Your limited-time sugar fix
Dubai’s ever-evolving dining scene has a fresh reason to head to Mirdif. Leen’s has welcomed Chef Nouel Catis – best known as the pastry chef behind the Dubai chocolate – for a limited-time kitchen takeover that’s set to blur the lines between breakfast and dessert.
Running exclusively at Leen’s Mirdif City Centre, the collaboration introduces a bold, comfort-led menu rooted in nostalgia, reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Chef Nouel’s latest concept leans into memory and emotion, taking familiar flavours – date, rose, saffron and chocolate – and transforming them into refined, modern plates. It’s a shift from spectacle to substance, with a focus on dishes designed for connection rather than just social media appeal.
Having played a key role in shaping the region’s dessert culture since 2016, the chef now turns his attention to the UAE’s resident diners, crafting an experience that feels both personal and playful.
The menu effortlessly moves between morning staples and indulgent sweets. Highlights include the Madison St. Pancake, a sourdough-based creation finished with a signature sweet XO glaze, and Blond & Dangerous, layered with lotus, rose and molten blond chocolate.
Elsewhere, Toffee Waraqa offers a spiced crepe with date treacle and soft serve, while desserts like Ube-Misu and Aseeda Basbousa bring a creative spin to regional classics.
At the heart of the takeover is a reimagining of traditional Middle Eastern desserts. Rather than preserving them in their original form, Chef Nouel introduces new techniques and unexpected pairings – turning classics like basbousa and baklava into layered, contemporary expressions.
The result is a menu that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, appealing to a new generation of diners seeking comfort with a creative edge.
Chef Nouel will be leading the kitchen throughout the takeover at Leen’s Mirdif City Centre. Expect a menu that’s equal parts nostalgic and innovative – perfect for leisurely breakfasts, dessert dates or anything in between.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
