In the vibrant world of culinary arts, few names resonate as profoundly as Manal Al Alem. Often hailed as the “Queen of Arab Cuisine,” Al Alem has carved a niche for herself with her popular cooking show on Abu Dhabi TV, two celebrated cookbooks, and a legacy that extends beyond recipes. Her journey is not just about cooking—it’s a story of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of food to build community and inspire joy.
A Culinary Spark Ignited
Manal Al Alem’s love affair with cooking began at the tender age of nine. Her first culinary triumph was a simple cake she prepared after learning the recipe in school. Despite her mother’s initial apprehension about her lighting the stove, the praise from her mother’s friends sparked a passion that shaped her destiny.
“This was the first spark of my love for cooking, and until today, my favorite thing to make in the kitchen is cake,” she reflects.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, the family kitchen was her playground, where she learned to prepare traditional dishes under her mother’s watchful eye. However, when she married at 23 and moved to Kuwait, her culinary journey took a challenging turn. Far from her mother’s guidance, Al Alem struggled to adapt but turned this challenge into an opportunity. She sought out cooking lessons and immersed herself in culinary literature, often requesting cookbooks as gifts. This determination laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
The Birth of ‘Happy Cooking’
As her confidence grew, Al Alem began sharing her knowledge with friends and neighbors. “I told them I cannot just teach you orally; I will host live cooking sessions for you,” she recalls. What started as informal gatherings blossomed into a movement she called ‘happy cooking’, aimed at transforming cooking from a chore into a joyful experience.
To accommodate the growing demand, Al Alem rented hotel kitchens to host her sessions. Her chic style and vibrant personality endeared her to participants, and in 2000, her cooking show Sufra Da’ima (Always a Feast) debuted, becoming a staple in Arab households for nine years. The show captivated audiences with her innovative recipes and engaging storytelling, cementing her status as a culinary icon.
Cooking with Purpose
Al Alem’s culinary journey extends beyond television screens and cookbooks. Her most meaningful work lies in her humanitarian efforts, particularly her time spent cooking in Jordan’s refugee camps.
“Whenever I visited these camps, I experienced something far deeper than teaching people how to cook,” she shares. Working alongside resourceful housewives, she devised recipes using limited ingredients, like bulgur, to create nourishing and joyful meals for families.
“We were not just cooking to feed children’s hunger; we were creating healthy, tasty meals to make them happy,” she explains. Many participants in her workshops went on to secure jobs as cooks for schools, a testament to Al Alem’s transformative impact.
Signature Recipes and Cultural Pride
Manal Al Alem’s culinary creativity shines in her signature dishes. One standout is her luqaimat cake, which reimagines traditional fried dough balls into a modern dessert. She believes in preserving the essence of Arab cuisine while putting a unique spin on classic recipes, proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.
When asked about her favorite ingredients, she passionately names bulgur and olive oil. “If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would take these two ingredients—they are versatile and packed with nutrition,” she says. During challenging times, like the ongoing conflict in Gaza, she emphasizes the psychological value of comforting meals, highlighting how a simple bulgur dish can bring solace.
Inspiration Beyond Borders
Manal Al Alem’s dreams extend to blending her culinary expertise with her love of nature. She imagines preparing sophisticated meals in the desert, merging traditional Emirati flavors with innovative techniques. She even dreams of sending a cultural delicacy into space with Emirati astronauts, such as a date cake, to represent the UAE’s rich heritage.
Humanitarian and Creative Legacy
Now in her sixties, Manal Al Alem continues to inspire through her culinary work. Recently, she filmed a series for the cooking channel Fatafeat, featuring an impressive lineup of 90 desserts. Her approach to content creation reflects her belief that culinary art doesn’t always require reinvention; it’s about finding new ways to celebrate tradition.
Despite her achievements, she finds comfort in life’s simple pleasures. “When I feel upset, I eat plain sponge cake. Maybe it brings back happy memories that elevate my mood,” she says.
The Power of Food and Community
Manal Al Alem’s story is a testament to the power of food as a source of joy, comfort, and connection. From her humble beginnings in her family’s kitchen to her influential role as a culinary icon, she has inspired countless individuals to embrace cooking as a fulfilling and creative endeavor. Whether through her recipes, humanitarian efforts, or love for tradition, Manal Al Alem continues to embody the spirit of Arab cuisine while building a legacy that transcends the kitchen.
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