Mind Officially Blown Awesome Mash Ups by Fawaz Bahman and Mohammed Almansour

More songs on their Youtube and Instagram FBahman and Mohammed Almansour. 

Soooooooo incredibly talented. I'm gobsmacked. I think Simon would love these guys.

Battle of the Coffee House Jingles in Kuwait

Sab Al-Gaf’sha - A Wonderful Kuwaiti Delicacy

Forget donuts, cronuts or churros these babies are the absolute rulers. A bit like a Rum Baba without the rum, a harder shell, and way much more flavourful. It's hard to find a really good recipe for them as most Kuwaiti women guard it carefully, they will gladly send you a big plate full rather than share the recipe. Which I love them for because it also saves me the effort. The only problem with them is you can't stop eating them.

I came across this recipe on With A Spin blog and a lovely endearing explanation of what Ramadan is for many. Enjoy!

So let me guest a guest who is guesting. You'll understand in a few seconds.

With thanks to Laila and Fatimah from With A Spin blog.

Just like last year, I have invited few of my blogger friends to guest post during Ramadan.  I am very happy to present you Fatemah from Saffron Pudding this week. I absolutely love her mesmerizing storytelling writing and of course the traditional Middle Eastern and Khaleeji/Kuwaiti recipes. Raised in Kuwait with a Persian background, her recipes are full of flavor. It is my immense pleasure to have her today as my guest. Let’s give her a warm welcome here at With A Spin and see what Kuwait delicacy and cultural tidbits she is presenting us today.

Ramadan. Like a special guest, he arrives. He slowly knocks on the doors, letting everybody know he is here. He is no ordinary guest for he makes everyone around him more blessed, happy and sincere. But like all polite guest, he leaves before he is too much to handle.

Funny how we get angry and frustrated when our dinner is an hour or even half an hour late, but we happily stay hungry for hours for a whole month without complaints. It’s definitely God’s mercy.

I can go on and on about my fascination with Ramadan and how special it is for me and for the whole Muslim world. But I won’t because I know you are all aware of that. Instead, I will just share a bit of tradition that we have in Kuwait in Ramadan and a dish that is often prepared specially for this holy month.

In Kuwait the time between Futoor and Suhoor is called Ghab’ga (غبقة). Around 10-12 p.m tea is prepared, everyone comes to the living room from their naps/prayers for a rest, little chats and little TV Snacks and desserts are served.

One of the most popular Kuwaiti sweets is Sab El-gaf’sha (صب القفشة) which literally means (pour the spoon). It is fried dumplings that are prepared with gram flour, eggs, cardamom, saffron and sweetened with simple syrup.

It is often prepared just before Futoor so it can be served hot and fresh but it is also served for Ghab’ga when the simple syrup has penetrated the dumplings well and they now resemble more the texture of cake, perfect for pairing with a nice hot cup of tea.

SAB EL-GAF’SHA, A KUWATI DELICACY

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PREP TIME

15 mins

COOK TIME

20 mins

TOTAL TIME

35 mins

Fried Sweet Dumpling Recipe, Sab El-gaf’sha, a Kuwati sweet dumpling recipe served mainly during Ramadan.

Author: Lail Hossain

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 satblespoon sugar
• 1 cup gram flour
• 2 cups all purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 1¼ cup luke warm water - divided
• 4 eggs
• a pinch of salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground saffron
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Ground pistachios for garnish ( optional)
• Simple syrup
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• Few drop of fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of ground cardamom
• A pinch of ground saffron

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, 1tablespoon flour, and ¼ cup water. Let stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients all at once. Whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and let the batter rest for at least one hour.
3. In a large, high edge skillet, heat oil for frying over high-medium heat. Take some batter with a tablespoon and slowly drop the batter in the oil with a help of another spoon.
4. Turn the dumplings a few times until they’re cooked and golden brown on each side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Transfer to the serving dish. Drizzle with simple syrup and garnish with pistachios before serving.
7. STEPS TO MAKE SYRUP
8. In a small pot, dissolve sugar and water over medium-high heat.
9. Add lemon juice, cardamom and saffron. Bring to boil. Let mixture boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

NOTES

The ingredients in this recipe yield a large batch. If you want you can half the recipe.
What I do is that I make the whole recipe at the beginning of the week. I drizzle some dumplings to eat the same day with simple syrup but I leave the rest without syrup and I freeze them in plastic bags. Then everyday for the rest of the week I take some out, microwave and serve them. They’ll be nice and delicious just like fresh ones.

