Emmanouil Adam, Culinary Director at Doha Oasis, shares his experience of cooking for the Middle Eastern audience and the importance of fusing culture with innovation.

With your extensive international experience, what is your take on the dining sensibilities in Qatar, and how have you adapted your style to it?
Qatar’s dining culture is influenced by both its deep-rooted traditions and its cosmopolitan environment. Hospitality plays a central role here and mealtimes are often seen as an occasion for connection and celebration. There is a strong emphasis on generosity, shared meals and the importance of offering guests a variety of dishes. Traditional Qatari cuisine is rich in spices, rice, lamb and seafood; but there is a growing appreciation for contemporary interpretations of these flavours.
In adapting my style to this environment, I’ve focussed on respecting the local ingredients and traditional techniques while incorporating global trends that appeal to both locals and expatriates. It’s been important to balance innovation with respect for tradition. For example, when presenting international dishes, I aim to incorporate local ingredients or adapt them to reflect regional tastes.
Attention to service, understanding local preferences and respecting cultural norms — such as the importance of hospitality and the social nature of meals — has been key to successfully adapting my approach.

In a dynamic and fast-changing environment like the Middle East, how challenging is it to develop menus for a population with a diverse palate?
Developing menus can be both exciting and complex. The variety of tastes, dietary preferences and cultural influences creates a dynamic culinary landscape. You’re not just catering to local traditions but also to a global audience with diverse backgrounds, ranging from expatriates to tourists, each bringing their own expectations and food experiences.
The challenge lies in balancing innovation with respect for tradition. In the Middle East, people hold their local dishes and flavours close to their hearts. The key is to find that sweet spot where tradition meets contemporary culinary trends, while also accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, such as halal, vegetarian or gluten-free options. What works in one country within the region may not resonate the same way in another, so it’s essential to tailor the menu to local tastes and expectations.
Ultimately, developing menus in such a diverse environment is all about flexibility and creativity, while ensuring that each dish respects both the heritage and the forward-looking aspirations of the Middle East’s diverse population.

What is your favourite comfort food that you make for yourself at home?
At home, one of the things that brings me the most comfort is recreating traditional Greek dishes that transport me back to my country. In Greece, mealtimes were never rushed. Gatherings around the table weren’t just about food — they were a space to share stories and relax in each other’s company. Now, when I cook at home, there’s a similar sense of timelessness. Cooking Greek dishes gives me more than just the satisfaction of a meal; it offers a bridge between who I was, who I am and who I am becoming. It’s a simple, yet profound way to honour my roots while embracing life abroad.

As an expert in combining international ingredients with traditional techniques, what is your signature dish and what makes it special?
As a chef, many dishes could be considered part of my signature style, each with its own unique story and identity. But if I had to choose one dish that truly represents my approach, it would be Grilled Mediterranean Octopus with Yuzu Ponzu Sauce and Cauliflower in Textures.
It perfectly captures the essence of what I love about food — melding the aromatic flavours of the Mediterranean with the bold, complex notes of Asian cuisine. The Mediterranean Octopus is tender and smoky, bringing a deep umami flavour. The Yuzu Ponzu sauce adds a citrusy, tangy punch, while bringing an Asian elegance. And the Cauliflower in Textures introduces a contrast with its roasted, pureed and crispy elements.
Together, these elements tell a story of culinary fusion — a harmonious blend of Mediterranean warmth and the sophisticated depth of Asian flavours. ✤