Kuwait’s food and beverage industry has been expanding rapidly over the past decade. With a young, affluent population and a strong appetite for dining out, there’s a consistent demand for new restaurants, cafes, and catering services. That means more job opportunities and growth potential.
From chefs and baristas to marketing, supply chain management, and operations, the F&B sector offers diverse roles. Whether you’re creative or business-minded, there’s a niche for you.
Salaries in Kuwait’s F&B industry are often tax-free (given Kuwait has no personal income tax). That means your take-home pay can be higher than in many other countries.
Kuwait’s F&B sector attracts talent from all over the world. Working here can give you exposure to different cuisines, management styles, and cultural influences, making it an exciting place to develop your skills.
Consumers in Kuwait are always looking for new dining experiences — from fusion concepts to health-conscious menus. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, chefs, and managers to innovate and shape the market.
A large portion of the workforce in Kuwait’s F&B sector is made up of expatriates. This means you’ll find strong support networks and opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds.
The industry is competitive, and many establishments strive for excellence in service and quality. This can be a great environment to learn best practices and develop your skills.
Kuwait’s thriving F&B industry offers international candidates the chance to work in a dynamic market that values innovation. From modern fusion concepts to high-end fine dining, the opportunities to showcase creativity are vast.
The rapid expansion of the F&B sector creates a demand for skilled international professionals — from chefs and baristas to marketing experts and managers. This opens pathways for career advancement in diverse roles.
International candidates gain exposure to a multicultural environment, collaborating with colleagues from around the world. This fosters learning and broadens professional horizons.
Kuwait offers competitive, tax-free salaries with potential benefits such as housing, transportation, and health insurance — making it financially attractive for expatriates.
Restaurant Manager / Supervisor – Oversee daily operations, staff management, and customer service.
Host / Hostess – Greet and seat guests, manage reservations.
Waitstaff (Waiters/Waitresses) – Serve food and beverages to customers.
Barista / Bartender – Prepare coffee, cocktails, and other beverages.
Chef / Head Chef / Sous Chef – Design menus, oversee kitchen staff, manage food preparation.
Line Cook / Commis Chef – Prepare and cook menu items.
Pastry Chef / Baker – Specialize in desserts, pastries, and baked goods.
Kitchen Porter / Steward – Assist with cleaning, dishwashing, and basic prep work.
Butcher / Fishmonger – Handle meat and seafood preparation.
Food Stylist / Culinary Artist – Prepare visually appealing dishes for marketing or high-end dining experiences.
Nutritionist / Dietitian (in F&B contexts) – Develop healthy menus for restaurants, catering, or hospitals.
Procurement / Purchasing Specialist – Manage supply chain and vendor relationships.
Inventory Manager – Oversee stock levels and supply management.
Food & Beverage Coordinator – Support event planning, catering, and special functions.
Sales Executive / Account Manager – Develop B2B relationships with suppliers, hotels, and distributors.
Marketing Specialist – Promote restaurant brands, social media management, campaign development.
Food Safety Officer – Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Quality Control Inspector – Monitor food quality and consistency.
Job Title |
Monthly Salary (KWD) |
Monthly Salary (USD) |
Monthly Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Restaurant Manager |
800 – 1200 |
$2,600 – $3,900 |
₹2,16,000 – ₹3,24,000 |
Executive Chef |
1000 – 1500 |
$3,250 – $4,875 |
₹2,70,000 – ₹4,05,000 |
Sous Chef |
600 – 900 |
$1,950 – $2,925 |
₹1,62,000 – ₹2,43,000 |
Head Waiter/Supervisor |
400 – 600 |
$1,300 – $1,950 |
₹1,08,000 – ₹1,62,000 |
Waiter/Waitress |
250 – 350 |
$800 – $1,140 |
₹67,500 – ₹94,500 |
Barista |
250 – 350 |
$800 – $1,140 |
₹67,500 – ₹94,500 |
Bartender |
300 – 450 |
$975 – $1,460 |
₹81,000 – ₹1,21,500 |
Commis Chef |
250 – 350 |
$800 – $1,140 |
₹67,500 – ₹94,500 |
Pastry Chef |
600 – 800 |
$1,950 – $2,600 |
₹1,62,000 – ₹2,16,000 |
Kitchen Steward |
200 – 300 |
$650 – $975 |
₹54,000 – ₹81,000 |
Procurement Specialist |
600 – 900 |
$1,950 – $2,925 |
₹1,62,000 – ₹2,43,000 |
Food Safety Officer |
600 – 900 |
$1,950 – $2,925 |
₹1,62,000 – ₹2,43,000 |
Marketing Specialist |
600 – 900 |
$1,950 – $2,925 |
₹1,62,000 – ₹2,43,000 |
Sales Executive |
500 – 800 |
$1,625 – $2,600 |
₹1,35,000 – ₹2,16,000 |
Catering Manager |
800 – 1200 |
$2,600 – $3,900 |
₹2,16,000 – ₹3,24,000 |
Food & Beverage Director |
1500 – 2000 |
$4,875 – $6,500 |
₹4,05,000 – ₹5,40,000 |
Line Cook |
250 – 350 |
$800 – $1,140 |
₹67,500 – ₹94,500 |
Butcher/Fishmonger |
300 – 450 |
$975 – $1,460 |
₹81,000 – ₹1,21,500 |
Host/Hostess |
250 – 350 |
$800 – $1,140 |
₹67,500 – ₹94,500 |
Food & Beverage Coordinator |
500 – 700 |
$1,625 – $2,275 |
₹1,35,000 – ₹1,89,000 |
All international workers need a valid work visa sponsored by a Kuwaiti employer.
