In the shimmering metropolis of Dubai, a city of towering skyscrapers and cultural fusion, one restaurant stands out—not for its extravagance, but for its heart. Orfali Bros Bistro, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Jumeirah, isn’t just a culinary destination. It’s a story of grit, reinvention, and the unbreakable spirit of three Syrian brothers who transformed adversity into artistry.
At the center of this inspiring journey is Mohamad Ørfali – The Best Chef, a man whose journey from a war-torn homeland to global culinary acclaim exemplifies the power of perseverance. From refugee to restauranteur, his story is one of hope plated with flavor and purpose.
The Roots of Flavor: Growing Up in Aleppo
Mohammad Orfali’s culinary roots stretch back to the ancient city of Aleppo, a place steeped in history and renowned for its complex and flavorful cuisine. Growing up surrounded by the scents of cumin, Aleppo pepper, and slow-cooked lamb, Mohammad developed an early appreciation for the power of food to bring people together.
As a child, he watched his mother and aunts cook with instinct and intuition—adding a pinch of this, a splash of that—without ever needing a recipe. Meals were more than nourishment; they were gatherings, a chance for connection, and a celebration of culture.
But as Syria’s civil war escalated, Mohammad and his family faced an uncertain future. What once was familiar quickly turned into danger. Seeking safety and opportunity, he made the painful decision to leave Aleppo behind and rebuild his life elsewhere.
A Dream Takes Root in Dubai
Dubai, with its melting pot of cultures and open arms for innovation, became Mohammad’s new home. But starting over wasn’t easy. As a refugee in a new country, he faced cultural differences, financial instability, and the emotional toll of displacement. Yet, through it all, he never lost sight of his passion for cooking.
Mohammad enrolled in culinary school and immersed himself in classical French techniques. But his soul yearned to tell a different story—one that honored his Syrian roots while embracing the modern, experimental spirit of his new home. This inner calling became the seed for what would eventually bloom into Orfali Bros Bistro.
Joined by his two brothers, Wassim and Omar, the Orfali trio envisioned a restaurant that was uniquely theirs—one where Middle Eastern flavors were not just preserved but elevated through innovation. Together, they set out to craft a space that celebrated both tradition and transformation.
Battling the Odds to Build a Vision
Opening a restaurant is never easy. But doing so in the middle of a pandemic, after fleeing your homeland, and without a secure financial foundation? That takes something extraordinary.
The brothers initially secured an investor to back their dream, but the deal collapsed just before opening. With their backs against the wall, they turned to their team—their culinary family—who offered to work unpaid in the early days. Suppliers, too, showed faith, extending credits and deferring payments. It was an outpouring of belief in the brothers’ vision, and it carried them through the darkest days.
With bare hands and big dreams, Orfali Bros Bistro opened its doors in early 2021. What followed was nothing short of miraculous.
A Menu with Meaning
Orfali Bros Bistro doesn’t just serve food—it tells stories. Each dish on the menu is a narrative, a memory reimagined, a flavor rediscovered. The “shish barak a la gyoza” blends traditional Syrian dumplings with Japanese technique, while “Come With Me to Aleppo,” a wagyu beef kebab, pays homage to the chef’s childhood.
These dishes are playful and profound. They reflect a culinary philosophy Mohammad calls “Dubai Cuisine,” a fluid, boundary-crossing approach that mirrors the city’s multicultural essence. It’s not about copying recipes from home—it’s about creating something new, grounded in authenticity but reaching forward with imagination.
The restaurant’s design mirrors this ethos—open, unpretentious, and full of energy. The kitchen is at the center, not hidden away, allowing guests to witness the choreography of creation. Every detail feels intentional, from the ingredients to the storytelling.
Recognition and Respect
In just a short span, Orfali Bros Bistro rocketed to international fame. The restaurant earned a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide and was named the number one restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa in 2023.
But for Mohammad and his brothers, accolades are not the end goal. Their true reward lies in changing perceptions of Syrian cuisine, breaking stereotypes, and showing that diaspora can be a source of innovation rather than limitation.
They’ve become symbols of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. And they’ve done it by staying true to themselves—never compromising on flavor, culture, or integrity.
Creating a Culinary Family
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Orfali story is the sense of family that permeates everything they do. The restaurant’s team is a mosaic of cultures—Filipino, Indian, Lebanese, French—and Mohammad insists that every voice in the kitchen matters.
The Orfali brothers hail from Aleppo, Syria—a city renowned for its rich gastronomic traditions. Growing up amidst the aromatic spices and diverse flavors of their homeland, the brothers developed a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. Mohammad, the eldest, pursued formal culinary education, while Wassim and Omar honed their skills in pastry arts. Their shared passion for food became a guiding force as they navigated the challenges of displacement and sought new beginnings in Dubai.
He sees himself not as a boss, but as a mentor, creating an environment where young chefs can learn, experiment, and find their own voices. This collaborative spirit infuses every dish, every service, every success.
It’s no surprise then that loyalty runs deep. Many team members who joined in the early, uncertain days remain at Orfali Bros today, now sharing in the pride of what they’ve built together.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Success hasn’t distanced the Orfali brothers from their roots. On the contrary, it’s only deepened their commitment to giving back.
When devastating earthquakes struck Syria and Turkey in 2023, Mohammad organized a series of charity dinners in collaboration with other top Dubai chefs. The proceeds supported relief efforts for those affected by the crisis. For him, cooking was not just a livelihood—it was a way to serve love.
The brothers are also preparing to expand. In 2025, they plan to launch “Three Bros,” a new culinary concept that will push boundaries even further. The focus will still be on Middle Eastern flavors but with an even more experimental edge.
As they look to the future, one thing remains clear: their journey is just beginning.
More Than a Restaurant
Orfali Bros Bistro is not just a place to eat. It’s a place to feel. It’s where you can taste history and hope on the same plate. Where you can witness how tragedy can be turned into triumph through creativity, collaboration, and courage.
Mohammad Orfali’s journey from refugee to restauranteur is one of the most powerful reminders that our past does not define us—it informs us. That hardship can fuel vision. That displacement can lead to discovery.
And most of all, that food, when made with love and intention, has the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire.
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