Chef Sumaya Obaid’s passion for food was ignited by her mother’s creativity in the kitchen and the way she presented every dish as if it were a story. This led Sumaya to pursue culinary studies in Australia, where she gained the confidence needed to excel as a chef. After returning to her homeland, she showcased her culinary skills on various platforms, including a cooking show on Fatafeat, a Middle East food channel. The recent premiere of Kitchen Tales: Summer Edition features Sumaya Obaid alongside new chefs Kholoud Ahmed Suhail and Mohammad Salah, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques.
Sumaya Obaid’s approach to traditional Emirati cuisine is deeply rooted in the stories and feelings behind each dish, reflecting the heritage and culture of the UAE. She combines tradition with creativity to offer unique and special dishes, such as “Madhrouba” and a fusion of Spanish paella with Gulf traditions. Sumaya incorporates traditional techniques with modern twists, experimenting with spices and flavors to enhance the overall dining experience.
One of the challenging moments in Sumaya’s career was conducting a training course for 35 executive chefs, all of whom were more experienced and older than her. Despite initial fears, she overcame the challenges by trusting her abilities, believing in her passion, and earning respect and confidence based on her skills. Cooking shows play a significant role in the culinary world by promoting awareness, creativity, and talent among chefs while inspiring a wider audience to experiment and explore new flavors and techniques.
The future of Emirati cuisine looks promising, with a growing interest in preserving and promoting local culinary traditions both locally and internationally. Efforts to showcase Emirati cuisine at restaurants, events, and global platforms are bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, sharing the unique flavors and stories behind the dishes with a wider audience. Aspiring chefs specializing in traditional cuisine are advised to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and ingredients of each dish, experimenting with flavor combinations while respecting authenticity.
Chef Sumaya finds inspiration in Indian chef Vikas Khanna, known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine and philanthropic efforts. If given the opportunity to cook for anyone, she would choose to cook for people of determination, preparing a comforting and inclusive meal that caters to different dietary needs and preferences. Sumaya’s journey as a chef reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting Emirati cuisine while infusing creativity and passion into every dish she creates.
