Weaving a culinary story
This Ramadan, House of Artisans is stitching culture and cuisine together with A Taste of Textiles, a five-night Suhoor series running from February 27 to March 3 in Abu Dhabi.
Opening this Thursday, the reservation-only experience transforms the venue’s Ramadan Majlis into a living exhibition-meets-supper club. At its heart is the Naseej Exhibition, showcasing iconic Emirati fabrics including Mezary Boukazah, Bu Terra, Bunsieh, Buteelah and Bugalim – each carrying its own story of craftsmanship, trade and identity.
But this isn’t a static display. The textiles become the brief.
When Fabric Becomes Flavour
In a clever twist, each evening’s guest chef builds a bespoke Suhoor menu inspired directly by the patterns, colours and symbolism of the fabrics on show. Think spice routes translated into layered dishes, geometric motifs echoed in plating, and natural dyes reflected in ingredient choices.
The result? A dining table that feels like an extension of the exhibition itself.
View this post on Instagram
The Line-Up
Each night spotlights a different culinary voice, offering a fresh interpretation of Emirati textile heritage.
Chef Priyal Mehta – February 27
Her plant-forward menu, Threads of Taste, draws from Mezary Boukazah and Bunsieh. Expect turmeric-dyed mushroom dumplings folded by hand, Karipap samosa with Emirati bzer and dates, fragrant Khao Soi coconut curry and a saffron chebab-topped Ras Malai gelato to finish.
Chef Moza Al Matrooshi – February 28
A landscape-led approach connects Bu Terra, Mezary and Bunsieh motifs back to regional flora and historic spice systems, grounding the menu in place and provenance.
Chef Sahar Al Awadhi – March 1
Majlis classics take centre stage, with fabric references woven through each course – from spice-route-inspired machboos and pakora to Mezary’s warmth expressed through pumpkin, saffron and rose Aseeda Pain Perdu.
Chef Arwa Lootah – March 2
An eleven-item collection unfolds as a layered narrative, each bite contributing to a broader story shaped by the UAE’s textile traditions.
Chef Mariam Al Mansoori – March 3
Closing the series, her menu moves through Mezary Boukazah, Bu Terra, Bunsieh, Buteelah and Talli – building from delicate florals to bold spice, culminating in a golden ceremonial finale.
View this post on Instagram
Beyond the Plate
Alongside the Suhoor supper club, guests can take part in an invitation-only interactive shopping experience, co-creating a personalised kandora by selecting fabrics, patterns and colours from the exhibition.
It’s immersive, thoughtful and distinctly Emirati – the kind of Ramadan activation that feels rooted in culture rather than simply themed around it.
Image credit: Abu Dhabi Culture/UNESCO
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
