Culinary Masters Unite: Armenian and Mediterranean Flavors Meet Mindful Nourishment in Doha

Doha, Qatar – November 4, 2026 – Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som hosted an extraordinary dining event that blended culinary heritage, creativity, and mindful nourishment. The award-winning restaurant, Acacia, was the venue for an exclusive eight-course chef collaboration on 29 October 2026, uniting Armenian culinary traditions with vibrant Mediterranean influences.

This special dining experience, inspired by Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), celebrated the profound connection between cultural heritage, culinary artistry, and holistic health. The collaboration featured Chef Mayssam Abdul Khalek, Zulal Wellness Chef & Culinary Director, and the internationally recognized Chef Zarmig Haladjian.

Chef Zarmig Haladjian, a distinguished culinary professional of Armenian-Lebanese heritage, brings a wealth of international experience to the gastronomic world. Her impressive credentials include serving as President of Qatar’s Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup teams, being a Certified Culinary Judge, and a member of the World Master Chefs Society (UK). She is also an accomplished author of 24 culinary books and an Ambassador of Taste for Global Gastronomy, representing both Qatar and Armenia internationally.

Together, the chefs meticulously crafted an eight-course menu that paid homage to the richness of Armenian cuisine while seamlessly integrating Mediterranean flavors and the core principles of mindful nourishment. This collaboration provided a unique meeting of culinary perspectives, merging Chef Zarmig’s extensive global expertise and cultural background with Chef Mayssam’s culinary philosophy and dedication to purposeful eating.

The event underscored Zulal’s philosophy that food is a fundamental component of the journey toward improved health, emphasizing how each ingredient, preparation method, and flavor contributes to a more conscious relationship with nourishment.

Chef Zarmig Haladjian shared her perspective: “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 Mayssam Abdul Khalek added: “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.”

Mr Ammar Samad, Regional General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som and Jayasom, commented on the significance of the event: “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.”

The evening at Acacia Restaurant offered guests a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural narratives behind each dish. It showcased how traditional culinary knowledge can be reinterpreted through contemporary gastronomy and the principles of TAIM. Through such collaborations, Zulal Wellness Resort continues to highlight the intricate relationship between food, culture, and holistic well-being, reinforcing its core philosophy that nourishing the body can indeed be one of life’s greatest pleasures.