A Passion That Started at the Dinner Table
For many of us, food is more than just something we eat — it’s memories, emotions, and culture served on a plate. And for Abdallah Alshamsi, that belief runs deep. An Emirati food blogger and hospitality enthusiast, Abdallah has carved a name for himself in the culinary world, both online and offline. But his journey didn’t begin with Instagram followers or restaurant openings. It began at home, at family gatherings, where a young Abdallah would experiment in the kitchen during the cozy winter evenings.
At just 12 years old, Abdallah was already trying his hand at cooking for his family, sparking a lifelong love affair with food. “I realized how much joy it brought people,” he recalls. “Food wasn’t just about taste; it was about bringing people together, creating moments.”
Traveling the World, One Bite at a Time
A key part of Abdallah’s story is his love for travel. His father, an avid traveler himself, made sure their trips were never just about visiting landmarks. “We traveled like locals,” Abdallah explains. “We’d hunt for hidden cafés, local markets, and street food stalls most tourists would miss.”
These experiences shaped Abdallah’s perspective on food. He learned that every dish tells a story and that behind every recipe is a culture waiting to be discovered. These stories, flavors, and memories became the foundation of his food blog, @abdallahreviews, and his event-based restaurant venture.
A Natural Guide for Foodies
Long before social media became the place to look for food recommendations, Abdallah was already the go-to person for his circle of friends and family. “Since I was 15, people would call or message me asking where to eat,” he laughs. “It became a thing.”
This natural ability to find the best eateries, hidden gems, and must-visit spots made Abdallah realize he could turn this passion into something bigger. In 2019, he officially launched his food blog, documenting his culinary adventures across the UAE and beyond.
Today, @abdallahreviews is a trusted guide for thousands of food lovers looking for honest, authentic reviews and recommendations.
Balancing Two Worlds: Accountant by Day, Foodie by Night
What makes Abdallah’s story even more inspiring is the balance he strikes between his day job and his passion. While he’s a successful food influencer and restaurant founder, Abdallah is also a full-time accountant.
“Having a professional foundation is important to me,” he says. “It gives me the security and discipline I need while allowing me to pursue my creative ventures.”
This dual lifestyle shows that following your passion doesn’t always mean giving up stability. It’s about finding harmony between responsibility and personal dreams.
The Birth of ‘Let’s Meet Up’
In a bold move to bring people together around food and culture, Abdallah opened Let’s Meet Up, an event-based restaurant concept that celebrates good food and even better company. Unlike traditional restaurants, Let’s Meet Up focuses on creating themed events, pop-up dinners, and food-centric gatherings that foster conversation and community.
“It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a space for people to connect, share stories, and experience different flavors,” Abdallah shares. “I wanted to create a place where food isn’t just consumed — it’s celebrated.”
Celebrating Emirati Culture Through Food
One of Abdallah’s proudest achievements is using his platform to showcase Emirati cuisine and culture to a wider audience. While global food trends often steal the spotlight, Abdallah believes it’s essential to honor his roots.
“Emirati food is rich, flavorful, and deeply connected to our history,” he explains. Through his blog and restaurant events, he introduces people to traditional dishes, local ingredients, and the stories behind them. It’s his way of giving back to the community and preserving the culinary heritage of the UAE.
Lessons from the Journey
Success stories often come with valuable lessons, and Abdallah’s path is no different. One of the most important things he’s learned is the uniqueness of personal taste. “Not everyone likes the same flavors or experiences,” he says. “And that’s okay. The food industry, like life, isn’t one-size-fits-all.”
His travels and interactions with people from various cultures have made him more adaptable and open-minded. These experiences have shaped his ability to create inclusive and meaningful food experiences that appeal to a diverse audience.
Staying True to His Roots
Despite the rapid growth of his personal brand and business ventures, Abdallah remains deeply connected to his traditions and values. “I want to be remembered as someone who stayed loyal to his heritage while bridging cultures,” he reflects.
His goal isn’t just to be a successful influencer or entrepreneur but to leave a lasting impact by sharing authentic stories, promoting goodwill, and representing Emirati culture with honesty and pride.
Advice to His Younger Self
If he could travel back in time, Abdallah knows exactly what he’d tell his younger self: “Keep going. Stay true to what you’re doing because every moment, every challenge, and every success is leading you to something bigger. Trust the process.”
It’s a message many young dreamers need to hear — a reminder that success isn’t always instant, but consistency and passion always pay off in the long run.
What’s Next for Abdallah Alshamsi?
Even with his packed schedule and multiple projects, Abdallah isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He plans to expand Let’s Meet Up into more pop-up events, both locally and internationally. He’s also working on collaborations with fellow food bloggers and brands to continue showcasing the UAE’s dynamic food scene.
On social media, his goal is to keep growing his platform while staying authentic. “I don’t want to chase trends,” he says. “I want to create meaningful content that people connect with.”
He’s also considering hosting cultural food tours, where locals and tourists can experience the authentic side of Emirati cuisine, guided by someone who knows the hidden gems and untold stories.
A Role Model for the New Generation
In a world where instant fame often overshadows authenticity, Abdallah Alshamsi’s story is a refreshing reminder of what true passion looks like. He didn’t set out to be famous — he simply wanted to share his love for food and culture. The success followed naturally.
Today, he stands as an example for aspiring content creators, entrepreneurs, and food lovers, showing that you don’t have to abandon your roots or your day job to follow your dreams. It’s possible to balance both, stay authentic, and create a lasting impact.
Follow Abdallah’s Journey
To stay updated on Abdallah’s latest food finds, restaurant reviews, and cultural events, follow him on:
- Instagram: @abdallahreviews
- TikTok: Abdallahreviews
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