How did the change of heart happen - from banking to cuisine?

I always loved cooking but as I felt unfulfilled and creatively underwhelmed even while having a well paying job in finance. I had to take the decision of changing my life plans. At one point, I found myself feeling happier in the kitchen, preparing something to eat after work. I decided, I wanted to open my own restaurant. So I enrolled myself into cooking courses and finally into culinary school to have proper preparation. I always felt my way of thinking was different than other chefs around me which I have used to my advantage. I also paid more attention to numbers because of my experience in finance and, therefore, also had the opportunity of opening a consulting company for restaurants, where my love for numbers and cooking have collided and given me the success I am currently having.

When conjuring up a menu, what factors primarily come to play in your mind?

First I research about my target market

I can't think of just one dish I would like to create. I'm constantly thinking of new recipes and approaches. My biggest dream and challenge is to make menus that have all healthy dish choices and ingredients, and are also more appealing and tastier for the consumers. Without affecting the taste and dish experience of what would usually be unhealthy food.

You believe that recipes lack What according to you are the typical choices of diners in the Middle East, especially Arabs?

I think, in general, most younger generation Arabs are willing to experiment with their dishes. They are more open to modern choices and a variety of new foreign dishes or fusion cuisine. However, the older generation, in general, seek more traditional dishes and are not so open to change.

Arab cuisine is not really meant for ‘fine dining’. Do you think there is need to Have you tried your hands at Omani cuisine?

Not much. I've only had the opportunity of trying 'Shuwa' and Omani halwa. I think both are very delicious.

For Ramadan 2021, do you have any specific plans?

My personal plan is to share several creative recipes on social media, so that people get a chance to recreate them at home and try something new for this Ramadan with their families.