Chef Ali Yazdi's Culinary Journey with Emirati Flavours

Feb 20, 2026

80 min

Feb 20, 2026 04:31

Chef Ali Yazdi: Crafting emotional culinary journeys with Emirati flavours

## A Personal Connection to Food

Chef Ali Yazdi, an acclaimed Emirati chef, is known for his modern takes on traditional regional dishes. His culinary journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences and memories, particularly those of family gatherings and shared meals in the UAE. These early experiences have shaped his approach to cooking, emphasizing the emotional connections that food can create.

## Memory as a Creative Tool

Yazdi's creative process often begins with a memory or emotion, which then guides his culinary creations. He believes in preserving the essence of traditional Emirati dishes while innovating with texture, presentation, and technique. His goal is to ensure that even when a dish is reimagined, it remains recognizable to those familiar with its origins.

## FOWLI: A Culinary Concept

Yazdi's restaurant concept, FOWLI, exemplifies his philosophy by blending international and street food influences with high-quality ingredients. Known for its unique offerings like whole, skinless fried chicken, FOWLI is expanding globally, with plans for over 100 new locations.

## Balancing Tradition and Innovation

For Yazdi, the key to successful culinary innovation lies in respecting tradition while introducing new elements. He emphasizes the importance of intention and understanding the cultural significance of dishes, particularly during Ramadan, when food plays a central role in family gatherings.

## The Future of Emirati Cuisine

As Emirati cuisine gains international recognition, Yazdi feels a responsibility to represent his culture authentically. He sees potential in underexplored ingredients like dates, which he believes have diverse applications beyond desserts. Ultimately, Yazdi aims to create dining experiences that evoke emotions and leave lasting impressions on his guests.

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