In this podcast, Lama Jammal Houssami describes her educational and career path and why she was inspired to create a cooking school, Mamalu Kitchen, in Dubai.  Mamalu Kitchen was inspired by her 3 boys and the need to help fellow mums and families simplify their day-to-day lives without having to worry about feeding their family fuss-free healthy food. 

The first concept launched under the Mamalu Kitchen brand in 2016 was cooking classes for nannies and housekeepers. Using recipes in their native language from traditional Arabic cuisine, Lama taught them how to cook for the ultimate dinner party. That was shortly followed by cooking classes for mums/children, schools, couples, corporations & even husbands who also wanted to learn how to create delicious, all-natural food for their families. Mamalu Kitchen has created a cooking movement under the slogan #feedingfamilies. 

In line with her cooking movement in 2020 she started Eazy Freezy; an all natural, easy to cook frozen food product line for families on the go. Hassle free yumminess without the bad stuff. The products are available online and across Spinneys & Waitrose outlets all over the UAE. 

By engaging every single member of the household/family and various members of the community, to be involved and empowered by cooking, Mamalu Kitchen is enabling lifestyle changes in the region. This ‘cooking movement’ is leading families to live a healthier and happier life. 

Born in Lebanon and raised most of her life in the UK, Lama has always had a passion for cooking since the age of 6. By shadowing her mother from a young age she acquired the knowledge of all of the classic Arabic dishes. Her specialty is family food, large beautiful mouthwatering dishes to be shared amongst friends and family in a fuss-free way. 

Her love of cooking led her to study at Glion Hotel Management School in Switzerland and she earned a Hospitality & Tourism degree.  She gained experience with some of the top 5 star luxury hotel groups such as Four Seasons, Rocco Forte and Hyatt hotels in London, Paris and Rome. 

Mamalu Kitchen is not Lama’s first entrepreneurial venture, she has had over a decade of experience in the fashion industry under her independent private label. She has opened two concept stores in Beirut, Lebanon {Ribbon & Lace and Birdcage} She has also been a part of the prestigious London & Paris Fashion weeks for 7 consecutive years and has extensive experience as a designer for high end clothing brand, Mojo World.