ISSUE 6
THE SPIRIT OF THE GHAF TREE
A Culinary Journey that Begins in Our Own Garden
About Teible
Teible is located on the serene ground floor of Jameel Arts Centre at Dubai’s Jaddaf Waterfront. The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic and abundance of natural light create a calm, inviting atmosphere-perfect for a dining experience rooted deeply in authenticity. At Teible, our commitment to local produce extends far beyond mere words; we actively participate in every step-from planting seeds in our garden to crafting dishes that tell genuine stories of the UAE’s rich landscape and traditions.
We cultivate a variety of herbs, vegetables, and native plants directly in our small urban garden, situated right in front of the restaurant. By collaborating closely with local farmers and personally overseeing the growth of our ingredients, we guarantee that every dish carries the authentic taste of the UAE’s seasons. Unlike restaurants that merely claim to use local ingredients, Teible’s genuine farm-to-table approach is transparent and tangible.
Furthermore, our strict zero-waste policy ensures all leftover food is composted into natural fertilizer, returning nourishment to our garden. Every ingredient we grow is organic, pesticide-free, and carefully tended with great respect for the environment. By building meaningful relationships with local farmers, embracing sustainable agriculture practices, and maintaining honest transparency about our ingredients, we invite you to taste not just locally sourced food, but a deeper narrative of the land itself.
Teible Garden
Jameel Arts Center, Ground Floor, Jaddaf Waterfront
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Teible Garden, nestled right outside our restaurant, is a thriving urban space where we personally cultivate herbs, vegetables, and native plants that directly inspire our dishes. Despite its modest size, the garden flourishes season after season, especially with our cultivation of the Ghaf Tree—a revered indigenous species that embodies the UAE’s resilience and heritage.
All plants in our garden are grown organically without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. By using compost created from kitchen leftovers and a minimal-water irrigation system, we ensure the sustainability of our farming practices. Actively participating in this cultivation process has deepened our appreciation for farming and strengthened the authenticity behind our dishes.
Teible Garden is more than decorative—it’s a genuine, working garden that supplies ingredients featured on our menu. Through this practice, we transparently share our commitment and responsibility to the local environment and genuine culinary excellence with our guests.
Ingredient Story: The Ghaf Tree
The Ghaf Tree, officially recognized as the UAE’s national tree, symbolizes resilience, endurance, and the deep cultural connection locals share with their environment. Known for thriving in arid desert conditions, this remarkable tree has long been intertwined with Emirati life, providing shade, nourishment, and ecological stability.
At Teible, we harvest fresh Ghaf leaves directly from our garden to create a distinctive Ghaf Oil. Infused gently with pure olive oil, the resulting aromatic blend captures the subtle earthy notes and fresh grassy undertones unique to the region. This oil not only enriches the flavor profiles of our dishes but also reflects the UAE’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Ghaf leaves are rich in antioxidants and minerals and have traditionally been used in herbal remedies to soothe inflammation and support digestion. At Teible, our Ghaf Oil represents more than culinary creativity—it serves as a meaningful connection to the local ecosystem and cultural identity, providing guests with an authentic taste of the UAE’s natural abundance.
Chef's Recommended Dish
GHAF OIL
Ingredients:
- 200 ml Olive oil
- 1 cup cleaned Ghaf tree leaves
Preparation:
- Heat 200 ml of olive oil in a pan to 75°C (167°F).
- Add 1 cup of cleaned Ghaf tree leaves to the heated olive oil.
- Let the leaves infuse in the oil for 6 minutes, allowing the unique flavors to be extracted.
- After 6 minutes, carefully remove the leaves from the oil.
- Strain the infused oil to remove any solid leaf remnants.
- Allow the oil to cool before using.
Usage:
- Perfect for enhancing the flavor of soups
- Adds a distinct, aromatic taste to vegetable-based broths and creamy soups.
- Can be drizzled on top of the soup as a finishing touch before serving.
Q&A with the Teible Garden Team
Stands out for its smooth texture and subtle sweetness among the squash family. Benefiting from Sharjah’s intense sunlight and a carefully controlled temperature and humidity environment, this squash develops a higher sugar content and firmer flesh, resulting in a richer taste when cooked.
1) When cultivating the Ghaf Tree in Teible Garden, what specific considerations were most critical ?
The Ghaf tree doesn’t require much attention and can be grown in almost any area. It is known for its resilience and ability to survive extreme drought conditions, which is why it is the national tree of the UAE.
2) How does growing your own ingredients directly influence menu development at Teible ?
Growing our own ingredients allows us to offer fresh produce with exceptional quality and flavor. It directly influences the menu by enabling us to create dishes that showcase the seasonal harvests and unique flavors from the garden.
2) What insights or meaningful experiences have you gained from practicing urban agriculture ?
Growing our own ingredients allows us to offer fresh produce with exceptional quality and flavor. It directly influences the menu by enabling us to create dishes that showcase the seasonal harvests and unique flavors from the garden.
3) What insights or meaningful experiences have you gained from practicing urban agriculture
While facing climatic challenges in the region, we adapt our cultivation practices according to the seasons. During the winter months, we focus more on growing vegetables, and in the summer, we shift to growing herbs that can withstand the intense heat.
4) Can you share any special sustainable methods or management techniques employed in Teible Garden ?
We have a composting area where we recycle leftover offcuts of fruits, vegetables, and even coffee waste to create compost. This is then reused in the garden, ensuring sustainability in our practices.
5) What new plants or projects do you plan to explore in the future ?
Moving forward, we are planning to introduce flowering plants and other herbs that can thrive in both the summer and winter climates.
Customer Testimonials
- Frequent Guest: “When I first tasted dishes featuring Ghaf Oil at Teible, I was truly amazed at how special local ingredients could taste. Teible’s authenticity shines through clearly.”
- Local Food Enthusiast: “No other restaurant is as deeply genuine in their use of local produce as Teible. Each dish offers an immersive experience into the UAE’s natural and cultural landscape.”
Health Benefits of Ghaf Leaves
- Rich in Antioxidants: Protects cells from oxidative damage and slows aging processes.
- Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Effective in reducing inflammation and supporting immune functions
- Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to support healthy digestion
Environmental Impact
The Ghaf Tree’s resilience in arid climates makes it invaluable for combating desertification, protecting soil, and maintaining biodiversity in the UAE. By cultivating the Ghaf Tree in Teible Garden, we actively contribute to preserving local ecosystems and biodiversity. Our efforts extend beyond using local ingredients; we commit to practical sustainability practices that set a new benchmark in the restaurant industry.
Until Next Time
In this sixth issue of MAGAZINE I, we’ve shared the compelling story of Teible Garden’s Ghaf Tree. By embracing authenticity and sustainable practices in cultivating and presenting local ingredients, we continue to create meaningful culinary experiences deeply rooted in UAE culture.
We warmly invite you to visit Teible and experience firsthand the true flavors and stories our dishes have to offer. Join us again next time, as we continue to celebrate the UAE’s abundant natural heritage through thoughtful, honest, and delicious cuisine.
Thank you for joining Teible’s ongoing journey towards genuine sustainability, authenticity, and culinary excellence.
Contact
Teible Restaurant, Jameel Arts Center, Ground Floor Jaddaf Waterfont, Dubai U.A.E
+971 4 243 6683
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