Dubai’s culinary landscape has been transformed with the unveiling of Soul Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant heart of Business Bay. This thrilling dining destination, masterminded by Factory People, a renowned experiential group in the MENA region, promises an enticing fusion of Levantine and Latin American flavors within an immersive setting that’s a true feast for the senses.
Factory People is celebrated for curating enduring experiences spanning the nightlife spectrum, including iconic mega-clubs, such as The Grand Factory and AHM in Beirut, alongside exceptional restaurants, bars and beach clubs. With an extensive portfolio comprising 20 brands and 17 venues spanning Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE, complemented by strategic global partnerships in the UK, France and Spain, Factory People’s influence knows no boundaries.
At its core, Soul Kitchen pays homage to the Arab diaspora that dispersed throughout Latin America in the 19th century. These intrepid migrants carried with them a rich tapestry of culture and culinary traditions, transforming each new port of call into a cherished home. Levantine cuisine thus embarked on an incredible journey from Buenos Aires to Mexico City, adapting to local ingredients and absorbing regional influences.
The culinary delights at Soul Kitchen are complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine selection and masterfully crafted cocktails by the acclaimed mixologist Jaco Raath. He expertly blends traditional ingredients from both the Levantine and Latin American regions, fashioning exquisite modern classics.
Speaking exclusively to Hospitality News ME, the creators behind Soul Kitchen shared their vision:
Wassim Bou Malham, chief strategy officer at Factory People, said: “Dubai is a very special city with a unique social construct. It hosts almost every culture and is rich in diversity. When we thought of expanding to Dubai, we wanted to bring these cultures together and create a bridge that is based on collaborative efforts to produce new but familiar taste profiles across the board.”
Tala Mortada, chief creative officer at Factory People, added: “Soul Kitchen tells our story as individuals and as a group of artists who had to leave home and start something new. We designed every detail with the mindset of migration inspiring creativity. You can taste it in our exquisite hummus chimichurri, see it in our mashrabiya-adorned ceiling and hear it in our curated sounds from all over the world.”
Soul Kitchen is just the beginning of a multi-room experience that immerses guests in regional alternative culture, art and talent. Factory People eagerly anticipates introducing their concepts to the local UAE community, nurturing the growth of this already vibrant and thriving scene.