From chocolate-forward Eid desserts by Nahla Wali’s TBK to handcrafted Balkan pies at 21grams and piehaus, these women-led concepts are redefining how Dubai gathers, dines, and celebrates this season.
There is a quiet but confident shift happening across the UAE’s food landscape—one led by Emirati women who are building concepts that feel both deeply personal and widely resonant. Rooted in hospitality, but expressed through global flavours and contemporary formats, these ventures are less about trends and more about intention: food that brings people together.
This Eid al-Fitr, that spirit is especially evident. From elegant desserts designed for qahwa gatherings to generous, family-style pies meant to be shared, two standout concepts are offering thoughtful ways to celebrate—whether at home or around a table in the city.
TBK by Nahla Wali: Chocolate, Comfort, and Eid at the Table
Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Nahla Wali, TBK has built its identity around comfort—Italian American classics executed with precision, warmth, and a sense of familiarity. This Eid, the concept leans into indulgence with a focused addition: chocolate.
Two new desserts anchor the festive offering, both designed to be shared over qahwa. The Warm Chocolate Tart pairs a soft, rich filling with a crisp pastry shell, finished with a layer of crunchy chocolate praline. Alongside it, the Chocolate Layer Cake delivers a more decadent experience—moist sponge layered with fudge and finished with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. Both are available as individual portions or full cakes for gatherings at home.
Beyond desserts, TBK’s Eid menu introduces a series of savoury additions that expand its offering while staying true to its core. The Pizza Bianca Truffle brings together creamy cheeses, truffle oil, and shaved truffles for a rich, layered flavour. The Green Peppercorn Steak offers a more classic indulgence, balancing a perfectly seared cut with a silky, pepper-forward sauce, served with homemade fries. For something more understated, the Mushroom Tortiglioni delivers comfort through a velvety Parmesan cream sauce and sautéed mushrooms.
The full menu is available for dine-in at Galleria Mall or for home delivery through TBK At Home and Deliveroo, making it equally suited to slow Eid breakfasts, extended lunches, or intimate gatherings at home.
21grams and piehaus: Soulful Plates and Pies Made for Sharing
At 21grams, Eid begins in the morning. Known for its Balkan soul food and recently recognised in the Gault&Millau UAE 2026 Guide, the bistro approaches food as something to be experienced slowly—best shared, passed around, and lingered over.
Its Eid breakfast menu reflects this philosophy. Dishes such as the Balkan Breakfast, Komplet Egg, and Pindjur Eggs are built on homemade breads, vibrant relishes, and rich, satisfying flavours. Sweet options, including the Princess Crepe and chocolate hazelnut baklava, add a celebratory note without overwhelming the table.
Running alongside this is piehaus, the concept’s sister brand and winner of Best Bakery at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2026. For Eid, piehaus introduces limited-edition phyllo pies—crafted with paper-thin pastry stretched by hand, generously filled, and baked until golden.
Two special Eid pies—dates and walnut and chickpea ragout—are available to enjoy at 21grams, while a wider selection is offered for takeaway. Designed as family-sized centrepieces, these pies are made for gathering: to be placed in the middle of the table, torn into, and shared.
The menu spans both savoury and sweet. Highlights include spinach with herb yoghurt and pickled cucumber for something light and fresh; goat cheese, honey, and thyme for a balanced sweet-savoury profile; and pastrami with pickled red onion and hollandaise for a richer option. On the sweeter side, the date pie with caramelised walnuts and caramel tahina with cardamom sugar offer a distinctly Eid-appropriate finish.
Available with a 24-hour pre-order, these pies are designed for home celebrations—food that travels well, serves generously, and centres the act of sharing.
A Different Way to Gather This Eid
Across both concepts, the approach is clear: Eid is less about excess and more about intention. Whether it is a carefully made dessert shared over coffee or a pie passed around the table, the focus remains on connection.
In a city defined by choice, these women-led ventures offer something more considered—food that understands the moment, and quietly elevates it.
