Eating Etiquette

In Kuwait, people use spoons, forks, and knives, if necessary, or no utensils at all. Since the spoon is more important than the fork, if you are right-handed, keep the spoon in the right hand, and put it down to switch to the fork if and when you need it. Never use your left hand for eating, especially if you are eating directly with your hands.

Kuwaitis make a show of always eating everything that they have been served. No matter how bad the food may be, you should try to eat everything. It is considered impolite to ask for a doggy bag. If you find that the food has appeared to have been in the microwave for too long, make sure to thank your host.

It is possible that men and women will be asked to dine separately. If men and women dine together, women are asked not to directly touch food served to a Muslim male, except those who are her immediate relatives. The most important person is seated in the center of the table, with the second most important person, or the honored guest, seated next to the head of the table.