The employer usually handles visa processing, but applicants must provide required documents (passport, educational certificates, medical clearance).
Entry-level roles (e.g. waitstaff, kitchen staff) may not require formal education, but basic literacy and numeracy are usually expected.
Skilled roles (e.g. chef, manager) often require:
Culinary or hospitality diplomas.
Certifications from recognized institutions.
Relevant work experience (usually 2–5 years).
Most employers prefer candidates with previous experience in F&B — this can include hotels, restaurants, catering services, or similar establishments.
Management roles typically require leadership and supervisory experience.
English is commonly used in Kuwait’s F&B sector.
Basic Arabic skills can be an advantage but are not always mandatory.
For customer-facing roles, strong communication skills are essential.
All expatriates must pass a medical exam (covering infectious diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis) to obtain a work permit.
A fitness certificate from an approved clinic is usually required.
Typically, applicants should be between 21 and 50 years old (some roles may have more flexibility, depending on employer policies).
Some employers may require a police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country.
Customer service orientation is highly valued in the F&B sector.
Employers look for teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Job Title |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
Restaurant Manager |
Oversee daily operations, manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, handle finances. |
Executive Chef |
Develop menus, supervise kitchen staff, maintain food quality, manage inventory. |
Sous Chef |
Assist Executive Chef, supervise kitchen line, ensure quality and presentation. |
Head Waiter/Supervisor |
Lead waitstaff, manage reservations, ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction. |
Waiter/Waitress |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, ensure guest comfort and table maintenance. |
Barista |
Prepare and serve coffee, tea, and beverages; maintain equipment; handle cash register. |
Bartender |
Mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; maintain bar inventory; ensure hygiene. |
Commis Chef |
Assist with food prep, maintain kitchen cleanliness, follow Chef’s instructions. |
Pastry Chef |
Prepare desserts, pastries, and baked goods; maintain high quality and presentation. |
Kitchen Steward |
Clean kitchen and equipment, wash dishes, assist with basic food prep as needed. |
Procurement Specialist |
Source food and beverage products, manage supplier relationships, handle purchasing. |
Food Safety Officer |
Implement hygiene standards, conduct inspections, ensure food safety compliance. |
Marketing Specialist |
Promote the restaurant/brand, manage social media, plan marketing campaigns. |
Sales Executive |
Develop client relationships, promote F&B products/services, close sales deals. |
Catering Manager |
Plan and execute catering events, manage staff and logistics, liaise with clients. |
Food & Beverage Director |
Oversee entire F&B operation, develop strategies, manage budgets and staffing. |
Line Cook |
Prepare food according to recipes, maintain kitchen station, ensure consistency. |
Butcher/Fishmonger |
Cut and prepare meats or fish, manage inventory, maintain hygiene. |
Host/Hostess |
Greet and seat guests, manage reservations and waitlists, handle customer inquiries. |
Food & Beverage Coordinator |
Support event planning, coordinate between kitchen and service staff, ensure smooth operations. |
Job Title |
General Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
Restaurant Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality/Business; 3-5 years experience; English fluency. |
Executive Chef |
Culinary diploma/certificate; 5-7 years experience; leadership skills. |
Sous Chef |
Culinary diploma; 3-5 years experience; knowledge of food safety. |
Head Waiter/Supervisor |
High school diploma; 2-4 years F&B service experience; English communication. |
Waiter/Waitress |
High school diploma; basic English; customer service skills. |
Barista |
Basic training in coffee preparation; English fluency; customer focus. |
Bartender |
Experience mixing drinks; knowledge of local alcohol laws; good English. |
Commis Chef |
Basic culinary training or on-the-job experience; hygiene awareness. |
Pastry Chef |
Culinary diploma; 3-5 years pastry experience; creative skills. |
Kitchen Steward |
No formal education required; basic English helpful; physically fit. |
Procurement Specialist |
Bachelor’s degree (Business/Supply Chain); 2-3 years purchasing experience. |
Food Safety Officer |
