Wladimiro Gadioli, Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail, shares youthful memories, the excitement of flavourful discoveries and a not so guilty pleasure.

What’s your first kitchen memory and how did this influence your career choice?

My earliest kitchen memories are closely tied to my family, especially my mother. She worked in the kitchen of our family hotel, and I vividly remember her cooking with fresh ingredients from our garden. Even the simplest preparations felt like a big event to me, and I was always fascinated by the whole process.

Your speciality is Mediterranean cuisine, particularly the dishes of France and Italy. You’ve spent many years in the Middle East, how does regional cuisine now help shape your cooking style?

Cooking styles are constantly evolving. Past experiences provide a solid foundation of basic knowledge on which you can build your own food identity. I believe there are no fixed recipes – like an artist or a painter, your creativity is the only limit. We are always exploring new ways to create better dishes and discover exciting flavour combinations.

What’s your culinary guilty pleasure?

My culinary guilty pleasure usually happens on my days off, when I get to enjoy meals with family. My wife is a great cook – especially when it comes to pastries, where she truly shines. I cherish these gatherings with family and friends. To me, food is all about bringing people together and sharing emotions through each dish.

What is a signature dish at your property and what makes it popular?

At our hotel, we don’t have just one signature dish – every dish is a signature, crafted by our talented team of chefs. But, if I had to highlight one, it would be the Shrimp and Leek Agnolotti which is handcrafted to highlight the natural sweetness of the seafood and the gentle savouriness of the leek.

They’re served with a rich bisque reduction, elevated by a fragrant fennel foam and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Roasted hazelnuts provide a warm, crunch contrast, while fresh fennel leaves add a final herbal note that ties the dish together. This signature creation is a refined balance of depth, freshness and texture. ✤