Traditional dishes transformed into international recipes in the "Emirati Touch" (video)
Chef Sandeep Anand
Celebrity Chef Balveer Balcaisson
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A new experience that combines traditional Emirati dishes such as al-Bathitha, dates, saffron and camel milk on the one hand, and international recipes from different countries of the world such as brownies, truffles and tiramisu in innovative dishes prepared by international chefs that look like a cultural dialogue between different cultures through food, through the “Emirati Touch” initiative. Launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi as part of the second edition of the “Emirati Kitchen” program, which will be held from September to the end of November 2021.
The chefs participating in the initiative were able to present innovative dishes, Chef Don Tilacassiri, who specializes in French cuisine, who presented several innovative dishes such as Bitha Brownies, which combines dark chocolate brownie, traditional Bitha Date Fattah and Date Caramel, Luqaimat and Puff Cream, Saffron Milk Cake, and Truffles Chocolate with camel milk.
Don Tilakasiri told "Emirates Today" that his participation in the "Emirati Touch" experience gave him the opportunity to combine the mechanisms, techniques and traditions of Emirati and French cuisine in creative ways to prepare and prepare these dishes.
Noting that he received many positive impressions and responses.
He also believed that guests prefer Emirati food and dishes as a traditional way to explore aspects of the local culture through its distinctive flavours.
Chef Sandeep Anand, who has specialized in Indian cuisine over 11 years of his 16-year career, presented a range of dishes that combine Emirati and Indian cuisine, including “Hyderabadi Combination Kebab”, Fish Majboos with an innovative filling, and Gulf shrimp marinated with Emirati spices, Dates and camel milk with cream parley.
Anand explained that Emirati cuisine is diverse and innovative by virtue of its impact on the desert climate. “The early Emiratis were keen to harness all the natural resources and ingredients that were available to them at the time; They used various clever cooking methods and techniques such as drying or salting seafood and vegetables to eat or flavor them. This kitchen is also characterized by the diversity of its methods, such as cooking in sand pits that mimic the designs of ovens, which is a smart method that allows the preparation of meat and seafood completely, thus preventing food waste, and ensuring the maximum benefit from animal meat and fish that constituted a basic food source for the local community. Besides, Emirati cuisine abounds with many healthy and nutritious dishes that contain rich ingredients and ingredients. The members of her community were also keen to add materials and spices they used to buy from itinerant merchants.
Sandeep noted that there are several similarities between Emirati and Indian cuisine;
As a result of the movement of traders from the Middle East to India or vice versa, such as Mughlai dishes that moved to northern India from the Middle East, and were influenced by the use of dry fruits and nuts in cooking, and traditional kebabs, curries, biryani and samosas.
As for the famous chef, Balveer Balcaisson, who has more than 20 years of experience focused on French cuisine, he pointed out that the Emirati cuisine, which combines tradition and modernity, is full of authentic Arab flavors. Emirati heritage and ancient history.
Pointing out that there are several common factors that combine Emirati and French cuisine, represented in the use of fresh products from the local environment, and the special and rich flavors that give the dishes a delicious taste.
Emirati Chef Kholoud expressed her pride in being part of the "Emirati Kitchen" program, and introducing one of the elements of the Emirati cultural identity by explaining the methods of preparing and serving traditional foods and training hotel chefs on them.
She pointed out that Emirati cooking bears an additional emotional significance, as it is linked to memories of the past and happy childhood, and to learning the secrets of traditional foods from mothers and grandmothers.
* The Emirati Touch "an initiative to train hotel chefs to prepare local dishes and heritage dishes in a global style # Emirates_Al-Youm pic.twitter.com/1ru7K5YrzF
- Emirates Today (@emaratalyoum) November 11, 2021
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