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Matbakhi

Kuwait City

Crowd-pleasing Palestinian fare for the 21st century

Polished Palestinan dining: Occupying a buzzy location in Kuwait's largest and most dazzling mall, The Avenues, Matbakhi isn't just a stopping-off point for bag-laden shoppers – it's a premium dining destination in its own right. Open since spring 2024, it's amassed a devoted following for its contemporary takes on Palestinian and Levantine classics, from traditional breakfast dishes to charcoal grills, mezze and meat-filled pastries.

Who's at the helm? Sawsan Da'ana, a Kuwaiti Palestinian chef and restaurateur who's passionate about bringing nostalgic, home-style meals to the masses. Matbakhi (which translates into English as 'my kitchen') started out as a small restaurant with a successful catering service before expanding to its new premises, and though the staging might be different, the essence is the same: hearty portions and authentic flavours are Da'ana's calling card.

Elegant yet inviting: Mirroring its modern yet heritage-led menu, Matbakhi is cool and comfortable, but with subtle decorative touches that make it feel like a welcoming Levantine home. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with steady streams of groups, couples and families filling the space with an upbeat, convivial energy. Warm, attentive service only adds to the charm.

What to order: A firm favourite among diners, the Palestinian mussakhan – roast chicken with sumac, onions, pine nuts and taboon bread – is a must, as are charcoal-grilled items such as kabab bil bandoora (a homemade lamb skewer served with tomato sauce and fried potatoes) and shish tawook (chicken with garlic sauce and pickles). For dessert, try the om ali: a cream-soaked croissant confection finished with a pistachio garnish.

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