Degree in Food Science/related field; certifications in food safety; 2+ years experience. |
Marketing Specialist |
Bachelor’s degree (Marketing/Business); 2-3 years experience; English fluency. |
Sales Executive |
Bachelor’s degree; sales experience; good communication skills. |
Catering Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality; 3-5 years catering/events experience; leadership. |
Food & Beverage Director |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in Hospitality; 7-10 years management experience. |
Line Cook |
Basic culinary training or on-the-job experience; hygiene knowledge. |
Butcher/Fishmonger |
Vocational training; 2-3 years experience; knowledge of meat/fish processing. |
Host/Hostess |
High school diploma; English fluency; strong interpersonal skills. |
F&B Coordinator |
Diploma in Hospitality or similar; 1-3 years administrative or F&B experience. |
Job Title |
General Experience Requirements |
---|---|
Restaurant Manager |
3–5 years in F&B management (restaurant or hotel). |
Executive Chef |
5–7 years in professional kitchens, including supervisory. |
Sous Chef |
3–5 years as a line cook or junior chef. |
Head Waiter/Supervisor |
2–4 years as waiter plus supervisory experience. |
Waiter/Waitress |
1–2 years in F&B service (some places accept freshers). |
Barista |
1–2 years in coffee service or café. |
Bartender |
1–3 years mixing drinks in a bar or restaurant. |
Commis Chef |
1–2 years assisting in a kitchen (some places accept trainees). |
Pastry Chef |
3–5 years in pastry/bakery production. |
Kitchen Steward |
No experience required, but 6–12 months preferred. |
Procurement Specialist |
2–3 years in purchasing or supply chain (F&B preferred). |
Food Safety Officer |
2–3 years in food safety/hygiene roles. |
Marketing Specialist |
2–3 years in marketing (F&B/hospitality an advantage). |
Sales Executive |
2–3 years in sales (F&B/hospitality preferred). |
Catering Manager |
3–5 years managing events or catering. |
Food & Beverage Director |
7–10 years in senior F&B management. |
Line Cook |
1–2 years in a professional kitchen. |
Butcher/Fishmonger |
2–3 years handling meat or fish preparation. |
Host/Hostess |
1 year in a restaurant/hotel front-of-house role. |
F&B Coordinator |
1–3 years in admin or F&B coordination roles. |
One of the largest retail and hospitality conglomerates in the Middle East.
Operates global brands like Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Shake Shack, and more.
Operates KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, TGI Fridays, Costa Coffee, and more.
Huge employer of international staff across all levels.
Operates Wendy’s, Costa Coffee, and other F&B brands.
Known for high standards and multinational staff.
Operates Burger King, Applebee’s, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Kababji.
Diverse opportunities for chefs, servers, and managers.
Focused on restaurant operations across MENA; different from the broader Americana Group but closely related.
A luxury hotel offering fine dining, banqueting, and catering.
Employs international chefs, F&B managers, and service staff.
A major hospitality player with multiple F&B outlets including fine dining, buffets, and bars.
Known for hiring international hospitality professionals.
Offers multiple F&B outlets and caters to high-end clientele.
Regularly hires international chefs, managers, and service staff.
Part of the global Marriott brand.
Hires international staff across culinary, service, and management roles.
Known for its high-end dining outlets and international staff.
Seeks experienced chefs, managers, and hospitality professionals.
Known for luxury dining experiences and event catering.
Employs international F&B professionals in a variety of roles.
Manages brands like Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn in Kuwait.
Regularly hires international chefs, F&B managers, and service staff.
Primarily a retailer, but also operates food courts, bakeries, and prepared foods sections.
Occasionally hires international culinary staff and bakery specialists.
Italian casual dining chain.
Looks for international chefs, pizza/pasta cooks, and restaurant managers.
American diner-style restaurant chain.
Hires servers, kitchen staff, and managers from various countries.
Operates casual dining restaurants and catering services.
Known for employing a diverse workforce.
Local brand with an international flair; creative burgers and casual dining.
Hires international cooks and service staff.
Premium grocery and café concept.
Hires baristas, bakers, and chefs.
High-end Chinese dining experience.
Looks for experienced international culinary staff.
Traditional Arabic restaurant with modern management practices.
