Dubai Chef Hadi Saroufim: A Culinary Journey
Hadi Saroufim, the executive chef at Dubai’s renowned Bar Du Port, discovered his passion for cooking at the tender age of 10. However, it was his professional training in kitchens that truly ignited his love for the culinary world.
“The more I worked in the industry, the more I loved it. I feel lucky to do what I do — it just feels right,” he tells Arab News.
A Culinary Innovator
One of Saroufim’s earliest food memories involves modernizing a traditional Lebanese dish, kibbeh, from his village in Lebanon. He transformed it into a kibbeh roll with ice-cream yogurt, cucumber jelly, and dry ice.
His current favorite dish from the Bar Du Port menu is the grilled octopus with dried chorizo, tomato tartare, and smoky bell pepper coulis. According to Saroufim, it captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine — fresh, bold, and delicious.
Exclusive Interview with Chef Hadi Saroufim
1. Common Mistakes:
Saroufim reflects on burning onions and garlic during his early days. He emphasizes the need for multitasking and time management in a professional kitchen.
2. Top Tip for Amateurs:
Always use the best fresh produce available to elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
3. Secret Ingredient:
Vinegar, particularly Xeres vinegar, can instantly enhance any dish with its burst of flavor.
4. Favorite Cuisine:
Saroufim enjoys French and Japanese cuisines, appreciating the craftsmanship behind quality beef dishes.
5. Annoying Customer Habits:
Saroufim finds it frustrating when customers insist on dishes matching their exact home recipes, limiting creativity.
6. Favorite Dish:
His passion lies in cooking fish, with a particular love for preparing butterflied sea bass with a refreshing courgette tartare.
7. Most Difficult Dish:
The traditional French foie-gras terrine presents a challenge that demands meticulous technique and attention to detail.
8. Kitchen Leadership:
Saroufim maintains calm and organization in his kitchen, emphasizing discipline over shouting.
Chef Hadi’s Orange Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the orange cake, orange syrup, meringue, and additional orange.
Instructions:
Step-by-step guide to baking a delicious orange cake, including tips on assembling the meringue.