Latest news with #VladimirChistyakov
Arab News
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Recipes for success: Vladimir Chistyakov offers advice and a tasty stir-fried noodles recipe
DUBAI: By the time Vladimir Chistyakov stepped into a professional kitchen for the first time at age 30, he was told it was already too late. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ 'A lot of people said: 'If you want to be a chef, you should've started 10 years ago,'' Chistyakov tells Arab News. Happily, he didn't listen to them. Now 40, the Serbian is the brand chef for Dubai-based Metafoodies, a group that includes ALBA Street (Asian street food), ALBA (upscale pan-Asian), Himitsu (a speakeasy bar) and Bisou (Mediterranean fusion). Before entering the culinary world, Chistyakov explored careers in journalism, marketing and even mobile repair. But it was not until he enrolled in a short culinary course that everything changed. 'Our chef showed us how to make a really nice chicken stock,' he says. 'In that moment, I knew this was my future.' He continues: 'Don't listen to people who say you're too late. If you love it, do it. Every day. And one day, it could change your life.' When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? It was difficult to make something simple. I was trying to impress, you know? Too many textures, a lot of sauce, a ton of ingredients... But now I understand what simplicity is. What's your top tip for amateur chefs? Cooking is like a form of meditation. Don't stress. It won't be perfect, and that's OK. They key is to enjoy the process and do your best. It's an art. It's about emotion. It's a way to disconnect from the world. It doesn't matter if you are cooking at home or in a professional kitchen, you have to enjoy the process and immerse yourself in it. What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish? Oils. They are the cheat code for almost all food. But, also, don't forget about love. If you're not cooking it with love and with respect for your people or yourself, it will not taste nice. There's a lot of different hacks for food, but oils and love are the main ones. When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food? I try to never think about it, but it's a professional habit. I'm not a harsh critic, but I hate when everything in the place is made without soul, you know? Like, when you feel there is no life to anything. That's really terrible. The food can taste really good, but if it is made without life, you feel it. What's the most-common issue that you find in other restaurants? The most important thing: service. The people on the floor are the first to welcome you. Ninety-nine percent of your happiness at a restaurant is not about the food, it's about service. What's your favorite cuisine to eat? I love Italian food. It's really simple. But it's difficult to find a good Italian place. There are a lot of different really expensive places (in the UAE), but a restaurant like one you would find in Rome and Milan, where you can eat for 10 Euros and, like, the portion of pasta is good, is almost impossible to find here. I also like Japanese food. I am from Siberia — part of Asia. We have a culture code from the Asian countries. We eat a lot of raw fish, but it's not sea fish, it's river fish. What's your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? I like pasta with parmigiano or tomatoes. Or, if it's a really lazy day, noodles or dumplings. If you come to our home, you'll find boxes of instant noodles in the kitchen — a lot of different types. What's your favorite dish to cook ? When I have time, I like to make something from my childhood. I really love Laghman — it's like ramen, from the family of this same soup, but from Uzbekistan. It's amazing. I love it. It's difficult to make. You need a lot of time, but really nice. I also like braised potatoes with meat. That reminds me of my childhood and my family in Russia. What's the most difficult dish for you to get right? An omelet. It's difficult to make it light and fluffy without overcooking it. It's an art, and it depends on your mood and your emotions. Early in my career, I went on vacation to France and found a great place for an internship. When I arrived, the head chef, a really old, funny guy, looked at me and said, 'Make me an omelet.' So I did. And for me, that moment was really meaningful — like a test of who I was as a chef. But the thing is, sometimes your emotions affect your cooking. If you're not in the right state of mind, it shows in the food. You might still make a decent omelet, but it won't be the same. You have to control everything: the temperature of the pan, the heat of the butter, the timing. You have to feel it all. As a head chef, what are you like? Five years ago, I was like a devil in the kitchen, but I've changed a lot since then. It's hard to be honest all the time, to really lead with intention and stay in control. I don't yell at everyone like I used to. I really make an effort. Of course, there are moments, if something goes wrong during a really important service, that I might lose my temper. But it's rare — maybe once a year. I like when the kitchen runs like an orchestra. Everyone knows their role, the rhythm is right, and the energy flows between the team, not just with the guests, but with the kitchen staff. I want the team to feel the emotion of the moment, to feel the pace, but without stress. You can't cook good food when you're stressed. If someone's out of sync, you can sense it immediately. That's why I always come back to one thing: balance. I try to stay balanced in everything. Chef Vladimir's stir fried spicy noodles Ingredients: White onion 30 g Mixed mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, champignons, etc.) 30 g Bell pepper 65 g Wagyu beef 80 g Ramen noodles 150 g Sunflower oil 10 g Spring onion 10 g Chives 10 g Red chili (long) 1 g Ramen sauce 50 g Preparation: Slice the white onion into half rings, mushrooms into thin slices, and bell pepper into strips. Cut the beef into thin strips. Boil the ramen noodles until al dente, according to package instructions. Stir-fry: Heat sunflower oil in a wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and bell pepper, stir-fry for 1–2 minutes. Add the beef and stir-fry until nicely seared. Combine: Add the ramen noodles and mix with the other ingredients. Pour in the ramen sauce and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes. Finish with chives, spring onion, and finely sliced red chili. Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with herbs or sesame seeds, if desired. Sauce: Dark soy sauce 10 g Soy sauce 10g Oyster sauce 20 g Olive oil 20 g Sesame oil 10 g Sweet Chilli 10 g Sugar 5 g
