty kites by the sea.


xo Mary