From a family table in Beirut to international acclaim, Aline Kamakian, founder and CEO of Fig Holding, has built Mayrig into a global ambassador for Armenian cuisine. A chef whose work extends from disciplined expansion to humanitarian service, she reflects here on preservation, purpose and an upcoming surprise for Lebanon.

Whether it’s through her successful restaurants or her YouTube channel, Aline Kamakian, owner and CEO of Fig Holding, is on a quest to spread Armenian heritage across the world. Here, she tells us about her expansion plans and upcoming projects.

HN sits down with Aline Kamakian, owner and CEO of Fig Holding, who is responsible for spreading the Armenian heritage with her own YouTube channel and a wave of restaurants, Mayrig and Batchig, serving Armenian delicacies in Lebanon, KSA, Armenia and Maldives.

"I had the intention to kick off this initiative a while ago, then came COVID-19 so it was the best opportunity,” explained Kamakian.

From fine dining to fast casual, Lebanese F&B concepts are extending their reach regionally and beyond to great acclaim. Here, we spotlight several success stories that are helping to ensure Lebanon retains its reputation as a culinary innovation hub at home and abroad.

From family legacies to bold startups, the Middle East’s hospitality landscape is being shaped by entrepreneurs with a razor-sharp vision for how they want to grow their business. Careful expansion, investing in team development and creating guest experiences that resonate rather than embracing every trend are among their strategies. Here, 14 regional business leaders share their journeys, from lessons learned to future plans.

Saudi Arabia’s restaurant scene is expanding rapidly, with new concepts and international brands opening at pace. As the kingdom’s dining landscape evolves, the focus is moving toward deeper questions around culinary identity, professional development and the business models that will support long-term success. With insights from leading professionals, we explore what’s next for Saudi gastronomy.

Despite challenges from skepticism to aggression, women chefs are making their mark on Lebanon’s male-dominated culinary scene. We learn more about the attributes women chefs say have helped them to not only succeed but transform their profession.

Two accomplished chefs take us on a culinary tour from Dubai to Armenia, sharing Easter menu items.

Brimming with flavors, textures and colors, Armenian cuisine reflects the many historical, geographical and cultural factors that combine to give it a unique identity. Aline Kamakian, founder and CEO of Fig Holding, shines a spotlight on the indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking methods and age-old customs that help to ensure countless national dishes remain as popular today as ever, at home and abroad.