Bukhoor is a cherished tradition deeply intertwined with Kuwait’s culture and heritage. It has been used by Kuwaitis since ancient times and continues to hold its place in their lives to this day. Kuwaitis use different types of bukhoor for various purposes, whether for daily use, celebratory events, perfuming their clothes and more. This practice adds a luxurious touch to living spaces and creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Bukhoor comes in different types, shapes and scents, and the choice of which kind to use is based on personal preference. According to Mahfouz Ahmad, a vendor at a well-known bukhoor shop in Kuwait, Kuwaitis often prefer a type of bukhoor known as “Tarath A” for scenting clothes, rooms and even brides.

A type of Bukhoor called Ambala, considered one of the best types, brought from India, WHICH sells for around KD 35 per tola.

Basic mubkhar, used to burn bukhoor to release its pleasant fragrance.

Cambodian bukhoor, one of the best selling types of bukhoor in Kuwait, which sells for around KD 75 per tola.

Mubkhars of different shapes and sizes.

Electronic mubkhar is used to burn bukhoor or maamoul without the need for charcoal discs.

Maamoul

Mahfouz Ahmad showing Kuwait Times Tarath A, one of the Kuwaitis' favorite types of bukhoor.

Zora bukhoor from India sells for around KD 16 per tola.

Bukhoor typically originates from countries such as India, the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia, among others. Despite its appearance, which may resemble wood, only a very small part of it is wood. Bukhoor is made of a special blend of aromatic elements, which are later dried to remove excess moisture and make it suitable for burning. Drying also helps it retain its scent for months or even years.

Bukhoor is used by burning a fragment on a charcoal disc inside a special burner called a “mubkhar” to create a pleasant aroma that fills the surroundings with a sweet and smoky fragrance. People then use their mubkhar to perfume their clothes, cars, rooms or any other spaces. Ahmad also highlighted a minor difference between bukhoor and what is known as “maamoul”, stating that maamoul is used similarly to bukhoor but is usually cheaper and has a moist texture, as it is soaked in specific oils that give it its fragrance. People often use maamoul for daily use to enhance their home’s atmosphere.

Beautiful mubkhars are used for decortive purposes besides burning bukhoor.

Philippine bukhoor sells for KD 50 per tola.

The recessed center of the mubkhar, where the charcoal disc and bukhoor are placed.

Tongs with carved names and initials.

Unique-shaped bukhoor.

A vendor using tongs to place a bukhoor fragment on a burning charcoal disc in a mubkhar.

Unique-shaped bukhoor, known as Assam, from India, sells for around KD 12 per tola.

Ghadeer Ghloum

Ahmad described to Kuwait Times the meticulous process of producing oud oil. “Take, for example, Cambodian oud, which is one of the most cherished and expensive ones. The Cambodian oud oil undergoes a cleaning process after extraction from the tree, then is transformed into powder using specialized machines outside Kuwait. This powder is soaked in water for approximately 10 days to extract its essence, resulting in a fragrant product ready for sale in Kuwait. The extraction happens very slowly, as it takes five kilograms of Cambodian oud powder to produce around ten tolas only,” Ahmad said.