The Journey of a Family-Owned Eatery to Becoming the Top Dining Destination in the Middle East
Witness the continued success of a family-owned bistro in Dubai, now recognized as the premier restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for its innovative fusion of multicultural flavors and traditional Syrian influences, as acknowledged by the prestigious 50 Best list.
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When Mohamad Orfali was a child, his favorite meal was breakfast. At his family home in Aleppo, Syria, his grandfather would prepare “Treet Bel Laban” — an omelet with meatballs, served on top of garlic yogurt, and eaten with warm bread. “I have so many memories of food,” says Orfali, “but I think this is the best of the best.”
Food and family have always been a package deal for Orfali — now more than ever, as he runs a restaurant with his two younger brothers, the eponymous Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai. Opened in 2021, their menu is a love letter to their Syrian roots and the culinary traditions the brothers grew up with, fused with contemporary Arabic and Mediterranean flavors.
A former TV chef, Mohamad is the chef de cuisine and charismatic host, while his brothers, Wassim and Omar, both pastry chefs, are behind the restaurant’s distinctive desserts. “We speak food. We love food, and we love people who love food,” says Orfali.
The bistro has been recognized not only by customers but also by award bodies. It has been named "best restaurant" in the Middle East and North Africa for two consecutive years by the 50 Best list. Additionally, it has secured a spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023 and received a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide for offering high-quality dishes at reasonable prices.
Orfali expresses gratitude for the recent accolade, stating, "We're very honored to receive this recognition." The restaurant made its debut on the 50 Best list in 2022, just 10 months after opening, which helped attract guests from all over the world to experience the unique cuisine offered by the brothers.
“Now, Orfali Bros is like a destination for people who love food,” says Orfali, adding, “My award is when I see people come back one, two, three, four times.”
From left to right: Omar, Mohammad, and Wassim Orfali outside their restaurant in Dubai.
From left to right: Omar, Mohammad, and Wassim Orfali outside their restaurant in Dubai.
Orfali Bros Bistro
Orfali moved to Dubai in 2007, with his brothers joining him shortly after. Today, their family has grown to 53 members, including their restaurant staff who are like an extended family to them. Orfali embraces diversity within his team, with people from various nationalities, colors, languages, and accents. This is what he cherishes about Orfali Bros - the representation of a multicultural community and the spirit of Dubai.
The multiculturalism at Orfali’s restaurant is evident nationwide, as the UAE is a melting pot of 200 nationalities with over 90% of the population being non-Emirati. The Orfali Bros Bistro, rooted in Syrian influences, introduces a concept known as “Dubai Cuisine” - a fusion of global culinary traditions tailored for a diverse international audience, allowing people from various backgrounds to savor a meal together.
Orfali emphasizes that the menu does not fall under the category of “international cuisine,” as this often dilutes the unique identity of each dish. Drawing inspiration from his childhood memories and family recipes, many menu ideas at Orfali Bros incorporate traditional ingredients but are reimagined in a fresh and innovative manner, preserving the essence of the original flavors.
Big T's beef brisket, smoked for up to 16 hours, has loyal customers coming back time and time again.
Big T's beef brisket, smoked for up to 16 hours, has loyal customers coming back time and time again.
Brett Turner / CNN
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This popular BBQ spot in Dubai is making waves in the food scene. One of their standout dishes is the creatively named "Guess What?" It features a mix of Lebanese Fattoush salad, Greek salad, and gazpacho all on one plate. Another unique dish is the "shish barak a la gyoza," which puts an Asian spin on the classic Levantine meat dumpling. It's topped with sujuk oil, inspired by the spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
Orfali believes that surprises create lasting memories, and he loves to surprise people.
Orfali, along with his two younger brothers, has lived, worked, and studied in various countries before making Dubai their home. Their dishes reflect this multicultural background, combining a sense of nostalgia for their roots with a passion for new experiences.
"I think that food is meant for everyone, not just one specific place. Ingredients from all over the world have been shared and moved around," he explains. "Orfali Bros is a way for us to discover and try new things."
One of the bistro's signature dishes: "Umami Eclair" with porcini emulsion and marmite, fermented quince glaze, cacao nibs, and beef prosciutto.
One of the bistro's signature dishes: "Umami Eclair" with porcini emulsion and marmite, fermented quince glaze, cacao nibs, and beef prosciutto.
Orfali Bros Bistro
Dubai's restaurant scene used to be mainly filled with celebrity chefs and international franchises. However, according to Samantha Wood, founder of UAE restaurant review website FooDiva and a Dubai resident for 25 years, there is now a growing number of homegrown, independent restaurants that are thriving.
Chef-led concepts like the Orfali Bros Bistro are a great example of this trend. According to Wood, Mohamad Orfali is very hands-on, often found in the kitchen or sharing stories with customers. The restaurant, described as a "tiny neighborhood gem," is known for its creative and delicious dishes.
Wood also mentions a growing locavore movement in Dubai, which has been influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. This movement focuses on using locally sourced produce and ingredients from the emirate or UAE. Many independent restaurants have embraced this trend and incorporated it into their menus.
When she thinks of "Dubai Cuisine," she envisions a diverse blend of different culinary traditions from around the world. Orfali Bros Bistro stands out from other fusion restaurants by highlighting cooking styles from Syria and neighboring regions in a contemporary way, using local ingredients whenever possible.
Orfali Bros is not the only restaurant pushing the boundaries of fusion cuisine in Dubai. Jun's and Chez Wam also offer a unique mix of cultures and flavors, creating an innovative dining experience, according to Wood.
High Society, the new champagne bar at The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel
High Society, the new champagne bar at The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel
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Artisanal labels are shaking up Dubai's bar scene by bringing a unique touch to the world of champagne. Orfali, for example, believes that sharing the story behind his quirky ingredients and creative presentations is essential. He sees food as a journey that tells his story, his brothers' stories, and the team's story.
The trio behind Orfali Bros Bistro has been so successful that they are now working on a new project called “Three Bros,” a burger joint located next to their current restaurant. Diners can enjoy the famous “OB cheeseburger” made with wagyu beef patty, Hokkaido bun, secret sauce, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onion. Additionally, they will offer pide, a Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients. The menu at Orfali Bros will see some changes, with more unique and delicious dishes taking the place of pide.
Family plays a central role in the culinary creations of the Orfali Bros, whether they are serving burgers or exploring their cultural heritage.
"We create a bond with our guests, treating them like family," Orfali explains. "Our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel at home and part of our family."
Editor's P/S:
This article provides an intriguing glimpse into the rise of homegrown independent restaurants in Dubai, particularly the success story of Orfali Bros Bistro. The restaurant, run by three brothers, has gained recognition for its innovative fusion cuisine, blending traditional Syrian flavors with contemporary Arabic and Mediterranean influences. The article highlights the brothers' passion for food and their desire to share their culinary heritage with others. It also touches on the growing locavore movement in Dubai, which has influenced the restaurant's menu and the use of locally sourced ingredients.
The article also discusses the concept of "Dubai Cuisine," which is a fusion of global culinary traditions tailored for a diverse international audience. Orfali Bros Bistro is an example of this trend, as it represents the multicultural spirit of Dubai and the blending of different cultures through food. The restaurant's success is a testament to the growing culinary scene in Dubai, which is moving away from celebrity chefs and international franchises towards more authentic and homegrown concepts. vibrant and innovative culinary landscape of Dubai, where chefs are pushing the boundaries of fusion cuisine and creating memorable dining experiences.
