From kitchen mishap at age 7 to supper club maestro: How chef Sheikha Hesa Al Khalifa is redefining Khaleeji cuisine

From kitchen mishap at age 7 to supper club maestro: How chef Sheikha Hesa Al Khalifa is redefining Khaleeji cuisine

Published: Sun 14 Apr 2024, 6:19 PM

With a childhood marked by kitchen mishaps turned into moments of inspiration, Sheikha Hesa Khalifa Al Khalifa’s culinary odyssey began at a young age. Guided by her mother's expertise and fuelled by an insatiable curiosity, she embarked on a journey to master the art of cooking, finding delight in the alchemy of transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary culinary creations.

“When I was 7 years old, I almost burned down the kitchen. Since then, I've been learning all the cooking tricks from my mother, who is my number one chef. This childhood incident ignited my passion for cooking, as I found myself fascinated by the magic of transforming ingredients into delicious meals,” says Sheikha Hesa, a member of Bahrain's royal family and a resident of the UAE for many years.

Born in Bahrain to a father who is a member of the country's royal family and a mother who is Emirati, Sheikha Hesa, now 43, has called the UAE home since the age of eight. Today, as a celebrated chef, she continues to captivate palates with her inventive dishes, blending flavours from around the world while staying true to her cultural roots, giving Emirati and Khaleeji cuisine