Breaking all the Rules to Become the Best in the Middle East: Mohamad Orfali on Power Play

How did failure lead Mohamad Orfali to becoming a Michelin-starred chef? In this episode of Power Play, Mohamad opens up about how he dared to be exactly who he wanted to be, and how that allowed him and his brothers to create the best restaurant in the Middle East, Orfali Bros.

Mohamad tells us how he and his brothers broke all the rules to become the best, the moments that nearly made him give up in the face of constant rejection, the amazing advice that kept him going, why his TV career made him more innovative, the key to his success and so much more.

Exclusively on Power Play with Sally Mousa

CHAPTERS:

00 Introduction

2:25 How Orfali Bros broke the rules to get their Michelin star

6:00 How Mohamad grew up hating food to becoming a world-class chef

7:40 How Mohamad accidently became a chef after failing school

11:45 How Mohamad discovered his life-long passion

13:36 How mastering the food of Aleppo made Mohamad a better chef

16:17 Why the ‘Nafas’ or energy you put into your work makes all the difference

18:17 Why it’s hard to innovate when it comes to Arab food

22:55 Creating dishes that are both familiar and completely unique

24:30 Drawing people in with the familiar while opening them up to innovation

27:47 How Orfali bros designed a menu inspired by Dubai

29:00 Why Dubai was the perfect place to launch an innovative concept

32:35 Why storytelling is the essence of creativity and innovation

34:40 The pressure of attaining and keeping the Michelin star

38:30 How Orfali Bros breaks the rules with their team

39:53 The ingredients of creativity

40:19 Why Mohamad came to Dubai in the first place

42:00 Hardest moments for Mohamad in this journey and what kept him going

45:38 Mohamad’s reaction to being named best restaurant in the Middle East by World’s 50 Best

50:15 The secret to Orfali Bros success

50:35 How Mohamad’s TV presenting made him a more innovative chef

52:50 How Mohamad was inspired by the best chefs in the world

56:40 Mohamad’s next dream: both personal and professional

58:35 Advice on daring to be yourself in the face of rejection