Gergayan Party at Promenade Mall, Hawally

The Kuwaiti Adam's Family by Thouq

Www.thouq.com

Kuwaiti Gers Ogaily Cake

Kuwaiti Gers Ogaily

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• ½ tsp saffron
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup milk, room temperature
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp rosewater
• 
  

Instructions

• 1
  Crush the saffron threads between your fingers add 2 tablespoons milk and mix.
• 2
  Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom powder and mix in two tablespoons sesame seeds.
• 3
• Whisk the eggs and sugar until light and thick.
• 4       Combine butter, milk, rosewater and saffron mixture.
• 5       Sprinkle oiled bundt tin with remaining sesame seeds and then pour cake mix on top and bake for 40 minutes in a 350F oven.
• 
  

The Stunning New Part of Al Kout Mall is Open and Well Worth a Visit

Kuwait’s leading property developer Tamdeen Group has announced that its Al Kout Project, the largest waterfront retail and entertainment destination in the country is open and thriving. 

Occupying a plot of 300,000 sqm, Al Kout Project offers six diverse experiences reflecting the unique architectural heritage of Kuwait. The most modern of these experiences is Al Kout Mall, which opened for visitors during the first quarter of 2018, said the developer.

The mall will increase the overall leasing area of Al Kout Project to 100,000 sqm.

The KD123 million ($407 million) Al Kout Project compromises 360 stores and a 12-screen cinema, which is equipped with the latest Imax and 4DX systems and will be managed by Kuwait National Cinema Company (Cinescape).

Dining features prominently at Al Kout Mall, with an array of local and international restaurants and cafes, including 11 Kuwaiti trademarks which affirms Tamdeen’s constant support for ambitious initiatives from Kuwaiti entrepreneurs.

Al Kout Mall is also home to Infunity Sea Family Entertainment Centre, the largest indoor facility-of-its-kind in Kuwait. The Centre is themed around marine life and is an ideal edutainment for visitors of all ages eager to learn more about the marine environment, said the statement from Tamdeen.

In addition, Al Kout Mall will house the first-ever Q8 Karting, the biggest indoor track of its kind in the Middle East, offering an exhilarating experience that simulates pro racing. The Q8 Karting track is designed to suit all types of races, and age groups, it added.

Al Kout Project has a seafront stretching 1.6 km in Fahaheel area, with captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, particularly at Al Kout Marina, which can accommodate more than 150 boats.

Meanwhile, Al Kout NaG’at, a favourite pier for fishermen, is one of the rare spots that has preserved its heritage, with traditional sailboats, fishing methods, and commercial activities.

Tamdeen pointed out that another highlight of the project was Al Kout Souq which reflects the area’s heritage. It features a traditional-style marketplace where traders sell fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.

The design of the Souq area reflects the simplicity of shopping in old Kuwait, it stated.

The project not only offers variety in entertainment and shopping, but also caters to the tourists via its five-star Al Kout Rotana Hotel. Strategically placed, it is 25 minutes’ drive from Kuwait International Airport and a 45-minute drive from the Saudi borders.

The project promotes easy accessibility, with Al Kout Mall connected via a footbridge to Al Kout Souq, offering stunning views of fountains, and the marina, said the statement from Tamdeen.

The mall also incorporates a multi-story car park and external parking, with 3,600 parking slots, it added.

LWDLIK - I just got back and I'm well impressed. It's beautiful airy interiors, subtle chic colours and its gorgeous loos are stunning. The architecture is fresh and interesting with lots of curves so you are not quite sure what is ahead of you. 

Just loved the Cinderella coach

A excellent selection of good retail stores, varied restaurants and coffee shops all listed here [link]. 

Handmade Artisanal Work at Sadu House

South Mutlaa City Project in Kuwait

An interesting future project for the growing population of Kuwait. 

