Chef: Khaled Al Baker

Restaurant: Meem Cafe

Title: Culinary and Brand Manager

Q: Why did you first get into cooking?

When Prime Cuts first opened in Kuwait, I began grilling 4-5 nights a week.  After overdosing on beef, I slowly transitioned into the kitchen.  I found myself spending 3-4 hours at work on YouTube looking up recipes and cooking techniques, that’s when I decided: I am done with the corporate world, I want to be a chef.

Q: Where were you before you came to Kuwait?

I grew up in Kuwait, but went to culinary school in Miami.

Q: Describe your favorite dish from your home country.

Mashwee Jider: its basically Machboos on crack.

Q: Name three ingredients you can’t live without in the kitchen.

Salt n’ pepper, garlic, and butter.

Q: What is the most important part of a sandwich?

Balance: The perfect ratio of bread, meat, cheese, and toppings.

Q: How does your personality differ inside and outside the kitchen?

I am a lot more serious and focused in the kitchen.

Q: When you’re not cooking, what do you do for fun?

TV, games, or swimming.

Q: If you weren’t a chef, what would you like to be?

A rich housewife.

Q: If you could choose, what would your “last supper” be?

A Quarter Pounder meal (supersized), a Diet Coke, and six-piece nuggets with sweet chili sauce.

Quickfire

My Breakfast: A platter of nakhee, bajela, halloumi cheese, cucumbers, hummus, falafel, fool, fried eggs with Irani bread.

My Knives: Takamura and Blood Root Blades.

Most overused spice: Cardamom and cayenne.

Favorite Foodie Destination:  I am pretty sure it will be Tokyo, if I ever go.

Favorite Kitchen Gadget: My Sous Vide machine.

Favorite Food Aroma: Fresh basil and rosemary.