In a landmark achievement for the UAE culinary scene, Emirati chef Maryam Al Mansouri has made history by becoming the first UAE citizen to win the prestigious ‘Best of Gastronomy’ gold award in France.

This accolade not only underscores her exceptional talent but also highlights the growing prominence of Emirati women in the global culinary arena.

A Culinary Trailblazer

Maryam Al Mansouri’s journey to becoming a celebrated chef began in Abu Dhabi, where she and her husband opened the ‘Montauk Boutique Café & Restaurant’ in 2021.

Since its inception, Montauk has become renowned for its unique blend of Arabic spices and high-quality, often organic, ingredients. The restaurant’s success has led to the opening of four additional branches, with plans for further expansion already in the pipeline.

In an exclusive interview, Al Mansouri described Montauk as “a sanctuary for the soul,” embodying family values through its artwork and the presence of her family within the restaurant.

Her dedication to using nutritious ingredients reflects her commitment to promoting healthy values through her culinary creations.

The Path to Victory

Winning the ‘Best of Gastronomy’ gold award in 2024 has cemented Al Mansouri’s position as a trailblazer in the culinary world. This accolade is a testament to her innovative approach and dedication to her craft.

Her achievements extend beyond the kitchen; she serves as a regional judge in cooking arts, a lead judge in Arab coffee competitions, and has been nominated for the ‘Fact Dining Awards’ of 2024.

Al Mansouri’s role in evaluating culinary competitions at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) level involves assessing dishes based on a variety of criteria, including cooking techniques, kitchen cleanliness, restaurant safety, and management strategies.

Her thorough evaluations and constructive feedback are instrumental in maintaining high standards within the industry.

A Family Affair

Al Mansouri’s journey into the culinary world was strongly supported by her family. She recalls her early days of cooking for family and colleagues, eventually leading to the creation of popular sandwiches that gained her recognition. Today, her commitment to family remains a cornerstone of her success.

As a mother of six, Al Mansouri ensures that her family is actively involved in the restaurant. Her children’s roles are tailored to their interests and availability, contributing to the restaurant’s operations in various capacities.

Her 19-year-old son Eman handles branding and research development, while her 16-year-old son Abdullah assists with human resources and finances.

Thirteen-year-old Rashid invested in the business using his own savings, and eleven-year-old Fadel works as a junior barista and waiter. Nine-year-old Hazza, a Junior Chef, has already taught over 200 children how to make pizza.

This family involvement not only strengthens their bond but also reflects Al Mansouri’s belief in integrating family values into her business.

Navigating Challenges

Al Mansouri views pressure as a natural and beneficial part of her work. Her mantra, “When passion turns into a goal, the impossible becomes possible,” drives her to embrace challenges and transform them into opportunities.

She believes that overcoming obstacles, such as the fear of failure, is crucial to achieving success.

Her philosophy extends to her daily life, where she maintains a diary of goals and priorities, motivating her to strive for excellence.

Al Mansouri’s dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction and her unwavering focus on continuous improvement are central to her success.

Ambitions for the Future

With a vision for global recognition, Al Mansouri is actively working on expanding her brand through franchising. She has already received numerous inquiries from international markets, reflecting the growing demand for her culinary expertise.

Her goal is to establish a global presence while maintaining the high standards and values that have defined her career.

Conclusion

Maryam Al Mansouri’s achievement in winning the ‘Best of Gastronomy’ gold award is a significant milestone not only for her but also for the UAE’s culinary landscape.

Her journey from a passionate home cook to an internationally acclaimed chef exemplifies the impact of dedication, family support, and a commitment to excellence.

As she continues to inspire with her culinary innovations and family-oriented approach, Al Mansouri’s legacy is set to influence the global culinary world for years to come.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members