Dubai has become a hub for diverse culinary experiences, and at the heart of its melting pot of flavors lies Iman Nazemi’s Afghan Gourmet kitchen, Kishmish. Originally from London, where her family settled after leaving Afghanistan in 1979, Nazemi’s passion for Afghan cuisine blossomed early in her life, influenced by her nanny’s traditional cooking and a household filled with Afghan culture and language.
Iman’s culinary journey took root during her volunteer work at the Afghan Red Crescent Society, where she used food and art therapy to support communities in Afghanistan. This experience ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to establish Kishmish in Dubai, specializing in authentic Afghan dishes like Bamiya (fried okra) and traditional naan sprinkled with kalonji seeds.
Nazemi’s path to success wasn’t without challenges; she navigated cultural prejudices against pursuing culinary arts and overcame initial skepticism to establish her restaurant. Today, Kishmish stands as a testament to her dedication, offering Dubai’s diners a taste of Afghanistan’s rich culinary heritage.