Recruits international staff for kitchen and service roles.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (KWD) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Restaurant Manager |
800–1200 |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality/Business; 3–5 yrs F&B mgmt experience |
Alshaya, Americana, Jumeirah, Hilton |
Manage daily operations, staff, budgets, and customer satisfaction. |
Executive Chef |
1000–1500 |
Culinary diploma; 5–7 yrs experience; leadership skills |
Alshaya, Radisson Blu, Four Seasons |
Menu planning, kitchen supervision, staff training, quality control. |
Sous Chef |
600–900 |
Culinary diploma; 3–5 yrs experience |
Hilton, Jumeirah, Kout Food Group |
Assist Head Chef, oversee kitchen operations, food prep. |
Head Waiter/Supervisor |
400–600 |
High school; 2–4 yrs service experience |
Americana, Alshaya, Marriott |
Supervise waitstaff, manage reservations, ensure guest satisfaction. |
Waiter/Waitress |
250–350 |
High school; 1–2 yrs service experience |
Johnny Rockets, Vapiano, Dean & Deluca |
Take orders, serve guests, maintain cleanliness, handle payments. |
Barista |
250–350 |
Basic training in coffee; 1–2 yrs experience |
Starbucks (Alshaya), Costa Coffee (Americana) |
Prepare and serve coffee, maintain equipment, handle customers. |
Bartender |
300–450 |
1–3 yrs bartending; knowledge of local alcohol laws |
Hilton, Radisson Blu, Jumeirah |
Prepare cocktails, manage bar inventory, ensure cleanliness. |
Commis Chef |
250–350 |
Basic culinary training; 1–2 yrs kitchen experience |
Kout Food Group, Al-Bustan, Americana |
Assist with food prep, maintain kitchen hygiene, basic cooking. |
Pastry Chef |
600–800 |
Culinary diploma; 3–5 yrs pastry/bakery experience |
Four Seasons, Dean & Deluca, Jumeirah |
Prepare desserts, manage pastry section, maintain presentation. |
Kitchen Steward |
200–300 |
No formal education; basic English helpful |
Marriott, Americana, Hilton |
Wash dishes, clean kitchen, assist with basic prep as needed. |
Procurement Specialist |
600–900 |
Bachelor’s (Business/Supply Chain); 2–3 yrs purchasing experience |
Sultan Center, Americana, Alghanim Industries |
Source suppliers, manage inventory, negotiate with vendors. |
Food Safety Officer |
600–900 |
Food Science degree; 2–3 yrs hygiene experience |
Americana, Alshaya, Marriott |
Implement hygiene standards, conduct audits, ensure compliance. |
Marketing Specialist |
600–900 |
Bachelor’s in Marketing; 2–3 yrs experience |
Alshaya, Americana, Kout Food Group |
Promote brand, manage campaigns, handle social media. |
Sales Executive |
500–800 |
Bachelor’s; 2–3 yrs sales experience |
Americana, Sultan Center, Alghanim Industries |
Build client relationships, promote F&B products, achieve sales. |
Catering Manager |
800–1200 |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality; 3–5 yrs catering/events experience |
Jumeirah, Hilton, Americana |
Plan events, manage staff, coordinate logistics. |
F&B Director |
1500–2000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s; 7–10 yrs senior management experience |
Alshaya, Hilton, Four Seasons |
Oversee F&B operations, develop strategy, manage budgets. |
Line Cook |
250–350 |
Culinary training or experience; 1–2 yrs |
Americana, Vapiano, Al-Bustan |
Cook menu items, maintain station, ensure consistency. |
Butcher/Fishmonger |
300–450 |
Vocational training; 2–3 yrs experience |
Sultan Center, Americana, Dean & Deluca |
Cut and prepare meat/fish, manage stock, maintain hygiene. |
Host/Hostess |
250–350 |
High school; 1 yr customer service |
Jumeirah, Marriott, Hilton |
Greet guests, manage reservations, assist with seating. |
F&B Coordinator |
500–700 |
Diploma in Hospitality; 1–3 yrs admin/F&B experience |
Marriott, Four Seasons, Americana |
Support events, coordinate between kitchen/service staff. |
Visa Type |
Sponsorship |
Duration |
Who Applies |
Key Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Article 18 (Private Sector Work Visa) |
Employer (restaurant/hotel/catering company) |
1–3 years (renewable) |
Employer applies on behalf of the candidate |
Most common work visa; allows legal employment in the private sector. Requires a valid job offer and employer sponsorship. |
Article 20 (Domestic Worker Visa) |
Individual sponsor (household) |
1–2 years (renewable) |
Sponsor applies on behalf of the worker |
Generally for domestic staff (e.g. cooks in private homes). Not suitable for restaurant/hotel roles. |
Project Visa |
Employer (linked to a government or large private project) |
Valid for the project duration |
Employer applies on behalf of the candidate |
For staff recruited under a specific contract or project (sometimes used in catering). Limited flexibility. |
Temporary Work Permit (Article 19) |
Employer (rarely used) |
3–6 months (non-renewable) |
Employer applies on behalf of the candidate |
Often used for short-term assignments or seasonal catering. Requires Ministry of Labor approval. |