Nestled in the heart of bustling Business Bay is Kimchi Nom Nom, a cloud kitchen launched in January. Its menu takes diners on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Seoul and, as the name suggests, kimchi is a part of a variety of dishes.
However, the real highlight of Kimchi Nom Nom – which regularly caters to educational institutions, including Khalifa and Zayed Universities, and events, particularly K-pop gatherings – is the renowned chef behind the brand. Maha Nakli brings 27 years of culinary expertise and is celebrated for her innovative dishes.
“From curating experiences for elite London clientele, I have transitioned to a private freelance chef in Dubai's luxurious communities where I am the orchestrator of opulent gastronomic experiences,” Nakli tells The National.
Fusion of interests
The chef was also part of the cooking segment on the popular MBC morning show Sabah Il Khair Ya Arab for three years. One might wonder how Nakli, who is originally from Syria and has an Italian passport, mastered Korean cuisine. “I am fuelled by an insatiable passion for Korean culinary traditions,” she says. “Kimchi Nom Nom is not just a kitchen, it's an invitation to savour the magic when experience and passion meet on the plate.”
Nakli’s right hand and partner is chef Hye Yeon Lee, who grew up on Korean food. “As an international student surviving in foreign countries, I struggled to find home-flavoured food,” Lee says. “However, a trip to Turkey led me to a small, authentic Korean restaurant in Istanbul, reminiscent of my grandmother's cooking.
“This encounter fuelled a dream to open a restaurant that offers genuine, unaltered flavours that evoke a sense of home.”
For all that, Kimchi Nom Nom has several fusion dishes on its menu. Think beef bulgogi tacos, kimchi fried rice burritos and cheese corndogs.
Although the bulgogi is on the sweeter side for my taste buds, the tender meat pairs perfectly with the taco. As a burrito fan, the kimchi fried rice version is mouthwatering and offers a satisfying crunch and a perfect blend of spicy and savoury flavours. The cheese corndog is another standout, with its crispy exterior and gooey cheese providing a deliciously indulgent treat.
“Fusion cuisine allows us to experiment and create innovative dishes that offer new and exciting flavour combinations, appealing to adventurous eaters,” says Nakli.
If your tastes are a bit more traditional, here are three dishes to try that still benefit from Nakli's tweaks.
Tteokbokki rice cake
A blend of rice cake, fish cake and cream sauce, this tastes like traditional tteokbokki, but the added cream balances the spiciness perfectly. The cream also adds a thick texture that complements the chewy rice cakes and the savoury fish cakes, creating a blend of flavours.
The restaurant’s take on this classic dish is a comforting, hearty option that showcases the chef's ability to innovate while staying true to authentic Korean flavours.
Beef bulgogi bento
For those seeking a variety of dishes on one plate, the bento box might be a good option. It includes bulgogi, two types of kimchi, rice, egg rolls, salad and kimbap.
A unique element in this dish is the salad, a refreshing twist to the traditional Korean lunch box. Although salads are usually the last thing I would reach for in a meal, this one is served to clear the palate after every bite.
The kimchi-heavy box is perfect for fans of the fermented vegetable dish. “It is renowned for its tangy, spicy and umami-rich flavours,” explains Nakli. “As such, it adds depth and zing to any dish, making it more exciting and delicious.”
Kimbap ‘triangle’ rice balls
If, like me, you are a fan of K-dramas and variety shows, where characters often pop into stores to grab banana milk and kimbap, Kimchi Nom Nom's “triangle” kimbap is one dish you'll definitely want to try. While the packaging can be tricky to open, the taste is exactly as you'd imagine. The seaweed, rice, mayo and tuna blend make for a beautifully satisfying treat.
Catering to all requirements
While meat lovers can indulge in bulgogi and braised short ribs, and seafood enthusiasts have seafood pancakes and kimchi jjigae with tuna, Kimchi Nom Nom even has vegetarians and vegans covered. Enjoy customisable bibimbap, glass noodles, kimbap, kimchi fried rice, kimchi jjigae and even vegan tteokbokki.
“Adaptability is key to our success. We stay agile by closely monitoring market trends and proactively responding to evolving needs,” says Nakli. It is little wonder, then, that Kimchi Nom Nom is set to evolve from a delivery-only kitchen to a space with outdoor seating come winter.
Spec%20sheet
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7%22%20Retina%20HD%2C%201334%20x%20750%2C%20625%20nits%2C%201400%3A1%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20A15%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%204-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%2C%20f%2F1.8%2C%205x%20digital%20zoom%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%2B%40%2024%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%2B%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%20HD%2B%40%2030%20fps%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFront%20camera%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7MP%2C%20f%2F2.2%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3B%20HD%20video%2B%40%2030fps%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2015%20hours%20video%2C%2050%20hours%20audio%3B%2050%25%20fast%20charge%20in%2030%20minutes%20with%2020W%20charger%3B%20wireless%20charging%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Touch%20ID%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP67%2C%20dust%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%201m%20for%2030%20minutes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C849%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results:
Men's 100m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 15 sec; 2. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 15.40; 3. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 15.75. Men's 400m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 50.56; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 50.94; 3. Henry Manni (FIN) 52.24.
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
WORLD CUP FINAL
England v South Africa
Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tesalam Aleik
Abdullah Al Ruwaished
(Rotana)
RACE CARD
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 (PA) Listed Dh230,000 1,600m
6.30pm: HH The President’s Cup (PA) Group 1 Dh2.5million 2,200m
7pm: HH The President’s Cup (TB) Listed Dh380,000 1,400m
7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,200m.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
More on Quran memorisation:
I Care A Lot
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage
3/5 stars
Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
The five pillars of Islam
Scoreline:
Everton 4
Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', Digne 56', Walcott 64'
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Chinese Grand Prix schedule (in UAE time)
Friday: First practice - 6am; Second practice - 10am
Saturday: Final practice - 7am; Qualifying - 10am
Sunday: Chinese Grand Prix - 10.10am
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
The years Ramadan fell in May
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:
Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate
Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 1 (Gundogan 56')
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Solomon 69')
Info
What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship
When: December 27-29, 2018
Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823
Neymar's bio
Total club appearances 411
Total goals scored 241
Appearances for Barca 186
Goals scored for Barca 105
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Stage result
1. Pascal Ackermann (GER) Bora-Hansgrohe, in 3:29.09
2. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto-Soudal
3. Rudy Barbier (FRA) Israel Start-Up Nation
4. Dylan Groenewegen (NED) Jumbo-Visma
5. Luka Mezgec (SLO) Mitchelton-Scott
6. Alberto Dainese (ITA) Sunweb
7. Jakub Mareczko (ITA) CCC
8. Max Walscheid (GER) NTT
9. José Rojas (ESP) Movistar
10. Andrea Vendrame (ITA) Ag2r La Mondiale, all at same time
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
