The Chef | Mahmoud Efranjyeh Cafe

Where It All Begins

Mahmoud Efranjyeh is a renowned Syrian chef and restaurant consultant whose culinary expertise is deeply rooted in the traditions of Damascus. After graduating with high honors from a top hospitality school, he gained invaluable experience working in some of Damascus's most prestigious hotels, including Cham Palace, Le Meridien, Sheraton, and Four Seasons.

His pursuit of culinary excellence led him to Dubai, where he refined his skills in world-renowned establishments like Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and Four Seasons Dubai. As a finalist on Top Chef Middle East, he earned widespread recognition, further fueling his passion for innovation. Today, Chef Mahmoud is the owner of Chef Efranjyeh Cafe in Dubai, where he masterfully blends tradition with modern flair, capturing the true essence of Syrian cuisine in every dish.

"Food is a sensation; it reflects the chef's character too."

The "Cuisine" Philosophy

Innovative

Mahmoud Efranjyah is a pioneer in diverse Middle Eastern cuisine. His food is deeply rooted in traditional Syrian cooking, yet distinguished by his unique modern twist on classic dishes. Efranjyah preserves the essence of Syrian cuisine while innovating and evolving it to create new recipes inspired by tradition. He strives to showcase the finest local products, using small adjustments to make significant impacts and redefine Syrian cuisine.

Diverse

Chef Mahmoud is renowned for his expertise in Syrian kibbeh, earning the title "Chef of Kibbeh." His skills extend to other key dishes, including hummus, fattoush, kibbeh nayeh, grilled kibbeh, fried kibbeh Shami, yabrak, and shish barak bel Laban. These dishes are served at Chef Efranjyeh Cafe, where Chef Mahmoud personally prepares them for the restaurant's visitors, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.

Professional Experience

Early 2000s

Sheraton Hotel & Towers & Le Meridien

Began his journey in Damascus as a Demi Chef de Partie, setting the stage for future success with a deep grounding in Syrian cuisine.

2005 - 2008

Four Seasons Damascus

Contributed significantly to the success of Saffron Restaurant, introducing him to high standards of luxury hospitality.

2008 - 2010

Four Seasons Golf Club, Dubai

Joined Quattro Restaurant, integrating European influences into Arabic cuisine and sharpening his ability to cater to international clientele.

2010 - 2012

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa

Oversaw the hot food section as a Chef de Partie, honing his ability to innovate within the culinary arts.

2012 - 2014

Four Seasons Riyadh

Contributed his talents at the Kingdom Center Hotel before returning to the UAE.

2014 - 2015

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef at Li Beirut, which won Time Out's Best MENA Restaurant award.

2015 - 2016

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Chef De Cuisine, maintaining high standards in menu preparation and presentation.

2016 - 2017

Eshak Restaurant (Bulldozer Group)

Head Chef, successfully engineering menus and enhancing the dining experience.

2017 - 2019

Meraas, Dubai

Pivotal role in developing and launching six local brands, including Homestead restaurant and Food Truck concepts.

2019 - 2020

Hareed, Jeddah

Managing Partner, led pre-opening activities and crafted a menu resonating with local tastes.

2020

Cribs of Ribs, Jeddah

Menu Consultant, refining menu offerings and establishing the restaurant's identity.

2021 - 2022

Arman Hotel, Aleppo

Consulting role overseeing the opening of three restaurants within the five-star hotel.

2023

Cham Wings Airlines

Signed a consulting agreement to develop in-flight menus for both economy and business class.

July 2023 - Present

Chef Efranjyeh Cafe, Dubai

Founder & Owner. Establishing his own restaurant, fulfilling a long-held dream and offering a unique dining experience.

Education & Qualifications

Completed formal culinary training at the Hotelier High School, specializing in the Culinary Division.

Holds a qualified diploma in Cooking Art with a focus on Kitchen Management from the Hotel and Training Center (HTCC).

Earned a Hotel Management Certificate from HTCC.

Proficient in computer skills and fluent in both Arabic and English.

Earned the HABC Level 4 Award in managing food safety in catering.

Special Rewards & Achievements

2009: Time Out Restaurant Award for "Best Italian Restaurant in the City" (Quattro, Dubai).

2010: What's On Award (Quattro, Dubai).

2012 & 2013: Best MENA Restaurant (Li Beirut, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers).

2014: What's On Award (Li Beirut).

2015: Fact Award and top spot on TripAdvisor (Li Beirut).

2015: Completed prestigious 60-hour training at Al Mahara Kitchen in Burj Al Arab.

2016: Shortlisted by What's On Magazine and named Best Middle Eastern Restaurant by Food and Travel (Al Nafoorah).

2018: Finalist of Top Chef Middle East.

Online Presence

With over 3.5 million followers and 250 million views, Chef Mahmoud's impact on the culinary scene is undeniable.

261.5k TikTok

600k YouTube

1.6M Facebook

45.7k Instagram

50k Threads

Media Press

Extensive coverage across prestigious media outlets including Dubai TV, Al Arabiya, Watani Blog, Emarat Al Youm, and Al Watan Newspaper.

Frequent appearances on leading television networks such as "Abu Dhabi Al Oula," "Dubai Al Oula," and "Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab."

Testimonials

"Mahmoud is a highly motivated Chef, loves what he is doing, a very creative chef... It was a pleasure to work with him."

Hassan Kaouk

Luxury Hospitality Expert

"Mahmoud is great professional, all ways looking to make a difference for the guest, works well with the team."

Jouni Ibrahim

Executive Sous Chef

"Mahmoud is very creative, always find new ways to present and prepare dishes... Great asset to the company."

Ivan Acosta Leon

Luxury Hospitality Leader

Mahmoud Efranjyeh