Bahraini chef earns Forbes’ prestigious list honours

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh has been acknowledged as one of the 22 most influential restaurant owners in the Middle East by Forbes.

Saleh, the founder of the hospitality consulting firm RS Management and the Villa Mamas restaurant chain in Bahrain in 2012, has since expanded her culinary ventures to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and London.

In 2024, Saleh opened the highly regarded seafood restaurant Dawa in Bahrain. She has also gained prominence as an expert judge on culinary TV shows such as MasterChef and Top Chef Arabia.

Forbes attributes the region’s thriving food and beverage industry to the financial prosperity of both residents and visitors, while also recognising its role as a significant driver for travel and tourism.

The diversity of the Middle East and North Africa is evident in the varied cuisines represented on the list.

Saleh confirmed that her recognition as the only Bahraini and Gulf woman on Forbes’ list of the 20 most powerful leaders of luxury restaurant owners in the Middle East showcases the esteemed level achieved by Bahraini women in entrepreneurship and the luxury restaurant sector.

She expressed her pride in this achievement, noting that it reflects the efforts in providing the best dining experiences and embracing creativity at work, serving as great encouragement to continue expansion and development.

Saleh indicated that her goal is to bring Bahraini dishes and the heritage of Bahraini food to the world, and to expand her “Villa Mamas” restaurant chain.