Ramadan in Kuwait: Shopping and Traditions

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the demand for Ramadan essentials intensifies. Housewives diligently stock up on their household needs, from dates and canned goods to various dairy products and legumes.

However, Ramadan shopping in Kuwait extends beyond food and beverage supplies. The demand for other Ramadan-related products also surges during this sacred period. In this article, we dive into a list of the most sought-after Ramadan essentials that capture the attention of Kuwaiti households.

Ramadan 2024 Food Shopping List

The food shopping list includes everything a housewife needs in terms of food that can be stored during Ramadan, as well as items needed for Iftar and Suhoor.

Legumes, such as lentils, beans, and peas, play a crucial role in Ramadan cuisine. Their high fiber content and plant-based protein provide sustained energy during fasting hours. A popular Kuwaiti dish featuring legumes is “Mamoush,” a hearty concoction of cooked rice with green lentils.

Canned goods and legumes that can be purchased and stored throughout Ramadan include:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Black peas
• Rice
• Pasta

Meat and Popular Kuwaiti Dishes

Meat is one of the essential meals that is full of indispensable protein and gives the fasting person a feeling of fullness. One of the famous meals in Kuwait that can be prepared for Iftar is Gabout Laham, which is a nutritious and delicious cooking recipe whose main ingredient is lamb with bones.

Another staple meal on the Iftar table in Kuwait is Maideem, which is a dish consisting of basmati rice and fish fillet. Chicken markouk is also a popular dish, consisting of chicken and vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes and zucchini.

Popular Types of Dates in Kuwait

During Ramadan, Kuwaiti families meticulously prepare their Iftar feasts, ensuring the presence of dates, Vimto, soup, and Indian samosas. But amidst the shopping lists and focus on food and drinks, one element stands out as truly indispensable: dates.

Consumed daily, especially during Ramadan, these sweet treats hold a special place in Kuwaiti tradition. Let’s explore some of the most popular and beloved varieties of dates found on Iftar tables across the country:

• Ajwa Dates
• Amber Dates
• Barhi Dates
• Dayri Dates
• Dried Dates
• Halawi Dates

Misbaha and Ramadan

Kuwaiti’s shopping during Ramadan is not limited to food and drink only, but they are keen to celebrate Ramadan in a unique way. Buying rosaries “Masabeeh” in their different shapes and beautiful types is one way of celebrating. Turquoise stone Misbah is one of the most expensive types, followed by the amber rosary.

This type of rosary is especially available in Kuwait, which is the source of the amber trade in the region, and this trade has been known since the 1960s.

The use of the rosary as a means of prayer and for purposes of remembrance and praise has not stopped, but many men use it as a basic adornment.

Despite the popularity of amber rosaries, there is a coke wood rosary, which is one of the most famous and widespread types of rosaries. It is made from coke extracted from coconut trees and hookah trees.

Abayas and decorations

Buying Ramadan decorations such as the Ramadan crescent and lanterns to decorate homes and give joy to the Ramadan atmosphere inside the home is a tradition that continues to this day in Kuwait. Women buy special shields for Ramadan wear, in addition to prayer clothes and various abayas throughout the holy month. Abayas are a key element of Ramadan attire, leading to increased demand during the holy month.

Ramadan purchases and online shopping

In the past, shopping for Ramadan essentials meant venturing out to stores and making purchases in person. Today, however, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with a significant portion of Ramadan shopping moving online. Renowned e-commerce platforms like 4Sale have emerged as the preferred choice for Kuwaitis, offering a seamless and efficient shopping experience right from the comfort of home.

Are you looking to buy Ramadan supplies, such as food, decorations, and rosaries?

Shop for food in the food section on 4Sale. We also provide you with a distinctive collection of prayer beads in different shapes and an elegant selection of abayas, prayer clothes, and more. Download the application and visit our website now.