Middle East & North Africa’s Best...

Bait Maryam's Salam Dakkak scooped the award

Salam Dakkak, chef-owner of Bait Maryam restaurant in Dubai, has been named the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef 2023.

Dakkak will be presented with the award at the second edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants set to take place in Abu Dhabi on 30 January 2023.

Former school owner and teacher turned chef, Dakkak has been diligent in transforming her dream project into a reality, bringing home-cooked Levantine cuisine to the UAE at her inclusive restaurant, Bait Maryam in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

The resturant pays tribute to Dakkak’s mother, Maryam, serving dishes inspired by the authentic recipes passed from mother to daughter.

Commenting on her accolade, Dakkak said: “I feel honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Best Female Chef Award this year. At Bait Maryam, we bring together people from all over the world to sit down and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal made with love.

"One of my main goals as a chef is to create a ‘home away from home’ for those living away from their families.”

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The voting panel is made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and highly regarded gourmets. For the 2023 list, each MENA Academy member voted for seven restaurants, with at least two of these located outside the country where they are based. None of the event’s sponsors has any influence over the voting process.

For more information, visit www.theworlds50best.com/stories