The Kuwaiti Fish Market

The fish market is located near Souq Sharq. In Arabic it is called Souq Al Samak.

A very crowded, busy place

It is one of the rowdiest places in Kuwait where you really have to watch your wallet or risk getting ripped off, especially if you are a foreigner.

But it is also a neccessity if you want good fresh fish at competitive prices.  You could find great bargains in this place if you search well enough.  Here's a few tips on surviving the place:

Tips on surviving the fish market

1.  Don't act like a newbie: That's like asking to get ripped off, and we don't want that.

2.  Don't wear anything expensive: Remember that ugly sweater you bought on a whim? The one you really regretted buying and is now collecting dust in the cabinet? Yeah. That's just perfect for the fish market since you wouldn't care if it started to reek of that fishy smell by the end of your trip.

3.  Drive that old car to the market: Lemme tell you something I regretted doing. I regretted going to the fish market in my 2009 Volks. Why? Because accidents happen. In my case the plastic bag containing the shrimp got punctured by the shrimp inside (who would have guessed their 'stache can be so sharp?) and the entire car reeked of 'that' smell for weeks. It's a better idea to drive that old Buick you forgot you had.

4.  The people there usually don't understand English:  Here's some lingo that can help you if you can't speak Arabic or Indian:

point at something and say 'ibcham':  'how much does it cost?'
cham wazna?: 'how much does it weigh?'
Nathfa: 'clean it'
mishkoor: 'thank you'

And if all else fails, use sign language, it usually works.

5.  Don't stop for anybody:  Salespeople will call you often to their stalls, usually shouting.  It just means they don't have anything worth selling.  Ignore them and walk past and look for a better stall.

6.  If you find a good offer, take it immediately:  Buy whatever you found in bulk and store it in a large freezer.  The freezer will keep your fish fresh for months and you'll rest easy knowing that you got a good offer.

7.  Always browse:  Not all fish stalls are created equal.  Some fish might look great, but always try comparing them with fish from other stalls, you might find something better, and at a cheaper price to boot.

8.  Head for the auctions:  A great way to nab heaps of fresh fish at competitive prices is to head to the auctions.  These auctions occur everyday at 3 PM.  You can tell it started when you can't hear your own voice (due to the constant raising).  Just head to the auctioneer and tell him your offer.  For example:  65 KD for two baskets of shrimp.  Just make sure you get someone to help you carry your winnings, they can be quite heavy, and I'm talking 20 kilos plus.

9.  Never take out your wallet:  The sign of a newbie, and it'll also make you the center of attention.  You don't want to be the center of attention at the fish market.  People will think you're loaded, and theft occurs pretty often there.

And last but not least:

10.  Get to know a broker:  Deal with him on a daily basis (get his mobile number) and tip him every once in a while.  Usually he can offer you the best deals and find you the freshest fish.

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Thanks for reading, and don't forget to comment!

Also here's a video for those interested in what good fish looks like: