The rise in demand for at-home chefs suggests maybe not...

Your winter to-do list to make the most of Dubai.

The insider's guide to nailing your weekend lunch

How can teams ensure diner safety

Celebrating Halloween, Diwali & World Sustainability Day

Who serves the city's finest escargots?

The global average for household food waste is 74kg per person annually, similar for lower-, middle- and high-income countries, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep). So what can we do to make that important change? Omar Shihab, restaurateur at Michelin Green Starred eatery Boca guides us;  Chef Erick Alonso Ramos Cornejo from Above Eleven is on our hot seat for Chef’s Table; We meet the husband and wife team behind Indonesian restaurant Andaliman at The Link Find out What The Food is up to this month at Alserkal Avenue; Community events around wellbeing and connection, and supporting small and local businesses through pop-ups are what’s coming up this weekend as Tania’s Teahouse launches a new branch; And Simon Ritchie’s filling us in with the latest food news, including ice cream flavours that you’ll hear for the very first time!

Meet the cancer warrior channeling her energy into a small food business

Content creator and food designer Yasmine Idriss Tannir, also known as @petite_choses, whips up some cheese pizza and a couscous salad using Spinneys prepared vegetables.

We’re inundated with messages from you our listeners and we’re joined live from Singapore to talk about customer service by Marvin Alballi, best-selling author of the book “Restaurant Excellence” and the Vice President - F&B at Hilton Asia Pacific A study from the University of California found that increased screen time, particularly on social media, is linked to eating disorder symptoms in adolescents aged 9 to 14. We discuss nutrition and eating disorder with Charlie Baxter and Rory Brown  And ending the week with sweets… We get details about chocolate and pastry exhibition Salon Du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai and a chocolate breakthrough using the entire cocoa fruit and without adding sugar, with food scientist Kim Mishra from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. 

We look at the dishes behind the festival of Onam, and how restaurants across Dubai are celebrating this week. We also chat to one of Andalusia's most renowned Michelin star chefs - Dani Garcia, owner of Lena and Smokehouse here in Dubai.   We then get the latest food news with Dan Fahy and look ahead to the best chef awards coming this November. Plus, we look at how fine cuisine and the art of fragrance fit together with Chef Nader of Ana restaurant. We also take a look at Spinney's produce coming from family run farms in the USA and we meet the owner or Iranish - a family owned Iranian restaurant here in Dubai. 

This concept is a reality now and it’s taking the Dubai food scene by storm. We speak with Bader Ataya of Eatopi Chef Nicolas Isnard shares his culinary journey from France to the world Miles Buckeridge fills us in with the latest food news including the best burgers in town and the viral pickle kit And find out about the new entrepreneurship programme for teens by Spinneys.

Superstar chef Jason Atherton joins Helen live in the studio to talk about life, lessons from his career and opening new restaurants  A new four-hands dinner intertwines Thai and Mexican cuisines The boss of Mogi-ya Japanese restaurant is going above and beyond by sending his employees for further studies We meet the creative mind behind Dutch bakery The Lolo House  And foodie insider James Pemberton fills us in with the latest food news.

Chef Dabiz Muñoz joins the Farmer’s Kitchen team live from Spinneys HQ to talk about his culinary journey and the opening of StreetXO at One Za’abeel How can we improve our relationship with food? Nutritionist Reetu Sukharamani guides us Writer Laura Coughlin tells us the latest food news, including the Michelin guide ceremony which is happening next week and a dinner in Dubai worth 15k! A new restaurant for the whole family has just opened in Bluewaters Island And Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s fills us in with Sunday chicken curry featuring Spinneys organic chicken from Spain.

We continue our chat about allergies after UK Love Island star Jack Fowler suffered a severe allergic reaction onboard a flight to Dubai. Today we look at how restaurants handle guests with food allergies with Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s Talking pasta and other Italian cuisines with Chef Fabio Longhi of Big Oli  Food writer extraordinaire Courtney Brandt fills us in with all the latest food news  A teen who’s in love with baking has joined us to talk about her cookbook  We speakwith the Sous-Chef of Sofitel Dubai Downtown Dany Tanios Tabet about catering to big events, his background and their sustainability efforts And ending the week with vegan soft serve- Miam co-founders tell us their story.

Dietitian and Nutritionist Nour Al Mahmoud walk us through the basics of reading food labels and the hidden dangers of energy drinks Three chefs join us today to talk about Yakitori, Peruvian and Khaleeji cuisines Food writer Dan Fahy brings us the latest food news and where to go and what to eat if you’re planning to visit Armenia And a restaurant owner in Dubai has posted a video announcing he’s closing his food business - let’s hear from Mulla Rifat, owner of B Rani Man to find out how the community has received his message.

As we broadcast live from Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah (yes, in a suite, overlooking a private pool and the Arabian Gulf), we find out all the things and dishes this newly-opened property has to offer from the General Manager Karim Abdelhamid and Director of Culinary Andre Kaiser Food writer Liam Collens tells us which restaurants are on the World’s 50 Best list, plus, would you try combining pickles and soda? More food trends on discussion too Taking Emirati cuisine to the Maldives with Chef Sumaya Obaid We meet the Executive Chef of Hilton London Metropole who’s used to creating menus for GCC travellers Nutritionist Riham Shamseddine discusses gut health And how do you prepare meals for over 1,500 people every single day? A massive kitchen and experience is the answer. We speak with The Taste Studio.

We’re back for another live cooking session from the Spinneys Kitchen at their flagship store in Meydan! Joining us is Chef Christophe Devoille, Executive Pastry Chef at Atlantis The Royal as he makes a special dessert called Strawberry and Rhubarb Tartlet We meet the founder and CEO of Grit Hospitality, Anwar Awad, behind F&B concepts such as Wise Guys, Tahini and Moonshine We get details on Chef Rene Johari’s collaboration with Streetery Foodhall And James Permberton AKA FoodieJamesDXB shares the latest food news and tips on where to go this weekend.

The Kitchen by Spinneys has officially opened in Dubai Mall; Tom Harvey, General Manager – Commercial tells us what we can look forward to in our visit The FooDiva is back for all the latest food news What is it like to have two head chefs? Flamingo Room does that Let’s celebrate burgers ahead of International Burger Day next week Find out what an honesty menu is And there’s a party in the studio as we talk kids-only brunch- parents are definitely not allowed.

When you have ramen in front of you, we bet you can! Ichiryu Ramen House takes you to a tour to Japan courtesy of three brothers. We are broadcasting live today from Primi at City Walk C2 Licensed District - find out what they have in store for you. A little tease: You'll get vacay feels once you enter the place. We meet the husband and wife team behind DUANGDY BY BO.LAN at The Link. We meet cookbook author Inge Beck and hear what Baku Cafe has on their menu. And listen to Boy Dubai's recommendation on what to eat and where to go this weekend.

We’re at a foodie adventure at City Walk broadcasting live from Rare and meeting its founder and CEO Sahil Anand It’s all about Greece through brother and sister Alex and Fay Economides from Mythos Let’s revisit the 70s through a heritage brunch Find out how creative you can be when it comes to choosing on the menu Unravel a secret menu from Chef Gio Ledon of Akira Back And can you pronounce Bruschetta, Rooibos, Gyro correctly? Food writer extraordinaire Courtney Brandt guides us.

Italian Chef Carmine Fravolo is on cloud nine as he prepares a four-hands dinner with his Nonna Maria this weekend Bliss Bites founder Chef Shivani Sharma joins us to talk about their offerings and how they support the community by using local produce Lavoya Group's Walid Hajj talks us through the challenges and gains of franchising We get details on the new edition of Nourish Magazine from Spinneys' Tiffany Eslick Food writer Dan Fahy updates us with the latest food news And ending the week with sweets! Adriana Pagliero of Adriana's Cakes tells us how her business is recovering post-flood and Grade 10 Anahita briefs us with easy-to-make healthy desserts.

Listen to Michelin star and award-winning chef Jason Atherton as he prepares incredible dishes from fresh British tomatoes; Middle Eastern Master Chef Greg Malouf and Chef Sonu Koithara, Executive Chef at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa fills us in with their four hands dinner; A sweet intro to the weekend as we speak with Diva and Preet of Varak and world pastry chef champion Angelo Musa; And we tell you the brunch that takes the whole family to a magical experience.

Helen's giving shoutouts to businesses extending their help during trying times.

Punam Verma covering Helen Farmer. Kicking things off with Zak Carey, the Executive Chef of PXB at Expo City, renowned for his health-conscious approach to food. Zak prioritizes sustainability and locally sourced produce, including ingredients from Expo Farm, in crafting his innovative menus. We chat with Gups Jutla as he explores the timeless concept of BBQ and Curry, showcasing the versatility of outdoor cooking and its flavorful possibilities. Discover the dynamic duo of Mariam Shevardnadze and Nino Chantladzei, a lawyer and a grocery chain owner from Georgia, who have brought their expertise to Downtown Dubai with the opening of a new restaurant called Qartuli. Last but not least, Mira Manek delves into the captivating world of chai, sharing its history, stories, and recipes in her enlightening book.

05 April 2024: Talking to some of the UAE’s incredible foodies! Kicking things off with SHI Restaurants Founder & CEO Diana Rysbaeva. From Attiko, it’s Chef Moon. Chats with Zehra from @z.blogs, Lukas Tremmel, Frying Pan Adventures and Hussni & Chef Jon from the Salmontini Group.

Helen was live from Spinneys HQ in Meydan, to catch the first hour of the show please head over to our Youtube Channel where we baked cookies with the amazing Zahra Abdalla. We had the amazing Courtney Brandt let us know where to go and what to eat, for Easter, Eid and the Dubai World Cup. Haider Madani, Restaurant Owner and Founder of Cassette, Nette, and Riina is sharing his successes and talking about F & B expansions in the UAE. Chef Marwan, a renowned chef specializing in healthy and delicious Cuisine is talking about the importance of eating healthy during Ramadan and sharing some of his recipes.

22 March 2024: Emanuele Rizzo, the Chef de Cuisine, and Maria Ibba, the Restaurant General Manager at Cucina, introduce the homely Italian concept that blends old-school Italian charm with contemporary flair, promising a delightful culinary experience led by a passionate Italian team. From Smoki Moto, Tsogik Mazmanyan, Restaurant General Manager, and Songhmi Ji, the sous chef, delve into the rich tradition of Korean food, exploring its nutritional and health benefits, particularly focusing on fermented food. Rania from KAVE and Haya from Haya's Kitchen discuss the significance of mindfulness during Ramadan, the importance of community in healing, and the role of food and culture in connecting people over important topics, emphasizing the power of sharing and connection. We give Criag a Ramadan Reunion surprise. And lastly, Marvin Alballi leads a discussion on various culinary topics, including food awards and winners, new dining trends in Dubai, common mistakes in restaurants, insights from the show "Somebody Feed Phil," and the pros and cons of restaurant expansions, engaging the audience with a Q&A session.

15 March 2024: Jen Crichton filling in for Helen Farmer. Samantha Wood,  Foodiva letting us know where to go to celebrate Ramadan. We learn about an Emirati cultural experience, Whispers of the Sand at Andaz on The Palm with Dubai based writer and director - Alex Broun, Emirati writer and cultural guide, Bader Al Mansoori, and the CEO of Host Theatre - Yulia Maksimovich. Chef Kelvin from Jun’s is talking about the link between food and stories. Looking at food wastage with Khuloud Al Nuwais - Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation & Secretary General, ne’ma National Steering Committee and Nikki Walsh, Director of F&B Marketing at Hilton. Looking at two females in F&B, Mehreen Omar and Muna Mustafa. - co founders of Supperclub Middle East.

08 March 2024: Celebrate International Women's Day with an awe-inspiring lineup of female powerhouses in the food and beverage industry! We're starting strong with insights from Pancharli Mahendra, CEO of Atelier Hospitality, followed by a conversation with Alice Holtham, Group Editor at What's On. Then, prepare to be inspired by Lily Hoa Nguyen, the force behind VietnameseFoodies, and Natasha Sideris, CEO & Founder of Tashas Group. Stay tuned as we delve into the visionary work of Stasha Toncev, Founder of 21 Grams, and the culinary genius of Chef Shaw Lash, Co-founder of Lila Taqueria. It's an episode filled with passion, innovation, and the incredible stories of women shaping the F&B landscape.

