An Interview With The Award-Winning Team Of Bait Maryam, Dubai
Bait Maryam, a Dubai-based restaurant specializing in Levantine cuisine recently became the recipient of a Michelin Star Guide award. The Bib Gourmand Award for high-quality food at low prices was awarded to 14 restaurants featured in the comprehensive manual exploring the best eateries in Dubai.
Inspired by her mother’s relationship with the community, Chef Salam Daqqaq established Bait Maryam, providing a homely experience for those visiting the Levantine restaurant. We recently had an opportunity to interview Nada Darraj, General Manager at Bait Maryam to know more about the restaurant.
You are one of 14 restaurants in Dubai to receive the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award. How will this recognition affect your business?
The award will positively affect the business in terms of worldwide exposure. A Palestinian-owned restaurant and chef achieving a prestigious award like this one is a matter of great pride for us! We are grateful to have been recognized in a city that brims with F&B options.
What is the bestselling item off your menu? What makes it special?
Our best seller is the Fatet mouskhan and what makes it so special is that my mother, Chef Salam Daqqaq created it inspired by the famous Mouskhan in Levantine cuisine. Eating the original dish – taboon bread topped with chicken, onion, sumac, yoghurt, and fried bread – is a bit of a process. So, my mother recreated this dish, making it easier to eat and customers really enjoy it!
How would you describe the atmosphere at your restaurant?
Bait Maryam is in essence ‘the home of Maryam’. Everyone coming to the restaurant finds an extremely warm, welcoming, and authentic experience. A city with so many expatriates – they have found a new home in Bait Maryam. Furthermore, the fact that Chef Salam Daqqaq treats the restaurant like her home, welcoming everyone coming in, makes customers feel as if they are dining at a relative’s place.
Why did you choose Jumeirah Lake Towers as a location for your restaurant?
We chose this location to attract customers from around the UAE. The more visitors we have, the happier we are to serve!
What’s next for Bait Maryam?
We have a lot of ideas and plans coming up, so stay tuned. For now, we are enjoying the recognition that comes with the award and as always, our ultimate focus is to keep our customers happy.
