Salim Mahloul specialises in Belgian chocolates and French pastries, combining the finesse of European confectionery with a touch of global inspiration. His creations are generous, gourmet, and crafted with passion—often infused with subtle Arab and Asian flavours to reflect the diverse tastes of the Emirates.

Salim’s passion for pastry began in his childhood kitchen, inspired by his mother’s meticulous approach to creating beautiful desserts for family celebrations. Her love for detail and creativity sparked his curiosity and appreciation for the craft. Later, his mentor, Jean-Philippe Darcis, played a pivotal role in shaping his skills and professional discipline, guiding him towards mastering the art of fine chocolate and pastry making. What started as a simple love for sweets became a lifelong pursuit of excellence and innovation.

It is a real challenge to enter a new country or continent with different mentalities, tastes, and cultures, and to be able to adapt while also guiding others to understand your philosophy and way of working. It often feels like starting from zero—earning acceptance, building trust, and aligning the team under one vision. And the challenge never stays the same; every day brings something new to overcome.

My greatest success and pride lie in bringing a smile to the faces of people who enjoy my creations every day, knowing they can feel the love and research behind each sweet. It’s about connecting generations—delighting children, parents, and grandparents alike—in different places, cities, and countries.

For me, ingredients always come first because quality and authenticity are the foundation of any dish or creation. Technique is equally important, as only with solid skills can we truly highlight those ingredients. When both elements come together, creativity flows naturally—allowing us to achieve a result that is not only successful but also uniquely our own.

Recipe Of The Week: Passion Fruit Ganache