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The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
At Kashtat Amina, Mariam Almansoori serves up Emirati home cooking inspired by childhood memories
It begins with a kettle. Not the tall, sleek kind that whistles in designer kitchens, but the round, sturdy bronze squat vessel with a thickened base found in many Emirati homes 'It's the same one we used in our house in Abu Dhabi,' says chef Mariam Almansoori. 'Every day we used to boil the water and pour it into this big kettle with black tea with cardamom, cloves, sugar. The smell would fill the whole house.' The kettle is now just inside the entrance of Kashtat Amina, Almansoori's newly opened restaurant in Sharjah's Aljada district, with its suburban walkways and lush greenery. There's no sign beside it. No curated description. Just the quiet suggestion that memory lives in objects as much as it does in taste. For Almansoori, the decision to launch her first Emirati standalone restaurant – its name translates to 'Amina's picnic' after her mother – is more than a professional step. It's a homecoming. 'I had a lot of chances to open a restaurant before,' she says. 'But I always waited. I wanted it to be at the right time, in the right place, with the right meaning.' That meaning comes through strongest in the food, which draws directly from Almansoori's childhood meals. Dishes such as keema hamsa (minced meat sauteed with tomatoes and onions), grilled jeder (lamb shank with tamarind sauce, basmati rice and nuts) and thareed (bread soaked in meat broth with vegetables) appear on the menu not as nostalgic flourishes, but as cultural inheritances. 'It's not only about the food,' she says. 'Lots of people come and say: 'Chef, can we take this home with us?' It's just a flower on the table, or a cushion, nothing big. But to me, it's full of love. It's my mother's hand in it. I still feel her, even when I'm serving strangers.' Raised in Ras Al Khaimah, Almansoori grew up in a home with two kitchens – one run by her mother, the other often commandeered by her father – each guided by a distinct culinary philosophy that she learnt to absorb early on. 'If I ask mama how long to cook something, she never says minutes,' Almansoori says. 'She says: 'When the smell starts to change' or: 'When the rice starts to dance.' That's the kind of knowledge that stays with you.' Her father, also a skilled cook, brought a flair for presentation. 'He was all about hospitality,' she adds. 'He loved to garnish, while my mother didn't. They were always arguing about that.' Kashtat Amina carries both impulses – the quiet intimacy of home cooking and the polish of a well-run kitchen – in its expert take on rustic Emirati staples. The restaurant, bright and lined with woven baskets, with furniture and staff in indigo, is both modern and homely – and is full of local markers, from the kettle and old transistor radio to shelves of clay jars. A painting of Almansoori's mother Amina hangs proudly in the centre of the kitchen, her eyes warm in invitation. One dish that carries particular weight is the chicken maragooga, a stewed chicken with vegetables and thin bread layers. 'This was always loved by the family and guests,' she says. 'The pot would come straight from the stove to the table and we would eat it immediately.' That inherent sense of hospitality, so central to Emirati cuisine, is something she learnt from her mother. 'My mother used to make it when people came after the dhuhr prayer. It wasn't just food. It was the way she opened the house, welcomed people, showed care.' Almansoori's other ventures – including the popular Montauk in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, where Sri Lankan rice might be topped with slow-roasted ribs and cinnamon coconut cream served alongside Emirati majboos and an apple Danish – have long embraced reinterpretation. But this time, she wanted to move in the opposite direction. 'I wanted to stop mixing. No fusion,' she says. 'I wanted to go back. Bring things to their original taste. To say: this is what we had in our houses. This is how it was done.' That backward glance, however, isn't about retreat. She speaks frequently about Emirati food as something underrepresented, not just internationally, but at home. 'If you go outside the UAE, you see restaurants from everywhere. You see Turkish, Lebanese, Japanese, but not Emirati. Even here in Sharjah or Dubai, how many restaurants are really doing Emirati cuisine? I don't mean owned by Emiratis. I mean the food.' And she's intent on giving those local flavours a global platform, with Almansoori hoping Kashtat Amina will be recognised if the Michelin Guide extends its UAE presence to Sharjah. 'We want to be ready, because there is a guideline that Michelin follows – from using organic produce to changing the menu regularly,' she says. 'We try to update parts of the menu every three months, not just to change, but to keep enhancing and evolving. There's a lot we still need to do, but I think we're more than capable – because we're doing it for the right reasons.' That desire to teach without diluting also informs her next venture: a culinary training academy for Emiratis as well as residents. 'I want to create a space where we train them from zero,' she says. 'Not just how to cook, but how to work in a kitchen, how to run a restaurant. 'I already have six or seven with me now. Some of them were not confident at first, but now they are leading the service. They are managing the guests. I'm so proud.' When asked what makes a dish truly Emirati, she doesn't hesitate. 'It's not the ingredients or technique. It's when you know what each one means and why we why we use turmeric, when we add ghee, how much to stir the rice. It's not rules. It's memory.' By the end of the visit, our own kettle of tea has gone cold. A young staff member moves to take it away, but she stops him. 'Leave it,' she says quietly. 'I just want to savour this moment a little more.'
