In a warm, spice-scented kitchen in Abu Dhabi, the sound of sizzling pans mingles with laughter. At the centre stands Chef Hessa Al Mulla—a rising star in the culinary world, and a woman on a mission to take Emirati cuisine to the global stage. Through bold creativity and deep cultural respect, she is giving the world a taste of the Emirates like never before.
From Sharjah to the World
Hessa’s journey began in the city of Sharjah, where childhood afternoons were often spent watching her grandmother prepare traditional meals. “The kitchen was where stories were told,” she remembers. “Where our identity came to life in every bite.”
Despite her early passion for food, Hessa’s path to the culinary world wasn’t straightforward. In a society where becoming a doctor or engineer was the expected route, telling her family she wanted to be a chef was met with confusion. But with unwavering determination, she enrolled in a culinary school in Paris, immersing herself in the precision of French techniques while holding tightly to her roots.
It wasn’t long before she noticed a glaring void. While menus around the world proudly offered Japanese sushi or Italian pasta, there was little recognition of Emirati dishes. “It felt like we were missing from the global table,” Hessa says. “I knew I had to change that.”
Redefining Heritage with a Modern Twist
Armed with classical training and an unshakable sense of purpose, Hessa returned to the UAE to launch her dream: a contemporary Emirati restaurant called Bait Al Hessa. The name translates to “Hessa’s Home,” a nod to the comforting, intimate experience she aims to offer each diner.
In her kitchen, heritage and innovation dance together. She reimagines classics—slow-cooked lamb machboos arrives as a fragrant risotto-style dish, while the humble regag bread is elevated with wild thyme and camel cheese foam. Yet every creation is anchored in authenticity, with ingredients sourced locally and traditional cooking methods subtly woven in.
“My goal isn’t to modernise for the sake of trend,” Hessa explains. “It’s to keep our flavours alive in a way that resonates with today’s world.”
Her approach has drawn attention not just locally, but internationally. Food critics have lauded her for bringing storytelling to the plate, and global chefs have sought her collaboration in fusion menus that pair Emirati spices with diverse cuisines.
Spreading Flavour Across Borders
With a mission that transcends the kitchen, Hessa is taking Emirati cuisine far beyond the UAE’s borders. Over the past three years, she’s curated pop-up dining experiences in cities like London, Paris, Singapore, and New York. Each event is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural immersion, featuring Emirati music, design, and personal stories alongside the food.
One of her most memorable experiences was hosting a Ramadan-inspired tasting menu in London, where international guests were introduced to dishes like harees, salona, and luqaimat—each accompanied by an explanation of its origins and significance.
“The feedback was overwhelming,” she says. “Many people were tasting Emirati food for the first time, and they were blown away by its depth and richness.”
She believes that food can serve as a gentle, yet powerful, form of diplomacy. “When people sit together to share a meal, barriers fade. That’s the magic of cuisine—it unites.”
Empowering the Next Generation
While Hessa’s global ventures continue to expand, she remains committed to her roots and her community. She frequently hosts workshops and mentorship programs for young Emiratis interested in the culinary arts, particularly women. “We need more local voices in professional kitchens,” she says. “Our stories deserve to be told through our own hands.”
These sessions go beyond basic cooking. They explore topics like sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the role of heritage in modern food culture. Hessa encourages her mentees to innovate without forgetting their roots, just as she did.
One of her proudest moments came when a former student opened her own home-based catering business focused on Emirati fusion desserts. “That’s the dream,” Hessa says. “To inspire others to believe that our food matters—and has a place on any table.”
The Rise of Emirati Cuisine
Over the past decade, the UAE has experienced a culinary renaissance, with an increasing focus on celebrating local cuisine. Emirati food, once relegated to home kitchens and family gatherings, is now enjoying a vibrant moment in the spotlight.
Hessa is among a new wave of chefs helping to redefine what it means to be “local” in a multicultural nation. “Emirati cuisine is not static,” she notes. “It’s constantly evolving, influenced by trade, migration, and geography. What unites it all is the spirit—generosity, warmth, and resilience.”
She often incorporates regional nuances into her dishes, drawing from the distinct flavours of the coast, mountains, and desert. From fish grilled in date-palm leaves to saffron-scented rice and hand-pounded spice blends, every plate becomes a lesson in heritage.
And as global diners grow increasingly curious about lesser-known cuisines, Emirati food—with its bold spices and comforting textures—is stepping confidently into the spotlight.
Looking Ahead
With several accolades under her belt, including recognition from global culinary organisations and regional awards for innovation, Chef Hessa Al Mulla is just getting started.
She’s currently working on her first cookbook, which will combine recipes, personal reflections, and insights into the cultural significance of Emirati meals. Slated for release next year, the book aims to bridge generations and offer both local and international audiences a deeper appreciation for the stories behind the food.
She’s also developing a new concept restaurant that will focus on plant-based Emirati cuisine—a first of its kind. “We have so many vegetables, grains, and spices in our traditional dishes that people overlook,” she says. “This project is about honouring those ingredients while responding to modern dietary choices.”
And while her star continues to rise, she remains grounded. “No matter where I go, I carry the memory of my grandmother’s kitchen,” she says softly. “Her hands, her stories, her flavours—that’s what started it all.”
A Taste of Identity
At a time when cultures can sometimes feel diluted in the face of globalisation, Chef Hessa Al Mulla stands as a powerful reminder of the strength found in staying true to one’s roots. Through food, she tells stories of the desert, the sea, the souks, and the homes that shaped her. And in doing so, she invites the world to experience the UAE not just as a destination—but as a flavour.
For every diner who takes that first bite of machboos or sips a saffron-infused coffee for the first time, a connection is made. One that speaks of pride, passion, and the power of preserving tradition in a fast-changing world.
Hessa isn’t just cooking meals. She’s building bridges. One dish at a time.
Read More: The Rise of Freelancing in the UAE: Stories from the New Workforce
