The UK’s No.1 Children’s Cookery Author: Annabel Karmel

Renowned chef Annabel Karmel is set to grace Taste of Dubai, bringing her passion for family-friendly cooking to the forefront. Known for her innovative recipes and dedication to children’s nutrition, Annabel is eager to immerse herself in Dubai’s eclectic culinary scene.

Anticipation for Taste of Dubai

When asked about her excitement for the festival, Annabel shares, “Dubai has such an incredible reputation for amazing food, from authentic Italian to Chinese, to local Arabic cuisine. I’m thrilled to experience a world of good food at the festival.” She looks forward to discovering new flavours that will inspire her to create delightful, nutritious meals for children. Meeting local chefs and engaging with families are highlights she eagerly anticipates, as these experiences fuel her with creative ideas.

Workshop Highlights

Annabel’s workshop at Taste of Dubai promises to be both informative and fun. She plans to focus on quick and easy recipes that families can enjoy cooking together. Her goal is to inspire families to see cooking as a joyful, shared activity. Annabel will also offer tips for encouraging even the pickiest eaters to embrace their greens and reveal how to add that magical touch of ‘child appeal’ to meals. She believes cooking is a vital life skill and hopes to motivate families to cook and savor food together at home.

A Journey Born from Love and Loss

Annabel’s culinary journey began from a place of personal tragedy. After the heartbreaking loss of her first child, Natasha, she struggled to find recipes that appealed to her fussy eater, Nicholas. This challenge led her to create her own recipes, which eventually blossomed into a cookbook, The Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner. This book, a tribute to Natasha, became the No.1 best-selling baby recipe book and launched Annabel’s illustrious career. Her commitment to nutritious, delicious meals continues to inspire.

Cooking with Family: A Cherished Passion

Cooking with her children remains one of Annabel’s fondest memories. She recalls, “When my children were little, I used to get them to cook a meal for the family once a week. They loved feeling like part of the grown-up world.” Beyond the fun and bonding, cooking imparts essential life skills such as math through measuring and timing, independence, creativity, and a love for healthy food. Annabel believes that cooking together is one of the most valuable activities parents can share with their children.

Family Favourites and Culinary Staples

Choosing a favourite recipe is like picking a favourite child for Annabel. However, she does have some go-to dishes that have become family staples. For hosting, her Giant Couscous Salad is a hit, while her Roast Chicken and Veg Traybake is a simple mid-week meal favourite. A newer addition, Sticky Chicken, has quickly become a household staple. Her famous chicken and apple balls continue to delight families at dinner parties, reaffirming her mission to support families with easy, enduring recipes.

Returning to Taste of Dubai

Annabel is thrilled to return to Taste of Dubai, a festival renowned for its outstanding chef lineup. She enthuses, “The chef talent here is unreal, and it is such an incredible experience for everyone, young and old.” With her passion for food and dedication to family-friendly cooking, Annabel Karmel’s presence at the festival promises to be both inspiring and delicious.

Join Annabel at Taste of Dubai for an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the joy of cooking, family, and of course, amazing food!

Book Your Tickets to Taste of Dubai

Advance tickets are available now at Platinumlist, book now to savour more later:

Standard: AED 75 (children under 12 free)
Taster Package: AED 180
VIP Package: AED 325
Sunday Brunch Package: AED 375
Friday Team Packages: Starting from AED 130 per person (Contact the team to book)