While taste and flavour remain subjective territory, Dubai-based cook Hassan Naja's emerged victorious at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, beating dozens of other hopefuls in the burger category.
When he's not busy in his corporate job as a director at food and beverage company Arla Foods, Naja is in front of a grill, trying to come up with the perfect burger recipe.
“I’ve always been a food enthusiast, inspired by countless hours of watching the Food Network channel and cooking shows growing up,” he told The National.
“Grilling became my passion and I became known as an expert within my community, earning a reputation for crafting exceptional burgers and grills.”
Naja's winning burger, which he calls “one more burger”, has a beef patty, which he's concocted from a blend of premium cuts, predominantly Wagyu rib-eye for “exceptional flavour and tenderness”. Being extra protective of the recipe, he says the sauce is a mix of black truffle, mayonnaise, ketchup and a “secret ingredient that adds richness”.
“Cheese also holds a special place in my heart, so I incorporated three of my favourites in unique ways to introduce layers of texture and flavour,” he said. “To complement this, I added in fresh greens, house-pickled onions, and signature jams to achieve a balance that makes this burger truly unforgettable.
“It’s not just representative of food – it’s an experience, born out of my deep passion for culinary excellence.”
The burger eventually beat nine other finalists in the category, including those made by career chefs, grillers and restaurateurs from the UK and the US.
The World Food Championships hosts more than 1,500 chefs from nearly 20 countries, and teams battle it out in 12 culinary categories. The category winners advance to “the final table”, and vie for the title and $150,000 in prizes. Naja, with his chefs Kareem Kerry and Marc Hayes, was also the only category champion this year who is based outside of the US.
An invite-only event is soon taking place to bring the winning burger back to Dubai. Future pop-ups are also planned to enable the public to get a taste of Naja's creation. An announcement on the Instagram page of food-focused event organiser Cucina Del Sul, who organises the Mena qualifiers to the World Food Championships, is expected soon.
Other regional representatives to this year's event included Ammar Alhasan from Bahrain, who was part of the sandwich category. Eric Lee, founder of Ugly Burger and Ugly Noodles in Dubai, competed in the noodle category, while Suma Nair, also from Dubai, tried her luck at the vegetarian category. Dubai-based Natalia Bertolucci, who competed as part of team Brazil, showcased her skills in the dessert category.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
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Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
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Ms Al Ameri likes the variety of her job, and the daily environmental challenges she is presented with.
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Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
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