From Georgian Streets To Dubai Eats: The Culinary Journey Of Mariam And Nino
Two Georgian women, Mariam Shevardnadze and Nino Chantladze, have transformed their culinary expertise and cultural passion into Qartuli, a restaurant that has quickly become a cornerstone of Georgian hospitality in Downtown Dubai. Their journey, which began in early 2022, has seen them bring the rich heritage and flavors of Georgia to Dubai's diverse culinary landscape, offering a unique dining experience that immerses guests in Georgian traditions. So, how did it all begin and how did the duo venture into Dubai's culinary world? Read on, as OneArabia shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey.
From Vision To Reality
The entrepreneurial spirit of Mariam and Nino took flight to showcase Georgian culture in the UAE through its distinctive cuisine. Their initial venture involved importing Georgian products into local markets, followed by the launch of "Tamada," a food delivery concept. The overwhelming positive response set the stage for Qartuli, a restaurant designed to offer an authentic Georgian dining experience. With a team of chefs hailing from Georgia, Qartuli ensures each dish is a genuine representation of Georgian hospitality.
"Our journey in the UAE began back in early 2022 with a deep desire to share the beauty of Georgian culture and bring the flavors of our homeland to the bustling streets of Dubai. It all started with a simple wish to connect Georgia with the UAE by importing Georgian products and supplying to UAE’s supermarkets and restaurants. After some time, 'Tamada'- a food delivery concept was born. We handpicked four talented chefs from Georgia to ensure that every dish served reflected the true essence of our culture", the duo shared.
As time went on, their business flourished, and they were overwhelmed by the love and support from loyal customers who couldn't get enough of their authentic flavors. "After just four months, we knew it was time to take things to the next level. That's when we decided to introduce the "Qartuli" brand in a restaurant format, offering not only delicious food but also an immersive experience that transports our guests straight to the heart of Georgia, right here in Dubai. Our biggest dream is to share the rich tapestry of our culture and history".
A Unique Culinary Capital
Dubai, known for its culinary diversity and quality, is home to residents from over 200 nationalities, making it a melting pot of global cultures and cuisines. Mariam and Nino view Dubai's unparalleled customer service and variety as key factors distinguishing the city in the international culinary arena.
"Dubai is known for its diverse population with residents from over 200 nationalities, resulting in a rich cosmopolitan food scene. You can explore upscale dining experiences, as well as discover charming hidden gems and intimate eateries. From lavish five-star hotels boasting numerous dining options to lovable, lesser-known establishments, Dubai offers a diverse range of culinary choices. Top-notch customer service is key to a memorable dining experience and that's what makes Dubai different from all other capitals."
Emerging Food Trends In Dubai
The co-founders have observed a growing demand for intimate dining experiences, curated wine bars, innovative cocktails, and country-specific cuisines within Dubai. This reflects the city's appetite for authenticity and innovation in its culinary offerings. "We think that Dubai is opening doors to new food trends pop-up dining experiences, wine bars specializing in curated selections, cozy bars with creative cocktail menus, and hidden gem restaurants offering country-specific cuisine."
Challenges And Triumphs
Starting a restaurant business in Dubai comes with its unique set of challenges. From locating the perfect spot to embracing authenticity and building a team Nino and Mariam had to battle a whole lot of challenges to get to where they are today. "It took us nearly two months of extensive searching and numerous property viewings to find the ideal space for our restaurant. Besides, Qartuli is inspired by the ambiance of an authentic 19th-20th century Georgian family home, complete with vintage and antique elements. Procuring such unique inventory presented a significant challenge."
To recreate an authentic atmosphere, the duo imported 650kg of cargo directly from Georgia, ensuring their guests could instantly feel transported to a traditional Georgian household, complete with vintage tableware reminiscent of centuries past. Lastly, recruiting skilled chefs and assembling a talented team is crucial for the success of any restaurant, and Qartuli has an army of kitchen staff hailing from Georgia, ensuring the authenticity of dishes.
Maintaining Authenticity And Quality
Qartuli's dedication to authenticity and quality is evident through its sourcing of fresh ingredients, with spices, oils, and produce imported from Georgia and Uzbekistan. A dedicated team member is responsible for inventory management, ensuring that the quality and freshness of every dish served uphold the highest standards. This commitment has not only garnered trust and affection from patrons but has also solidified Qartuli's position in Dubai’s vibrant dining scene.
"At Qartuli, we embrace three core ideologies- Embrace our unique concept, uphold authenticity at all times, and deliver the highest quality food and service. The cornerstone of our restaurant's success lies in our ability to earn the trust and affection of our customers. We consistently deliver on our promise to offer authentic flavours and use only high quality ingredients."
Many of the restaurant's key ingredients, like spices and oils, are imported directly from Georgia on a weekly basis. Additionally, the founders also ensure the freshness of their produce by sourcing fresh vegetables from both Uzbekistan and Georgia, which are flown in daily straight from the airport. "In our kitchen, we've entrusted a qualified individual to oversee daily operations and manage our inventory logs in the system to ensure everything stays fresh and pristine", they said.
In just a short period, Mariam, Nino, and their team have established a haven for Georgian culture in Dubai through Qartuli. The restaurant stands as a testament to their passion for sharing Georgia's rich culinary traditions with the world. As they continue to welcome guests, their focus remains on providing an authentic and memorable Georgian dining experience.
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