Chef Mayssam and Chef Zarmig unite at Zulal Wellness Resort for a distinctive dining experience celebrating Armenian cuisine, Mediterranean influences and mindful eating.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som brought together culinary heritage, creativity and mindful nourishment for an exceptional evening at an award-winning restaurant, Acacia on 29 October 2026. The exclusive eight-course chef collaboration united Armenian culinary traditions with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, celebrating the connection between cultural heritage, culinary artistry and holistic health.
Inspired by Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), the special dining experience brought together Chef Mayssam Abdul Khalek, Zulal Wellness Chef & Culinary Director, and internationally recognised Chef Zarmig Haladjian. A distinguished culinary professional of Armenian-Lebanese heritage, Chef Zarmig brings extensive international experience and leadership to the gastronomic world. She serves as President of Qatar’s Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup teams, is a Certified Culinary Judge and a member of the World Master Chefs Society (UK). An accomplished author of 24 culinary books and Ambassador of Taste for Global Gastronomy, she represents both Qatar and Armenia on the international culinary stage.
Together, the chefs crafted a distinctive eight-course menu that honoured the richness of Armenian cuisine while incorporating Mediterranean influences and the principles of mindful nourishment. The collaboration offered a meeting of culinary perspectives, combining Chef Zarmig’s extensive international expertise and cultural heritage with Chef Mayssam’s culinary philosophy and commitment to purposeful nourishment.
The experience reflected Zulal’s philosophy that food is an essential part of the journey towards better health, with every ingredient, preparation and flavour contributing to a more conscious relationship with nourishment.
Chef Zarmig Haladjian, President of Qatar’s Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup teams, Certified Culinary Judge, member of the World Master Chefs Society (UK), and Ambassador of Taste for Global Gastronomy, added:
“Armenian-Lebanese culinary heritage carries generations of stories, traditions and a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients, distinctive flavours and the art of sharing food. Collaborating with Zulal allowed me to bring these traditions together with Mediterranean influences in a new and meaningful way. It was particularly special to explore how culinary heritage and mindful nourishment can complement one another while creating an experience that celebrates both culture and flavour.”
Chef Zarmig Haladjian
Chef Mayssam Abdul Khalek, Zulal Wellness Chef & Culinary Director, said:
“At Zulal, our culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that nourishment should be both purposeful and pleasurable. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore the depth of Armenian culinary heritage and Mediterranean flavours through the lens of TAIM. Each course was thoughtfully developed to bring together ingredients, traditions and techniques while demonstrating how mindful nourishment can be an inspiring culinary experience.”
Chef Mayssam Abdul Khalek, Zulal Wellness Chef & Culinary Director
Mr Ammar Samad, Regional General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som and Jayasom, commented:
“At Zulal, we believe that food is much more than nourishment; it is an expression of culture, heritage and the connection between people. This collaboration reflects our commitment to bringing meaningful culinary experiences to our guests, where the richness of different traditions meets our holistic approach to health. Through the principles of TAIM, we continue to celebrate the role of mindful eating in supporting a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.”
Mr Ammar Samad, Regional General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som and Jayasom
The evening at Acacia Restaurant offered guests an opportunity to discover the cultural stories behind each course, while experiencing how traditional culinary knowledge can be interpreted through contemporary gastronomy and the principles of TAIM.
Through collaborations such as this, Zulal Wellness Resort continues to explore the relationship between food, culture and holistic health, reinforcing its philosophy that nourishing the body can also be one of life’s greatest pleasures.
For further information, please visit website https://www.zulal.com or follow @zulalwellnessresort on Facebook or Instagram. To send enquiries, please contact Zulal team at [email protected].