01 March 2024: James Knight-Pacheco is a mental health advocate that has put him at the heart of the chef community here in Dubai. Seda Solmaz, CEO & Founder, Idea Atelier with us talking Gen Z Behaviours in food. Dean Henry is a functional medicine certified health coach, helping people improve their skin, chronic anxiety, insomnia and reduce body fat. The new issue of Nourish magazine is out now and Karen D'Souza was in the studio to tell us what we need to know. We go to France with Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel Dubai’s Executive Chef Christophe Prud’homme. We also talk brunch with Middle East luxury reporter for Bloomberg News Lisa Fleisher.

23 February 2024: Starting off with the collaboration between Chef Tristin Farmer and Chef Solemann Haddad at Moonrise in Dubai. We catch up with the incredible Thibault Fombon from Beefbar. Talking slow food, Anki Ram from Wandr.

Courtney Brandt let’s us know where to go this weekend. In conversation with Chef George Lyons from Broadway in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Author of Restaurant Excellence, Marvin Alballi is in to answer all questions about the biz. We chatted to Chef Ourad from ASIL at Rixos Premium Dubai. We also caught up with Chef Lama Jammal. Last but not least we get to quickly chat with Paul Sykes, the General Manager of Banyan Tree Dubai.

09 February 2024: We take a look at YouCater, founded by Philippe and Sarah Dupuy, a husband-and-wife team who bring a combined 30 years of global business experience across restaurant conception, finance, and investment.We talk to two amazing Chef's from Taste of Dubai Chef Vanessa Bayma and Chef Russell Impiazzi. Michele from Pitfire Pizza is in to celebrate pizza day! We talk to Thomas O’Hara from The Yorkshire Pudding - a man on a mission, trying a new roast dinner every week. Tiff and Connor from Spinneys call in to talk snacks.

02 February 2024: Clementine Koch from Time Out Market and Chef New & Lisa from Cafe Isan. Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi from Antica Australis, based in regional Australia are in the UAE for a specially curated four-course set menu starring local organic produce from Ras Al Khaimah, Australian native ingredients & Emirati flavours. Gabriela Chamorro is a visionary Nicaraguan chef known for crafting unique contemporary Central American dining experiences famed for her Girl & The Goose supper club. Talking travel and food with Stephanie Reichenbach - Founder – Nara, behind desert escapes, Sonara camp, secret city tours and now Nara in the City. Fred Casagrande of Smoking Beards will be at Taste of Dubai -  Chef Fred was crowned the 2023 UAE Champion on Live Fire BBQ. He later represented the UAE in the World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas, where he competed against BBQ Legends from all over the world.

26 January 2024: Maxime Legeard and Hu Yangqi from Hutong Dubai come into the studios to tell us all about their plans for Chinese New Year. Akanksha is the founder of Mindful Munchies and she is in the studio to share her mission of how to make baking healthy! Cooking for kids and a family never ends and if you're struggling to make meals fast and healthy, Kripa Dewani aka @15min_Mom is here to help. Life is too short to skip dessert and a man who lives by that is Chef Romain, the Executive pastry chef at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Lastly, Samantha Wood, the founder of impartial restaurant review website FooDiva.net - and a curator of dining experiences is here to tell us where we should be going!

19 January 2024: We were live from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic! We chat to top chef Jason Atherton talking about food trends, and getting an update on what’s happening in his career. We take you to Italy with Chef Alfredo and we also asked clinical dietician Ms. Lina Doumani if pizza is a legit breakfast food. We also tell you everything you need to know about Australian wagyu with Andrew O’Brien from Westholme.

