M&S Café teams up with Emirati Chef Aysha Al Obeidli to introduce ‘Grandma’s Greens’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 2023

In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, Marks & Spencer, operated by Al-Futtaim Group, partners with Emirati Chef Aysha Al Obeidli, bringing local flavours to the M&S Café’s menu. Together, they have crafted a refreshing and vibrant summer salad called Grandma’s Green’s, inspired by Chef Aysha’s cherished memories of cooking alongside her grandmother.

Recognised as UAE’s youngest Emirati Chef, Aysha Al Obeidli is passionate about introducing Emirati cuisine to the world by developing innovative fusion dishes. Her culinary skills at a young age have earned her numerous accolades including the esteemed title of 2021 champion of Chopped (Arabic version). Aligning with the mission of M&S Food to offer ingredients and dishes suitable for all, the collaboration aims to offer patrons a refreshing take of the local cuisine for the summer.

Available at all M&S Cafés in UAE, Grandma’s Greens is a blend of traditional Emirati and international ingredients creating contemporary flavours. Each ingredient has been carefully selected by Chef Ayesha from the M&S Foodhall to showcase vibrant colours and unique textures that make Emirati cuisine so remarkable.  

Made using M&S Food’s finest products of trusted quality, Chef Aysha’s recipe incorporates zesty elements such as lemon, paprika, tahini, zaatar and pesto which is expertly created using premium Italian basil and olive oil.  Beautifully complementing these flavours is the sweetness of M&S mandarins and an assortment of berries including blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. These berries are carefully handpicked from longstanding British farms, which have been trusted partners of M&S for over four decades. The jams used in the salad are crafted with 100% Fairtrade sugar and berries, ensuring both ethical sourcing and exceptional taste. Nestled on a bed of mixed greens, these ingredients create the rich base topped with creamy cottage cheese and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Each bite of this delicious creation is a harmonious blend of refreshing and indulgent flavours, reminiscent of cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Commenting on the partnership, Chef Aysha Al Obeidli said, “I am overjoyed to partner with Marks & Spencer and create a recipe that holds a special place in my heart. Grandma’s Greens is a culinary homage to my cherished time cooking with my grandmother, filled with love, tradition and fond memories. Using only M&S products, I have created a summer salad that showcases the essence of our shared passion for quality ingredients and taste. As an Emirati and a chef, I am thrilled to have Grandma’s Greens on the M&S Café menus across UAE, and I invite everyone to experience the flavours of our treasured family heritage.”