Issa Al Lamki to teach students Ramadan recipes

Omani celebrity chef Issa Al Lamki is giving his time and talent this Ramadan to teaching Omani students about traditional Ramadan cuisine.

Al Lamki will partner with Al Bustan Palace to help teach nine Omani students enrolled in the hotel’s Hospitality Academy how to cook traditional Omani Iftars for the guests of the hotel.

Al Lamki said: "My passion for cooking started when I was 14 years old, and I believe it is essential to ignite this passion as early as possible, so I am delighted to be working with the young talent of the Al Bustan Palace Culinary Academy.”

Once they’ve completed the training, the students will take part in a competition to create their own Ramadan dishes. The winning three will be served to guests for the hotel’s Iftar menu, along with Al Lamki’s special creation, Shuwa Madrooba, which he created exclusively for Al Bustan Palace.

"We wanted to create a unique experience for both our students and guests to celebrate Ramadan this year, and we are delighted to have Chef Issa on board to help provide Omani authenticity as well as the very best Ramadan cuisine. Our students are feeling incredibly inspired, and I am enormously excited to be part of such a memorable initiative for my first Ramadan in the Sultanate," said Herz.

Al Lamki will lead the panel of judges, which includes a representative from the Ministry of Tourism as well as the hotel's new General Manager, Katrin Herz. Judging will take place on June 9, 2015.

“For me, the winning dishes will combine traditional Omani Ramadan flavours, with the student's own interpretation and creative touches,” said Al Lamki.