What's On
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: May 5 to 8
Things to do in Dubai this week: sorted… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? There's plenty, from a new (and different) afternoon tea to a night swim with gorgeous views, regional films, and more… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, May 5 Fresh flavours from the sea Craving seafood fresher than fresh? Swim on over to Ibn AlBahr – the Lebanese gem on Palm Jumeirah at Club Vista Mare or on Dubai Creek. Your menu? It's laid out right in front of you on ice. Point and pick from what you'd like to savour. Will it be the red snapper with Sultan Ibrahim? Or the lobster with local Emirati bait? It's all prepped by chefs and guaranteed not to disappoint. Oh, and the restaurant have received a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. Yep, it's that good. Ibn AlBahr, locations at Palm Jumeirah (9am to 2am) and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club (12am to 1am), Tel: (800) 4262 52247. Travel the world This is your last chance, folks. Global Village Dubai is closing its doors on May 11, 2025. The family-friendly destination offers everything from shopping to dining, attractions, performances and much more. For your guide to Global Village, head to this link here. Global Village UAE, Dubailand, Dubai, until May 11, ticket prices from Dhs25. @globalvillageUAE Tuesday, May 6 Afternoon tea, but with a twist We all love a good afternoon tea, but if you want to shake things up, try it at Alba Restaurant. The homegrown and award-winning Asian in Dubai Opera district has launched an afternoon tea with two tiers – sweet and savoury, all crafted by Group Executive Chef Vladimir Chistyakov. The sweet selection (the Geisha selection) includes mochi, mini pancakes, tiramisu, halva cookies, and more. On the savoury tier,(the Samurai selection), there's hamachi and salmon tostadas, mini wagyu sando, wagyu onigiri and more. Pair it with a selection tea and don't be shy to ask for suggestions from the staff – they know just what to serve up. PS – It's also a great option to enjoy before your next show at the Opera. Alba Restaurant, Opera district, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, avail daily, Mon to Fri 4pm to 7pm, Sat and Sun 3pm to 7pm. @albarestdubai Unlimited sips All-new bold GABA Bar at Dubai Marina is inviting you for a mid-week break with mates. An intimate tearoom by day and a vintage glam speakeasy by night, you can enjoy unlimited sips for just Dhs90 daily this May. Pick from daquiris, espresso martini, gin and tonic, and more. It's perfect to catch up with mates in a moody setting paired with vintage décor, and statement pop-art pieces. Gaba Bar, Dubai Marina, Dubai, avail daily, 5pm to 10pm, Tel: (0)58 806 7256. @ Wednesday, May 7 Catch a flick Calling all cinephiles – the fourth edition of Arab Cinema Week is back at Cinema Akil, everyone's favourite independent arthouse cinema and the go-to spot for alternative watching. The festival runs until May 11 and will take you through an incredible journey through the cinematic landscape of the Arab world. Expect to pick from a mix of bold, creative, and versatile stories from around the region, and as always there is a huge focus on highlighting strong female talent. Tickets to the festival are available to purchase online here. Read more here. Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, until May 11, tickets from Dhs56.70. @cinemaakil Sing your heart out Ladies, gather up to the Celine Dions and Gloria Gaynors, and well… maybe the William Hungs (the She Bangs American Idol dude), and make plans to go to Lucky Voice on Wednesday. Why Wednesday? Because the night is all about the ladies. You will get to enjoy free-flowing selected house beverages and an addional 25 per cent off your total bill. Make your plans in advance, as it's quite a popular night. It's also Latin Night which brings a vibrant mix of Latin-themed beats, a live singer, and a full carnival show, adding to the energy. Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai, ladies night on Wed. Tel: ( 800) 58259 . Thursday, 8 Just keep swimming If you love swimming but aren't too keen on braving the sun, a night swim is your best bet. Post sundown, Cloud 22 at Atlantis the Royal is inviting guests for a dip in its iconic sky pool. Aptly named Moonlight Sessions, you can enjoy this deal from Thursday to Saturday, from 7pm to 11pm. PS. The sessions are strictly open to those over the age of 21, and you are highly encouraged to come dressed in swimwear and beach attire. Read more here and take a look at the video above to know what you'll be missing if you skip out. Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm to 11pm, Thurs to Sat, prices from Dhs300. Tel: (0)4 426 2700. @cloud22dubai Visit Hatta Last chance: Hatta is one of those spots you just have to visit before summer arrives to really soak in its beauty without breaking out in a sweat. However, if you're doing the long(ish) drive down for Hatta Wadi Hub, take note as the adventure hub closes on May 15. ' What's at Hatta Wadi Hub ?', you ask? It's a spot that will heal every adventure seeker's soul. There's archery, the net walkway, the mountain biking trails, a zorbing track, horse rides, and so much more. @
