The Team

CHEF FAISAL AL NASHMI

PRESIDENT

A University of Miami Alumni with a bachelors double major in Film & Photography, as well as Le Grande Diplome in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu London. Faisal has 15+ years of restaurant experience and an SCA Coffee Skills Programme Diploma from London School of Coffee. Director of Culinary Development & Co-Owner of ALMAKAN UNITED COMPANY with 8+ restaurant Brands and 18+ locations operating locally and regionally. Director of Development of Chef Cuts Consulting, a locally based F&B/restaurant consultancy, developing renowned brands in Kuwait and the Middle East. Chef Faisal is a known culinary figure in the region because of his unorthodox culinary style and breaking the culinary market status quo

CHEF KHALED AL BAKER

VICE PRESIDENT

Chef Khaled AlBaker is a Kuwaiti chef and restaurateur, known for redefining modern cuisine in the region. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with over 13 years of culinary experience, he is the co-founder of Ventri Group, which operates acclaimed concepts such as Young Po, Roto, Ruby’s, and Dragon Bun. Passionate about innovation and hospitality, Khaled continues to push boundaries in both street food and fine dining.

JASSIM AL ABOUH

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jasem M Alabwah is a Kuwaiti competencies specialized in the field of entrepreneurship and owner of Al-Salsal for restaurants, cafes, project management; and comprehensive experience in companies specializing in the field of leadership golf management in the General Authority of the Authority Ahmed Media in the Authority in the office of the Director General of the Environment Authority Sheikh Abdullah Ahmed Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah. He has experience in many fields related to environmental organizations and agreements and management and environmental and renewable planning. Owner of Eco Company, the incubator of environmental and renewable energy businesses. Design, management of environmental sustainability projects and programs.

CHEF SADIQA ISMAEL

HEAD OF PASTRY AFFAIRS

Chef Sadiqa has over 14 years of experience in the culinary field, including 9 years as a consultant chef and menu developer at Dar Hamad restaurant. Specialized in crafting innovative fusion recipes that blend the richness of Kuwaiti cuisine with global culinary influences. Also worked as a TV chef, presenting recipes for various television programs. Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu London with a Grand Diploma in Cuisine and Pastry, and holder of a diploma in French pastry and bakery arts from Ferrandi Paris. In addition to her culinary career, she has nearly 20 years of experience in administrative and human resources roles at Kuwait Airways, bringing strong organizational and leadership skills to her professional journey.

CHEF HANOUF AL BALHAN

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITEE

Hanouf Al-Balhan has over 25 years of experience in the culinary field, including more than a decade as a consultant and menu developer for leading restaurants in Kuwait and the Gulf. Known for blending Kuwaiti flavors with global techniques, she has been a TV chef since 2008 and authored four cookbooks. In 2018, she launched her own consulting firm, offering services in menu development, chef training, food innovation, and restaurant strategy. She holds an advanced diploma from Le Cordon Bleu – Istanbul and has nearly eight years in food manufacturing, creating 27+ industrial products now on the market. Currently R&D Consultant at Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Kuwait, she is also pursuing a master’s on Gulf cuisine history at London Business School.

CHEF ZIAD AL OBAID

HEAD OF PASTRY AFFAIRS

Zeyad has over 12 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. He has managed central kitchens and restaurants, developed new menus and products, increased customer numbers and revenues, and led successful kitchen teams. Graduated from Florida culinary Institute, Associates of science degree graduate from college of business studies banking diploma.

CHEF ALYAZI AL AWADH