For five days in November 2019, two Lebanese chefs shared one kitchen at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Chef Ali Elbourji of Ayamna at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai joined Chef Simoun Chakour at Souk, the hotel’s rooftop Middle Eastern restaurant, for a Levantine menu of mezze, mixed grills, shrimp kunafa and lobster with saffron, served with views of the Arabian Sea.
~A Taste of Beirut at Souk~
07 November 2019, Mumbai: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai brings Chef Ali Elbourji, of AYAMNA to the SOUK from 20 to 24 November 2019 for a special Middle Eastern showcase.
About the Collaboration
Over the years, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has always taken the road less travelled by bringing unique dining experiences from around the world to India. This time, Chef de Cuisine, Ali Elbourji from Atlantis, The Palm Dubai’s Ayamna restaurant will collaborate with Souk’s own Chef Simoun Chakour to offer guests the opportunity to explore the finer nuances of Middle Eastern cuisine. Ali Elbourji, who is known for his innovative cuisine that pays homage to the tastes, flavours and traditions of Lebanon will bring his signature recipes from Ayamna.
Chef Simoun, also a Lebanese master chef, has spent more than ten years in India and has been instrumental in making Souk the city favourite that it is today.
On the Menu at Souk
With splendid views of the Arabian Sea, the rooftop experience at the Souk will feature an elaborate Levantine menu created by both Chef Ali & Chef Simoun. Guests can experience flavours of authentic Lebanese cuisine with a fresh, modern twist with dishes including traditional mezze, flavour-packed appetizers, soups, Lebanese mixed grills, and classic Lebanese desserts. Crowd-pleasing dishes such as shrimp kunafa and lobster with saffron will also feature on the menu.
What the Chefs Said
Commenting on this unique collaboration, Mr. Amit Chowdhury, Executive Chef – The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, said, “Our guests increasingly look for the finest international dining experiences in the heart of Mumbai. To cater to the ever-changing palate, we look forward to introducing the city to the finer nuances of Middle Eastern cuisine. With two master chefs in-house, we hope our guests enjoy this experience that will offer the very best of Lebanon and Morocco.”
Ali Elbourji, Chef de Cuisine, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai said, “I feel privileged to be invited by Chef Raghu and his team to The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to showcase the authentic flavours of Lebanese dishes that have been handed down through generations. I look forward to introducing Ayamna’s popular dishes to Mumbai and am excited to be collaborating with Chef Simoun.”
Chef Ali Elbourji comes to the SOUK at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai this November.
Event Details
Date: 20 to 24 November 2019
Venue: SOUK at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Time: 12:30-15:00hrs & 19:00-23:30hrs
Offerings: Daily Mezze Buffet with Ala Carte Options + Sunday Brunch
Contact: +91 22 6665 3272
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chef Simoun Chakour?
Chef Simoun Chakour is a Lebanese master chef at Souk, the rooftop Middle Eastern restaurant at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. When this collaboration took place in 2019, he had spent more than ten years in India and was credited with making Souk a city favourite.
Who is Chef Ali Elbourji?
Chef Ali Elbourji was the Chef de Cuisine at Ayamna, the Lebanese restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, known for cooking that pays homage to the tastes and traditions of Lebanon.
When did the Souk collaboration take place?
Chef Ali Elbourji cooked alongside Chef Simoun Chakour at Souk from 20 to 24 November 2019, with a daily mezze buffet, à la carte options and a Sunday brunch.
