‘Indian cuisine is very popular among Emiratis’

Khulood Atiq, the first woman to become a chef in the UAE, talks about Indian cuisine and her journey

Khulood Atiq, who will be in Mumbai to promote the tourism and culture of Abu Dhabi later this week, is the first woman to become a chef in the UAE. A well-known name in Asia, Atiq has been promoting Emirati food all over the world for almost a decade now. She has even hosted a TV show and written a book on the subject. During her visit, she will prepare 300kg of biryani which she will serve for free.

You are the first female chef in the UAE. Was it difficult when you started out?

In the beginning, when I started making my first public appearances, it felt a little strange. People used to be surprised to see me cook on TV or at big events. But then, they started feeling proud of my achievements. Now, I have the full support [of the people] wherever I go.

Have other Emirati women become chefs since you started cooking professionally?

Yes, we do have more Emirati women chefs nowadays. Lot of young Emirati women are getting inspired to pursue their passion for cooking, and the society is more open to accepting them as well.

A huge number of Indians work in the country and visit the UAE as tourists. Is local Emirati food popular among Indians?

Emirati cuisine is very popular among Indians, as there are many similarities between the two cuisines.

Are any of your dishes variations of the Indian cuisine or are they inspired by Indian dishes?

The development of Emirati cuisine was, in part, inspired by the cuisine of India, with many recipes and techniques transplanted across the sea by historic trade links. Traders would bring ingredients across the ocean and subsequently teach their wives the recipes they were introduced to in India. For example Tahta, the Emirati version of the biryani, is cooked with gravy based on spices and mainly dried lemon. Luqaimat, which is made by infusing cardamom and saffron in dough, and served with date syrup, is the Emirati version of the gulab jamun.

Have you cooked for any of the Bollywood stars yet?

Not yet, but I would love the chance to do that one day.

What do the locals of Abu Dhabi think of Indian cuisine? Is it popular there?

Yes, Indian cuisine is very popular among Emiratis. It’s also the most popular cuisine among Emiratis when they are travelling abroad, as it is the closest to their own cuisine.

Does the UAE royalty have any preference for Indian food?

I guess, yes, just like the rest of the Emiratis.

Chef Khulood Atiq