In this episode of Cooking Unscripted, Anthony Rahayel sits down with the warm and inspiring Chef Salam Dakak—one of the most respected voices in Middle Eastern cuisine. What starts as a conversation about food quickly turns into a journey through culture, family, and the kind of passion that turns a small kitchen into a culinary empire.
From a Small Kitchen to Beit Maryam: A Dream Built on Love
Anthony, always captivated by stories of resilience, leans in and asks Chef Salam about her journey. She smiles, remembering those early days—just a small kitchen in Dubai’s JLT, no certainty, no guarantees. “I just cooked with love and hoped people would come,” she says. And they did. What started as a humble space soon became Beit Maryam, a restaurant people don’t just visit for the flavors but for the warmth, the memories, and the feeling of home.
Challenges, Growth, and the Power of Family
Chef Salam opens up about the challenges she faced, from the uncertainties of starting her own business to the complexities of expanding her brand. She credits her daughter, Nada, for playing a pivotal role in managing the business, proving that Beit Maryam is more than a restaurant, it’s a family legacy built with dedication and care. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering a loving work environment, believing that when employees feel valued and respected, they become part of the restaurant’s heartbeat.
Berghol b Banadoura: A Dish of Comfort and Heritage
As part of the episode, Chef Salam prepares Berghol b Banadoura, a simple yet deeply comforting dish made with bulgur wheat and tomatoes. She walks us through the process, explaining how the combination of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation transforms a humble dish into a masterpiece of Levantine home cooking.
Anthony’s enthusiasm is contagious as he savors every bite, asking about the small details that make the dish so special. Their exchange is filled with warmth, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the power of food in bringing people together.
An Inspiration for Future Generations & Final Thoughts
Chef Salam’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, especially for women in the culinary world. She encourages aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs to follow their passion, stay persistent, and embrace the challenges that come with building something meaningful.
As the episode comes to a close, Chef Salam leaves us with a simple yet powerful message: Do what you love, and success will follow. Her story is a testament to the magic that happens when tradition, passion, and hard work come together in perfect harmony.
Don’t miss this heartfelt episode of Cooking Unscripted, where love, legacy, and the rich flavors of the Levant take center stage.