What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
A complete dining guide to Sharjah: where to eat for every mood
We won't be hearing any more Sharjah slander – not in this household. Sharjah gets a bad rap – some Dubai folk associate it with traffic and chaos, small roads and sun-skirting skyscrapers, perhaps a less glamorous, less dazzling way of life. It's a fairly common misconception, but we're here to tell you that Sharjah's dining scene is packed with some gems – stunning cafes, irresistible confectionary, historic menus and iconic favourites. For some fine-dining: Bait Elowal One can call it a dining destination, a concept store, a museum, a library, or a fusion of any of those things, but Bait Elowal is foremost, a love letter to the past of Sharjah, perched by the creek which was once the gateway of the city into trade and commerce. The menu tells the story of the Silk Road – a seasonal creation with appetizers, mains, and desserts, complemented by fascinating facts about the ingredients to enrich the dining experience, emphasising locally sourced ingredients and showcasing the flavours of Morocco, Persia, India, and Turkey. Read our full story here. Location: Bait Elowal, Al Marija Square Times: Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 11pm, Friday, 8am to 12pm, 1pm to 11pm Contact: ( 0) 6 509 0666 @baitelowal For a taste of home: Kashtat Amina The brand new Kashtat Amina is all about the love of an Emirati mother. Launched by acclaimed Emirati chef Mariam Almansoori in collaboration with Arada, this dining concept is rooted in maternal heritage, generosity, and culinary tradition, and is named in homage to Chef Mariam's mother. From the portion size to the ingredients and the measurement-free preparation, every aspect is deeply cultural. The menu features dishes including balaleet, beetroot harees, madrooba, mastic Umm Ali and luqaimat, all made with locally sourced ingredients from farms in the UAE. Location: Kashtat Amina, East Boulevard, Aljada Megaproject Times: Daily, 8am to 11.30pm Contact: ( 0) 50 573 9951 @kashtatamina For someting iconic: Zahrat Al Quds 15 years of legacy – Zahrat Al Quds is a Palestinian spot that has been serving up authentic fare for 15 years now, and is all about bringing a piece of Palestinian culture and culinary traditions to Sharjah. The exteriors and the interiors are done up like a typical home, spacious, filled with art, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Great for modest dinners, special occasions and big groups, the spot is economical, but not compromising on quality, flavour or ingredients. Order the mix grill platter, the mosakhan roll and the kunafa. Location: Al Nahda Tower, Al Ittihad Street Times: Daily, 12pm to 1am Contact: ( 0) 6 555 0060 For the aesthetic cafe run: Ethr ClubHaus A homegrown concept rooted in heritage and found in iconic locations like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Fujairah Fort, the latest Ethr concept has now landed in Sharjah. This time in the form of the cool, community-focused Ethr ClubHaus this beautifully designed and moodily hued space is filled with raw materials linked to the local areas of Mleiha and Buhais. As well as drinks and baked goods, Ethr ClubHaus is also home to a curated concept store and should be the next spot for all your 'gram-worthy coffee dates, with a side of story. Location: Al Mamsha by Alef, Muwaileh Commercial Times: Daily, 7am to 1am Contact: ( 0) 56 996 7060 @ For just a really good (and cheap) burger: M10 Cafe Sometimes, all one needs is just a really good burger. Late night craving, early-morning hangover cure or whatever it may be for you. M10 Cafe in Sharjah is where you need to go for a late-night burger run, priced at a mind-boggling Dhs15 for their amazing burgers. It looks unassuming from the outside, but you need to try their Nashville hot chicken sandwich made with fried chicken dipped in their in-house sauce, a side of fries and some loaded milkshakes, and you'll thank us later. Location: M10 Cafe, Al Muweilah Times: Daily, 11am to 2.45am Contact: ( 0) 54 289 8376 @ For all the baked goods: Parka Bakehouse In a modern barn-style setting, Parka Bakehouse is new in Aljada. Its glass walls flood the breezy space with natural light, and inside shades of cream and warm woods make the space feel cosy and modern. The breakfast menu puts regional twists on classic, with poached eggs served in a spinach and