Celebrity chef and consultant
" the fifth generation of the Al Hallab family "
Rami Al Hallab is the fifth generation of the Al Hallab family whose story began in 1881 in Tripoli one of Lebanon’s most historic towns. Here, the family cafe, Al Hallab, welcomed Lebanon’s aristocrats, artists, and cultural individuals to enjoy the most mouthwatering sweets and heartwarming hospitality.
As time went on, through dedication and hard work the cafe evolved to be the largest authentic Lebanese sweets and desserts provider in the region. Hajj Abdul Rahman Hallab, a visionary man whose motto, “Do it perfectly, or don't do it at all”, was the ultimate driver behind Hallab 1881’s success story and set the bar high.
Hallab 1881 now employs approximately 500 employees, operates two production facilities and 10 retail outlets in Lebanon. Their franchise partners manage and operate multiple branches in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and now in Jordan. Hallab 1881 's signature items are delicacies such as baklava, ma’amoul (stuffed cookies), and knafeh (sweet cheese pastry).
Under the apprenticeship of his forebears plus his rich experience in the hospitality industry, Maître Restaurateur Rami Al Hallab ventured to Dubai in 2002 to develop the business into a prominent full-service Lebanese restaurant group. Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets is available in four locations across Dubai offering its patrons a “Lebanese grill” dining experience in Al Garhoud, The Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates and a Seafood experience, under the umbrella of “Al Hallab Bab El Bahr”, in Downtown Dubai.
Expanding to Istanbul, Rami is on a mission to offer the same experience of Al Hallab Lebanese gastronomy to the Turkish market targeting locals and tourists alike with luxury settings and inspired flavours.
As Rami observed, “We are proud to share Al Hallab’s long years of food and hospitality experience by being closer to our Turkish guests to serve them better with our legendary menu and elegant ambiance. In order to cater to the increasing demands of our Turkish customers, Al Hallab currently has two branches in the most exclusive neighbourhoods of the European side of Istanbul: Nişantaşı and Fişekhane.”
No matter how much Al Hallab has grown or how many branches it may open, it will always stay true to its family values: authenticity, hospitality, quality and service, to anyone and everyone who walks through its doors.
Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer
Researched from various sources. E&OE