Asma Brings the Flavours of the Middle East Together in Dubai

Founded by Nahla Wali, the homegrown restaurant revisits familiar dishes from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Egypt, with a menu designed for sharing.

Arayess, musakhan, hummus and freshly baked bread are among the dishes bringing people to Asma, the Dubai-born restaurant founded by Nahla Wali. Drawing on recipes and flavours from across the Middle East, Asma offers a contemporary interpretation of the food many in the region grew up eating, with an emphasis on generous sharing plates and familiar ingredients.

Since opening in December 2018, the restaurant has expanded to three locations across Dubai, with spaces at Dubai Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall and Al Khawaneej Walk. Its concept is rooted in Wali's personal relationship with food and the traditions surrounding it, particularly the importance of gathering around a table and sharing a meal.

The menu brings together influences from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Syria, reflecting the diversity of the region's culinary traditions. Rather than focusing on a single national cuisine, Asma draws from different kitchens, reworking familiar recipes through contemporary presentation while maintaining their recognisable flavours.

Among its most popular dishes are Asma's Arayess, Honey Halloumi and Crispy Musakhan, alongside classics such as hummus and Al Quds Bread. Other plates, including Spicy Feta, Feta Strawberry and Foul Baghdadi, offer a mix of traditional combinations and more unexpected interpretations.

The tapas-style approach encourages diners to order several dishes for the table, moving between dips, breads, salads and hot plates before finishing with dessert. It's a format that feels particularly suited to Middle Eastern dining culture, where food is rarely an individual affair and the best meals tend to involve a table filled with plates.

Wali's approach also places importance on ingredients and preparation. Aromatic spices, traditional cooking methods and freshly prepared dishes remain central to the menu, while the presentation introduces a more contemporary sensibility.

The interiors follow a similarly relaxed approach. Comfortable seating, warm materials and an inviting atmosphere make the restaurants suitable for everything from a casual breakfast to a long lunch or dinner with friends. At its Al Khawaneej location, an outdoor terrace with greenery and woven seating offers a particularly pleasant setting for gathering around the table.

As Dubai's dining scene continues to welcome international concepts and increasingly elaborate culinary experiences, Asma represents a homegrown approach to regional food. Its appeal lies in dishes that feel familiar without being entirely predictable, served in an environment that encourages people to take their time. If we're being completely honest, it was one of the most flavorful dinners we had in a while. Everything we tried was unexpected and perfectly balanced.

With further expansion planned over the coming years, Wali hopes to introduce Asma's interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine to a wider audience.

For now, the restaurant's three Dubai locations offer plenty of opportunities to revisit regional favourites, discover a few new combinations and, preferably, order enough for everyone to share.

Asma is located at Dubai Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall and Al Khawaneej Walk. For more information, visit asma.ae or @asmarestaurant.