Perhaps, meanwhile, the government could impose taxes on the landlords here who leave their buildings empty rather than accept less rent, have rent limitations or guidelines for landlords or better still encourage landlords to sell the apartments nearer the city to young (or old) newly married Kuwaitis so they can get a foothold in the property market which is priced out of their range at present.

Support Kuwait Cricket Team Qualifying Rounds

Home Grown Rappers: Sons of Yusuf

Kuwaiti Samri Dance Class by the Pool at Baraka Wellness

Kuwait - The Future Is Ours

The awesome vision and plans are happening. It's time for all Kuwaitis to give their best for their country for it to really shine and prosper. God bless Kuwait.

Let Me Introduce You To King Daffy - The Kuwaiti RnB/ Hip-Hop Artist

I recently shared this new video of Daffy's on LWDLIK Instagram and Facebook account and was surprised at how many people haven't heard of Daffy. My baby girl plays his music all the time in the car and I have to say I really love it too.  

Biography

Nawaf Fahed, better known as Daffy, is a Kuwaiti singer, songwriter, and producer. Growing up surrounded by music, he started out singing at the age of 9 and began writing songs at 15. Upon joining the group known as “Army of One” in 2004, Daffy and the group released several singles, albums, and music videos over the years and built a fan base across the region as one of the pioneering hip-hop/R&B groups.

In early 2014, Daffy became a member of Outlaw Productions, taking his career to the next level. Soon after, he released a single and music video titled “Samboosa” in the summer of 2014. The single produced by DJ Outlaw quickly took the region by storm, getting more than 100,000 views on YouTube in the first week of its release. It was then aired on MTV and other music channels on high rotation. The music video soon hit the million view mark on Youtube.

Daffy’s sound fuses hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, reggae, and a bit of Arabic/Middle Eastern, blending different cultures in a unique sound. Currently planning new projects, Daffy has a lot in store and continues to work towards taking his music to new heights.

The rapidly changing, hip-hop happening music scene here in Kuwait - Daffy's Samboosa song live at Al Shaheed Park.

9th Bait Al Arab International Photography Competition 2018

See website for more details www.baaphoto.com

Hala Ramadan Expo 2018 for Kaftans, Darars, Accessories, Girgian Items and Perfumes at Al Hamra

Lilly Kaftans

Lilly Kaftans

Baboona Store

Alnowair Positivity Carnival at Kuwait Towers

We are Alnowair a non-profit organization founded by Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah. We will have the biggest positivity carnival ever on Saturday 17th March at Kuwait Towers from 10am. And you are all invited. We will have games, activities, wonderful surprises, prizes and free entry.

Have you entered our competition yet? #onemillionsmileskuwait

I think it's going to be a very yellow, happy day. 

Mind Officially Blown - Kuwaiti Drag Queen Make Up Artist a Contender for RuPaul Drag Race Show

10. Arabia Felix, 23 (Al Kuwait, Kuwait)

Though Arabia Felix may seem like just another queen whose biggest quality is an excelled skill with makeup, Arabia is so much more than meets the eye. You see, Arabia resides in Kuwait, a Middle-Eastern country where prejudicial tensions are so high that someone who identifies as gay can possibly be prosecuted under a law of "debauchery." The art of drag represented by this breathtaking desert queen is one that means so much more than dressing up or pretending to be someone else; it's a courageous person taking a stand against the hate surrounding them, and bringing out their talent in order to bring more light to those whose world may seem dark and menacing. Arabia is a beautiful queen inside and out, and if she were to join the next season of RuPaul's Drag Race she would already make history as one of the most inspiring drag queen in the competition's history.

Source: The OdysseyOnline

Arabian Felix has his own Youtube channel with 84K followers. He is an amazing, extremely talented make up artist. This was so inspiring and sad at the same time. His interview with Drag Official [link].

his was inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. What a talent! Best of luck Mohamed.

Farmers Market 100% Kuwaiti at Argan, Bidaa

A Glimpse of the New Sparkly Kuwaiti Designer Al Jasmi Collection

Gorgeous, no wonder he has so many red carpet clients.