Chef Salam Dakkak leads with heart, turning memory into meals and preserving Levantine heritage through every dish she serves at Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam. We learn more about her vision and mission in this exclusive interview.
Bait Maryam has been described as an extension of your home. How do you translate that warmth and identity into a professional kitchen every day?
Every morning, I enter Bait Maryam not just as a chef but as a host welcoming guests into my home. From the way we knead dough to how we greet every guest, everything we do reflects warmth, care and true purpose. Moreover, my team feels like family, and together we cook with love, honoring our values through every detail and dish. Thus, we use both our hands and hearts while remembering that behind every dish, there’s always a meaningful personal story. Furthermore, behind each plate served, someone is searching for comfort, and we honor that with intention.
After four consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand wins and being named Chef of the Year, how do you stay grounded in the simplicity of Jordanian-Palestinian cooking?
These recognitions are truly humbling; however, they never alter the essence or the intention behind what I passionately do. I never chase innovation merely for its novelty; instead, I strive to create meaning through authenticity rooted in memory and place. Thus, I often return to the familiar flavors of childhood, the scent of my mother’s kitchen, warm and lovingly alive. Moreover, I draw from techniques passed down through generations of resilient women who shaped the culinary identity of our region. Ultimately, my mission has always remained clear: to honor our food’s truth without ever compromising or altering its sacred soul. For simplicity, when executed with purpose and care, reveals remarkable depth, emotion and an enduring connection to who we are.
Your food bridges memory and identity. What story are you most proud to tell through a single dish?
Our akoub tells a story of home, resilience and heritage, narratives woven into every fiber of this humble, foraged plant. It grows wild across the hills of Palestine and Jordan; preparing it, however, demands both meticulous care and quiet patience. In fact, it was among the very first dishes that evoked everything I had left behind and still carry within. Moreover, it serves as a powerful link to my roots, grounding me in memory, culture and familial traditions long honored. Through it, I connect with countless others who, like me, rediscover pieces of their past through the language of food.
You’ve said Bait Maryam is a promise to carry your roots with pride. How do you ensure Jordanian flavors remain central in an evolving dining scene like Dubai?
By staying true to who we are. Dubai celebrates diversity but also demands authenticity. I make no compromises on ingredients or methods. We cook dishes that are exactly the way they’re served on our table growing up, not because they are trendy, but because they matter. I take every opportunity to educate guests on the origins and meaning behind each recipe. When we tell our story with sincerity, the city listens.
As you redefine culinary heritage through Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam, what does the next chapter of that legacy look like?
The next chapter is about preserving our culinary traditions while thoughtfully passing them on to those who will carry them forward.
Through Sufret Maryam, we’ve built a space that reconnects people with the essence of Levantine hosting, communal, generous and deeply intimate. Moreover, I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of chefs, especially women from our region, offering them visibility and a voice. Because true legacy isn’t measured by the number of branches we open, but by the lives, hearts and palates we touch. In essence, when we nourish others with purpose and care, we ensure our story continues, rooted, resilient and profoundly meaningful.
Do you have plans to expand?
We are exploring new locations across the region; however, what excites me most are the seasonal events at Sufret Maryam. These gatherings spotlight forgotten dishes and overlooked traditions from Palestine and Jordan, reviving flavors that deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Beyond expansion, our deeper focus remains on fostering connection, sharing stories, and serving cuisine that holds history, heart and meaning. Ultimately, it’s not just about where we grow but how we stay rooted in the soul of our food culture.
