Chef Hend Al Raisi currently serves as the Sous Chef at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s cold kitchen, a position she describes as nothing short of a privilege. Her culinary journey is a combination of hands-on experience and formal training, starting with 8 years in home catering and thereby developing a strong passion for crafting unique and memorable dining experiences.

Her formal training in the culinary arts started at a well-regarded culinary school in Armenia, where she earned her Diploma. This experience has been instrumental in shaping her foundational skills in food preparation and kitchen management.

Chef Hend also holds a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture from the American University in Dubai (AUD). It is this unique combination of skills and qualifications that have allowed her to bring a distinctive approach to food presentation and kitchen design; in her own words, ‘marrying aesthetics with taste’.

At the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Chef Hend is responsible for all the cold kitchen operations. This role demands a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality. Her commitment and management style are truly a reflection of her dedication to freshness, innovation, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Outside of her professional life, Chef Hend is a proud mother to three children. She describes her day-to-day life as a ‘balancing act’; managing the demands of a fast-paced kitchen with the joys and challenges of motherhood, all of which she describes as an ‘enriching experience’. Her journey truly is one of passion, resilience, and adaptability, serving as an inspiration to others in the culinary field and beyond.