With holiday season fast approaching, we reveal the innovative approaches to traditional festive dishes from renowned chefs in the Middle East.

Career highlights

Whether I am creating, eating or filming dishes, my enthusiasm for the culinary world remains unwavering. I particularly enjoy giving culinary courses to share my expertise.

Balance in holiday menus

As a chef, creating new dishes for the holiday comes naturally to me, driven by inspiration and a deep passion for food. However, innovating a traditional dish presents unique challenges and requires a more thoughtful approach and precise adjustments. I must remain mindful of the key ingredients that define and give the dish its meaning. Therefore, I focus on respecting the core elements that distinguish the dish while enhancing them subtly. For instance, I might elevate a traditional dish like roasted turkey with a brine infused with seasonal fruits and herbs. My main goal is to preserve the holiday spirit and surprise guests with memorable flavors.

Career highlights

I have been on the popular Fatafeat channel for six years now, sharing my culinary expertise with viewers. Additionally, I am the founder of a coffee and fried ice-cream shop located in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt. Furthermore, my passion lies in creating delicious desserts designed for everyone to enjoy and share memorable moments. Each recipe I develop is crafted thoughtfully, ensuring it brings happiness and indulgence to those who try it. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others through my love of desserts and enhance their dining experiences.

Classics with a twist

To introduce innovation in holiday dessert menus while honoring traditional expectations, I focus on recreating classical favorites with a modern twist. By using traditional ingredients, I present them in new and exciting ways that align with current trends. For instance, matcha is trending right now, so I would incorporate it into classic desserts like matcha tiramisu or matcha madeleines. Similarly, katifi pistachio is popular, so I would add it to traditional desserts like cheesecake or use it as a filling for baklava. This gives a unique twist to each dessert, adding freshness and originality.

As we approach the holiday season, I also experiment with warm, spicy classics like apple pie, turning it into apple pie parfaits. These parfaits feature layers of spiced apples, crumble and cream for a delightful new take on the traditional. Gingerbread tiramisu is another great twist that brings holiday flavors into a fresh dessert concept. Additionally, I consider the growing interest in plant-based products, offering gluten-free versions of traditional desserts. This caters to diverse dietary needs and ensures inclusivity for all consumers.

Career highlights

As an executive producer, recipe developer and TV chef, I bring soul to recipes by keeping them easy,  tasty and convenient. Additionally, I always improvise to enhance the flavors and elevate each dish.

Flavorful creativity

Introducing innovations to holiday menus while respecting traditional expectations is about balancing familiar old recipes with fresh new twists. Here are some ideas to achieve this balance:

• Introduce trending ingredients and spices into classic recipes to bring a modern touch while maintaining their traditional essence
• Make some substitutions, keeping the same traditional, familiar taste but enhancing it with more vibrant and flavorful elements
• Add new, creative side courses with unique twists that complement the main dishes and offer guests exciting options
• Play with presentation to elevate the visual appeal of the dishes, creating an inviting and memorable dining experience

Career highlights

My culinary journey spans 30 years, with prestigious training at Michelin-starred venues worldwide with renowned chefs like Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck.

Presentation and taste in holiday menus

To introduce innovation into holiday menus while respecting tradition, I believe it’s essential to understand the cuisine’s foundational aspects. Additionally, innovation is not about disregarding tradition but instead finding ways to thoughtfully elevate it without losing authenticity. Therefore, before implementing any creative changes, I immerse myself in the history, techniques, ingredients, and flavors that define these dishes. Moreover, I prioritize understanding not just the recipe but the social, cultural and ceremonial significance behind every dish. Why are these meals prepared in such a specific way and what stories do they honor? Once I have a comprehensive grasp, it becomes easier to innovate with respect. This allows me to introduce new ideas that complement and enhance traditions, rather than disrupt them entirely.

Presentation plays a crucial role in themed holiday meals, emphasizing not only what’s on the plate but also the story conveyed. Once you have mastered the fundamentals, you can start experimenting with variations, pushing creativity’s boundaries while maintaining the dish’s core identity. Furthermore, dare to explore different combinations of ingredients, spices, herbs, and sauces to achieve balance and harmony in every element. Additionally, incorporate seasonal or locally sourced ingredients and, whenever possible, substitutes healthier or more sustainable options.

To create a lasting impression, you can focus on presentation, texture, and temperature, adding contrasts or surprises that excite the senses. Whether adding a visual element or a playful twist in taste, aim to uphold the traditional dish’s essence. Moreover, adds your own signature touch to reflect her personality and passion for innovation. It is this thoughtful blend of tradition and creativity that elevates the holiday dining experience significantly.

Career highlights

I am honored to be the first Saudi and the youngest participant on the renowned “Top Chef” show. Additionally, I hold a certificate in Italian culinary arts from Sicily, which has profoundly influenced my approach to cooking. To date, I have won 31 medals in both international and local cooking competitions. These accomplishments continue to inspire my commitment to excellence in the culinary field.

In addition, I offer cooking courses for charity associations and collaborate with several food companies to review and ensure the quality of their products before they are released to the market. Moreover, I partner with various food companies to conduct live cooking demonstrations in malls across the kingdom, allowing me to share my culinary skills with a wider audience.

Cultural connections in holiday menus

Innovation plays a crucial role in holiday and local celebration menus; however, it should always respect traditional heritage and customs. The essence of this work lies in crafting dishes that carry a cultural connection for both family and guests.

Such attention to detail allows these elements to add value to the dining experience without being overt. This approach includes using advanced cooking techniques alongside a distinctive selection of seasonal local ingredients and unique herbs.

Career highlights

Transitioning from a Business Intelligence Consultant to a Food Consultant, I pursued my passion for cooking and Moroccan heritage. I left my job and boldly opened my own Moroccan restaurant in France, following my culinary dreams wholeheartedly. Later, I relocated to the UAE to begin my journey as a TV Chef Presenter, expanding my influence. My career also includes offering cooking classes and consultancy services for hotels and restaurants like Galeries Lafayette and Jumeirah Group. Additionally, I am a culinary consultant to TV personality Martha Stewart in New York, further enhancing my international portfolio.

I also own a healthy concept called “La Pause Healthy” in my home country, reflecting my innovative spirit. In addition, I founded my own range of gourmet spice blends, “Hanouna’s Taste,” showcasing my dedication to unique flavors.

New flavors in holiday menus

Introducing new flavors or ingredients while maintaining the essence of traditional dishes requires a thoughtful and balanced approach. Furthermore, the presentation of these dishes can always be enhanced to elevate the dining experience significantly. Being in a cosmopolitan region offers the opportunity to combine holiday dishes with flavors from various cuisines. Consequently, this approach helps create a holiday menu that feels fresh and exciting, blending diverse tastes seamlessly. Moreover, it ensures that guests still celebrate the beloved traditions that define the festive season.