pistachio sauce, avo on top of zaatar labneh served with parka bread, and baked omelette served with whipped labneh and Persian herbs. Crowd-pleasing salads, flatbreads, sandos and sweet treats make up the menu for lunch and dinner. Location: Parka Bakehouse, Aljada Megaproject Times: Weekdays, 9am to 11pm, weekends, 9am to 12am Contact: @parkabakehouse For the best shawarma: Shawarma Juha A giant spinning roll of shawarma meat, licked by charcoal flames – that is the star of the show at Shawarma Juha. This spot is well-loved in the local community and offers lip-smacking sandwiches you don't want to miss out. Shawarmas and burgers, all flavoured with charcoal cooking, served with fresh juices, and naturally, for a spot like this, it's pretty easy on the pocket. They've got branches all across the UAE, so you know it's good, but if you're in Sharjah, head over to Muweila. Location: Muweila Commercial Times: Saturday to Thursday, 2pm to 4am, Friday, 3pm to 4am Contact: (0) 6 579 5870 @shawarmajuha You may think this is just another aesthetically pleasing cafe, and indeed, it is very pleasing, but it also has some of the best treats for when you're craving something sweet. Not only do they serve specialty coffee and matcha, but also some amazing chocolate cups, basque cheesecake, mango sticky rice, Kinder bonbons and the kind of hot chocolate that solves all your problems. They do also have other baked goods, pastries and treats on their menu, so you're spoilt for choice. Gather a gang and order a few plates to share. Location: Muweila Commercial Times: Open 24/7 Contact: (0) 50 802 5000 @clarospecialtycoffee Images: Socials/Supplied
Sharjah 24
25-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Arada, Chef Mariam Almansoori to open Kashtat Amina at Aljada
Named in homage to Chef Mariam's mother, Kashtat Amina offers a deeply personal and cultural journey into the heart of Emirati cuisine. The menu features dishes inspired by cherished family recipes, presented in a setting designed to evoke warmth, memory, and the sensory richness of traditional Gulf hospitality. Chef Mariam Almansoori, Founder of Montauk Hospitality Group, said: 'Kashtat Amina is a love letter to my mother and to every Emirati woman whose wisdom and spirit are passed down through their food. This restaurant is my way of sharing that legacy, and of turning childhood memories, family traditions, and cherished flavors into a generous experience for everyone who visits. It's not just about what's on the plate, it's about the story behind it.' Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada, said: 'Kashtat Amina represents a meaningful addition to Aljada and to Sharjah's evolving culinary landscape. As a homegrown concept led by one of the UAE's most respected female chefs, it reflects our vision to support Emirati entrepreneurship and culture in a modern context. This is more than a restaurant; it's a space that celebrates storytelling, heritage, and community through food.' Kashtat Amina's focus on generosity is not just limited to portion size but woven into every detail, from the quality of ingredients and measurement-free preparation to handcrafted Emirati elements on the tableware, warm service, and the atmosphere of welcome that defines every guest's experience. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kashtat Amina will also offer a dedicated Emirati brunch at weekends. The menu will showcase signature Emirati dishes with a contemporary flair, including Balaleet, Beetroot Harees, Madrooba, Mastic Um Ali and Luqaimat. Locally sourced ingredients will play a starring role on the restaurant's menu, with 70% of the produce coming from the UAE's farms in partnership with Manbat, Arada's social impact partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Winner of the Golden Chef Award by Best of Gastronomie in France, Chef Mariam Almansoori is one of the UAE's most celebrated culinary figures, known for her refined take on Emirati fusion cuisine and her leadership of the award-winning Montauk Hospitality Group. Her work blends innovation with deep cultural roots, earning her widespread recognition both locally and internationally. Kashtat Amina joins a diverse line-up of popular eateries on East Boulevard, Aljada's vibrant dining and retail strip, reinforcing its role as one of Sharjah's fastest-growing lifestyle destinations, as well as new hub for innovative concepts and culinary diversity.
