Chef Mohamad “Mo” Orfali – Redefining Middle Eastern Cuisine from Aleppo to Dubai |The Rise of Chef Mo Orfali in Global Gastronomy |From Aleppo’s Heritage to Dubai’s #1 Restaurant |Crafting Culture on a Plate – Chef Mo Orfali’s Global Culinary Ascent |How Chef Mohamad Orfali Is Painting a New Future for Arab Cuisine
Roots in Aleppo: A Heritage Etched in Flavor
Born in the ancient, storied city of Aleppo, Syria, Chef Mohamad Orfali was raised in one of the most gastronomically rich environments in the Arab world. Aleppo, renowned for its deep-rooted food culture, aromatic spice blends, and multicultural influences, offered a sensory feast that deeply shaped Mo’s worldview. His earliest food memories weren’t formed in professional kitchens but in the heart of his family home, where pots simmered with kibbeh labanieh, trays baked with lahm bi ajeen, and voices spoke the language of hospitality.
Growing up, Mo observed his mother and aunts craft meals that were steeped in history, rituals, and pride. The vibrant souks of Aleppo, filled with za’atar, Aleppian pepper, pomegranates, and fresh bread, became his first culinary classroom. Here, he absorbed more than flavors — he absorbed values: patience, generosity, and the storytelling power of food.
Yet, Mo’s journey into the culinary arts was anything but linear. Struggling academically during his school years, he faced criticism, confusion, and a deep sense of not belonging. In a culture that often favored traditional professions like medicine and engineering, the path of a chef seemed unconventional and undervalued. However, instead of succumbing to societal pressure, Mo chose to redefine his narrative. He saw his setbacks not as failures but as signals pointing him toward his true calling.
In 1994, with unwavering resolve, Mo enrolled in culinary school. It was a turning point that changed the course of his life. Within weeks, he felt at home. The act of chopping, blending, marinating, and plating was not merely technical — it was poetic. He learned to orchestrate flavors like musical notes, harmonizing sweet with sour, crunch with creaminess, heritage with innovation. Cooking became his sanctuary, a sacred medium of expression and healing.
For Mo, culinary school wasn’t just education — it was a reawakening. He discovered that behind every great dish was a deeper story, and he was ready to tell his own. From this moment forward, food would no longer be just nourishment. It would become his language, his identity, and his legacy.
Culinary Enlightenment: Bridging East and West
Keen to master the world’s finest techniques, Mo sought training in France and Dubai, immersing himself in classic French haute cuisine and modern Western culinary artistry. These formative years exposed him to the sophistication of global gastronomy. However, while Mo respected the finesse of French sauces and European plating, he felt a spiritual distance from these cuisines. His palate, heart, and identity belonged to the flavors of the Levant.
Rather than emulate others, Mo made a bold choice: he would carve his own path, one that celebrated his Syrian roots while incorporating the precision and creativity he had learned abroad. This resolve planted the seeds of what would eventually become known as Orfari cuisine.
Rise to Prominence: Culinary Storyteller on Screen
Between 2011 and 2020, Mo became a household name across the Arab world, appearing as a celebrity chef and host on numerous television programs. These shows weren’t just about food preparation — they were vehicles for cultural preservation and education. Through the screen, Mo told stories of forgotten Syrian recipes, spotlighted regional ingredients, and taught audiences to respect both technique and tradition.
Yet, despite his widespread fame, Mo yearned for a deeper creative outlet. The kitchen, not the studio, was where his heart truly belonged. He envisioned a space where experimentation and authenticity could coexist — a place where food could narrate memory, migration, and identity.
Orfali Bros Bistro: A Family Dream Realized
In 2015, together with his brothers Omar and Wassim, Mo founded Orfali Bros, initially as a culinary school and experimental space. By 2021, their vision evolved into Orfali Bros Bistro, now a culinary landmark in Jumeirah 1, Dubai. The bistro is a reflection of their shared ethos: innovation rooted in authenticity, flavors guided by memory, and execution honed by discipline.
The two-story venue features an open kitchen, where diners watch dishes come to life. Every plate reflects the Orfali brothers’ creative synergy: Mo leads savory development, Omar masters patisserie, and Wassim excels in chocolate artistry.
🍜 Orfari Cuisine: Beyond Fusion, Toward Identity
Mo’s culinary philosophy gave birth to Orfari cuisine — a term he coined to describe food that defies geographic labels. It’s not fusion. It’s not strictly Syrian. It is storytelling through ingredients, where every bite holds emotional and historical resonance.