12 January 2024: Melissa Cookston is a seven-time world American barbecue champion and she is coming to the UAE - we are getting all of her tips and tricks on how to BBQ like a pro. We talk to Chef Slyvian Noel from DRIFT beach club at One & Only Royal Mirage. Chef Renzo Reyes is head chef at Barfly by Buddha-Bar – rooftop supper club, bar and restaurant at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah and we chat to him about Veganuary. Last but not least, we talk to the amazing Tia Maher Holistic Gut Health Coach to talk about all things gut health and she answers your poop questions to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Marvin Alballi is a food and beverage executive with international experience managing franchise chains, celebrity-chef restaurants, independent establishments, and global hotel F&B operations, he's here to answer your questions! Liam Collens is here to talk about all things food - tv, movies, restaurants, and more! It's Veganuary for many and Edward Hamod, the Founder & CEO of Switch Foods, homegrown FoodTech startup specialising in plant-based meat substitutes, based in the U.A.E is here to tell us why we should be cutting down on meat. Tom Harvey from Spinneys gives us a call to talk about a new law banning single-use plastic bags that took effect in Dubai on Monday.

It's the last foodie Friday of 2023 and to celebrate we have a great list of guests with us. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality talks about gelato and female empowerment. Courtney Brandt lets us know where we should be going in 2024 and we look at Frying Pan Adventures. Lyka, Ahmed, and Aswathy come into the studio to talk co-kitchens.

A strong line-up of chefs and experts join Punam today as we talk all things food and festivities for Christmas.

We get to know more Mich Turner MBE, from her education to becoming a baker to the stars Two interesting chefs join Helen live in the studio And Laura Coughlin fills us in with a festive roundup.

Tom Harvey, Jo Black, Paul Crawford & Neil Gibson - the dream team from Spinneys stop by with delicious gifts! We chat with Alexander Smalls, James-Beard-Award-winning chef, author, and raconteur, was the visionary co-owner of renowned restaurants The Cecil and Minton’s. Closer to the UAE, he's the man at the helm at Alkebulan at Expo City, the world's first African dining hall. We got a visit from Alina Tutkova, the owner of Angel Cakes, a chain of healthy cafes around the UAE. Last but not least, industry insider and food writer Courtney Brandt calls in to let us know where we need to go!

01 December 2023: Marvin Alballi is an award-winning food and beverage executive, he's here to tell us more about his book “Restaurant Excellence” and the secrets of the trade. Chef Gökhan of Rüya Dubai brings us some delicious treats and tells us about his background and his current work. We chat with Chef Tim Newton, the Executive Chef and Partner of the Demind Group, behind incredible eateries including Bagatelle, OPA, La Niña, and Myrra. Caroline Corr, Brand & Campaign Manager at Spinneys tells us about their Guinness World Record Official Attempt for Worlds Largest Cheese Tasting Event that's coming up and the man behind Jaleo at Atlantis the Royal and some incredible humanitarian work through World Central Kitchen joins us - Chef Jose Andres.

24 November 2023:  It's a show full of amazing guests! Foodie industry insider Laura Coughlin, and Arab king of the BBQ - Hattem Mattar. Founder & CEO of Restaurant Secrets Inc Gabrielle Mather. Chef Priyal from @dulcedemirchi is here, and Keary Shandler - Business Sustainability Consultant and co-founder of the Food Made Good initiative for the UAE. We also put British snacks up against Aussie snacks!

17 November 2023: We're marking the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World with Chef Cristina Bowerman.

10 November 2023: On the show today we have chef after chef after chef, including the legend himself, Pierre Gagnaire.

03 November 2023: Full of fun and humour Jenny Morris aka The Giggling Gourmet joins Helen Celebrity Chef Gaston Acurio is holding a 4 hands dinner at La Mar We have a taste of Philly in the studio Ben's Farmhouse is gearing up for the festive season And The Crossing are getting ready for Diwali.

We get the lowdown on the staying power of F&B businesses here in the UAE, the latest food news to Japanese and French cuisines.

Food blogger Cruising Cravings has some top recommendations; Signor Sassi has launched with a bang in Dubai; Have you tried camel chocolate yet? Chef Giovanni Ledon is creating a vegan zero waste dinner; Get ready for a taste of Peru from Coya