In the world of culinary arts, blending culture, technology and storytelling can create unforgettable dining experiences. Omar Sartawi, food artist at Alcamist, explores the importance of cultural storytelling in promoting Arabic cuisine internationally and uncovers exciting future projects that promise to push the envelope of gastronomic artistry.
What can you tell us about the immersive food experiences you’ve worked on?
I am a food artist specializing in molecular gastronomy, and my work focuses on creating modern Arabic food and bespoke immersive experiences. Coming from a design background, I always approach food with a designer’s mindset, aiming to design and deliver unique experiences that guests will cherish for many years. Furthermore, during my journey in food design and food art, I have worked on many amazing experiences.
For instance, I have designed immersive dinner experiences, such as Seven in Shangri-La Dubai, and I’ve worked on projects for prestigious brands like Raffles, Four Seasons, JA Resort, Casino du Liban and many more across the region. Additionally, I have created bespoke private dinner pop-ups for celebrities worldwide and conducted masterclasses and talks at events such as Expo, COP 28 and design weeks, including Dubai Design Week and Cairo Design Week. One particularly cool experience was cooking with astronaut Matthias Maurer while he was on board the European Space Station. This inspired me to create a modern molecular take on food and explore technologies we can use to prepare it, such as 3D printing and digital fabrication.
How important do you consider storytelling and cultural education in promoting Arabic cuisine internationally?
I firmly believe that culture is the most important ingredient in creating remarkable and relevant experiences. Accompanied by strong storytelling. This approach is essential for promoting our beautiful Arabic cuisine and taking it to an international level.
Furthermore, by integrating cultural elements into my culinary creations, I aim to showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Arabic cuisine. Moreover, strong storytelling not only enhances the dining experience but also connects guests to the cultural significance behind each dish.
This combination of culture and narrative is the key to creating unforgettable experiences and elevate the profile of Arabic cuisine on the global stage.
What projects are you working on?
I have lined up some exciting cultural projects from various disciplines, aiming to bring innovative experiences to diverse audiences. One of these projects is culturally based chocolate. We are about to launch it in Saudi Arabia. The concept represents and celebrates the beautiful culture close to all our hearts. Another project involves creating a new immersive dining experience called Fast Seven, where I transform iconic dishes from famous fast-food chains into elevated fine dining versions. This allows guests to enjoy a blend of nostalgia with finesse and luxury, making the experience truly unforgettable.