Signature dishes include:
- Shish Barak à la Gyoza: Syrian dumplings reborn with Japanese finesse.
- Corn Bomb: A riot of textures celebrating humble maize.
- OB Croquettes: Fried comfort with an Aleppian soul.
- Caviar Bun: Luxury meets Levantine simplicity.
Orfari cuisine respects its ancestors but speaks in a modern tongue. It champions experimentation without erasing origin.
🏆 Global Accolades: A New Flag for Middle Eastern Fine Dining
Chef Mo’s innovation has brought regional cuisine into global focus:
- #1 Restaurant in MENA for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025) by World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
- #37 in the World on World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
- Celebrated by Michelin Guide for his precision, hospitality, and originality.
- Featured in The Best Chef Awards for two consecutive years.
His leadership has helped position Dubai as a serious player in the global culinary arena, not just a glamorous food destination but a place of depth and authenticity.
Kitchen as Classroom: Mentorship and Empowerment
At Orfali Bros, the kitchen is more than a workspace — it is a creative incubator. Mo invests deeply in mentoring chefs, especially from the Middle East, encouraging them to honor their cultural roots while developing a unique voice.
He promotes:
- Open, collaborative kitchens
- Continuous education
- Courageous reinterpretation of traditional dishes
Through this culture, he is nurturing the next generation of regional culinary leaders.
Dining at Orfali Bros Bistro
Located at Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Orfali Bros Bistro is a multi-sensory experience.
Guests can expect:
- À la carte and tasting menus
- A warm, story-rich atmosphere
- Seasonal ingredients from global and regional sources
- Direct interaction with chefs at work
Reservation lines stay busy, and rightfully so. A meal here isn’t just dinner — it’s a journey.
Legacy in Motion
Chef Mohamad Orfali is not just making food. He is building a new narrative for Arab gastronomy. He has redefined what it means to be a Syrian chef, an Arab innovator, and a global culinary voice.
In every croquette, in every plate of shish barak or deconstructed fatteh, there is a bold message: our stories matter, our food belongs on the world stage.
And thanks to Chef Mo, the world is not only listening but craving more.
The Culinary Journey of Chef Mohamad Orfali
Chef Mohamad Orfali’s rise to culinary stardom is a story rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and relentless innovation. After completing culinary school in 1994 and training in France and Dubai, Mo began shaping a unique voice in the kitchen — one that celebrated Aleppian heritage through a modern, globally informed lens. But his early fame wasn’t earned in restaurants alone; it began on television.
From 2011 to 2020, Chef Mo became one of the most recognized culinary personalities in the Arab world. As a host and chef on popular Middle Eastern food shows, he reached millions of viewers, teaching not only how to cook, but also why traditional dishes matter. His ability to weave personal history, cultural relevance, and regional pride into every recipe made him more than a chef — he became a storyteller and ambassador for Levantine cuisine.
Despite the success and recognition, Mo felt a growing desire to do more than instruct from behind a screen. He envisioned a space where food, culture, and creativity could live on the plate — in real time. He wanted to cook dishes that honored tradition while pushing boundaries, to serve stories alongside sauces, and to be fully present with diners who shared his passion for culinary evolution.
In 2015, he and his brothers Omar and Wassim began shaping that dream. By 2021, it became a reality with the opening of Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai. Here, Mo could finally bring his vision of “Orfari cuisine” to life — a cuisine without borders, built on emotion, identity, and fearless creativity.
From the historic alleys of Aleppo to television studios, and finally to one of Dubai’s most acclaimed kitchens, Chef Mohamad Orfali’s journey reflects a rare blend of heritage and progress. It’s a journey powered by purpose: to redefine how the world sees Middle Eastern food — not as something exotic or nostalgic, but as something alive, evolving, and globally relevant.
External References:
- Orfali Bros Bistro Official Website: https://www.orfalibros.com/
- World’s 50 Best – Orfali Bros: https://www.theworlds50best.com/the-list/31-40/orfali-bros.html
- The Best Chef Awards – Mohamad Orfali Profile: https://thebestchefawards.com/2024/09/21/mohamad-orfali-2/
- MICHELIN Guide Article: https://guide.michelin.com/ae-du/en/article/dining-out/inspectors-reveal-all-on-orfali-bros-dubai
- Interview with Mohamad Orfali – Hospitality News: https://www.hospitalitynewsmag.com/interview-with-mohammad-orfali/
