HATTEM MATTAR

Hattem Mattar has taken the backyard grill and turned it into a culinary movement. Just seven years ago, the UAE-raised chef had never tasted authentic US barbecue. Today, The Mattar Farm is Dubai’s first and only artisan smokehouse and Hattem is one of the most celebrated chefs in the region, famed for his tender, juicy brisket, smoked meats and tallow ice cream. Hattem was first inspired to start grilling by his mother, whose love for food often brought the family together during his childhood, though it was under the guidance of Texan pitmaster Bryan Bracewell that he fully learned his trade. After his eye-opening visit to the US state, Hattem returned to Texas as an apprentice to Bryan, a third-generation pitmaster and owner of Southside Market & Barbecue, the oldest smokehouse in Texas. By combining his Egyptian roots and family recipes with techniques he discovered in the smokehouse, Hattem developed unique fiery creations, including traditional molokhia cooked in smoked chicken stock. After returning to Dubai, word of Hattem’s unique methods spread and the Egyptian father of two was met with huge demand for his food. Hungry locals would call day and night asking for smoked meat and after strangers began showing up at his house expecting to be fed, Hattem decided to take his hobby one step further. Initially, Hattem set up business as a pop-up, serving pastrami and brisket around Dubai, before launching his first permanent home at Time Out Market Dubai in 2021 and collaborating with Souk Madinat Jumeirah the same year. Now, Hattem is best known for his legendary beef brisket, incorporating spices from the US, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and the UAE, as well as the original recipe given to him by Bryan. His latest venture at Expo serves as a celebration of his incredible flavours and talent with a grill.