With more than 18 years of culinary experience under his belt, from flight catering to luxury resort kitchens, Ibrahim Mesbah, Executive Chef at The Orangery Tearoom & Patisserie, has mastered the art of balancing authentic flavours with modern presentation. He talks kitchen discipline, cooking for family and friends and his signature dish.

You’ve worked in kitchens for nearly two decades. What early experiences had the biggest influence on the chef you are today?
The earliest influence was learning discipline before creativity. In my first kitchens, I was taught to respect ingredients, timing and the people around me long before I was encouraged to express myself. Over time, travelling and working across different cultures shaped me deeply, and I learnt that food is never just about technique – it’s about memory, place and emotion. That understanding still guides how I cook today.

Arabic and Oriental flavours are at the heart of your cooking. How do you keep them feeling fresh and relevant at The Orangery?
For me, relevance comes from restraint. These flavours are already rich and expressive, so I believe in keeping dishes simple. At The Orangery, we focus on clarity – allowing each ingredient and spice to speak for itself, while presenting it in a way that feels light and contemporary. We also respond to the seasons and how people want to eat now: more mindful, more balanced.

What dish do you cook most often for friends or family at home and what makes it special?
There’s no one specific dish but it’s usually something simple and comforting – a slow-cooked dish that brings everyone to the table without needing to explain it. I tend to cook dishes inspired by my roots but adapted to whoever I’m cooking for. What makes it special isn’t the recipe; it’s the time spent together. Cooking at home reminds me why I became a chef in the first place – to nourish people, not impress them.

Which signature dish at The Orangery best reflects your personality as a chef and why?
Our Saffron French Toast has become one of our long-standing signature dishes, with guests even travelling from Saudi Arabia specifically for it. At first glance, it appears understated, but as you eat, it slowly reveals layers of flavour. This sense of balance reflects how I approach cooking – calm, thoughtful and intentional. I’m drawn to dishes that don’t seek attention immediately; I prefer ones that invite you in quietly and stay with you. That philosophy is very much at the heart of The Orangery. ✤