September 1 2020

FA’E Cafe

Ghaf Tree is a national tree of UAE since 2008, but its importance is decades old. The Ghaf tree is a keystone species having multiple beneficial uses from combating desertification and improving soil fertility in arid environments to being an essential food source, as well as a source of fuel, shelter and medicine for both humans and animal species. Ancient Arabs – the Bedouins – would take shelter and even use the wood of a tree for fire and as fuel for cooking. Ghaf tree has a tremendous amount of tolerance; Ghaf a drought-tolerant tree and can withstand the harsh desert environment and remain green. Due to its such tolerance, Ghaf Tree was used as a theme of ‘Year of Tolerance – 2019’. The branches, bark, leaves, flowers, and roots of the Ghaf all provided rich resources and habitat for the UAE’s wildlife and inhabitants, making it an integral part of the food chain. Many birds build nests on the Ghaf – Desert eagle owl, Brown-necked raven, Yellow-throated sparrow and Long-legged buzzard are examples. Its extended pods provide Food for animals which in turn supply milk, butter, cheese and meat. With minimal water requirement, Ghaf Tree survives for 120 years. There is a saying that goes thus: “Death will not visit a man, even at the time of a famine, if he has a Ghaf, a goat and a camel since the three together will sustain a man even under the most trying conditions.”

With such a valuable place in Emirati Culture, Ghaf Tree has been an inspiration for many ventures across UAE. Fa’e Cafe in Abu Dhabi is such a venture; Fa’e is an Arabic word which means ‘Shadow’. The shadow of the Ghaf tree has covered heads of Bedouins during harsh summer and instilled the sense of gratitude in them. With such appreciation, Chef Khaled (co-founder of Fa’e cafe) started this Cafe for the community represents the simplicity, quality, and grandeur of Abu Dhabi.

During the weight loss process (once Chef Khaled weighed 150 Kg), Chef Khaled understood the importance of clean and healthy eating. When Chef Khaled was losing weight, he did not like any healthy restaurant meals out there, which led him to prepare his meals. In that process, he started learning more and more about how to perfect the cooking technique of each ingredient. He worked in renowned, Asian cuisine, restaurants in UAE and developed his interest in Asian cuisine. You will notice his interest and expertise in Asian Cuisine upon visiting Fa’s Cafe. Asian cuisine has always been recognised as clean and healthy cooking; abundance of herbs and spices, water-rich ingredients, fresh flavour profiles, and pronouncing taste food makes Asian cuisine one-of-a-kind to have daily.

The experience of fine dining restaurant’s kitchens taught Chef Khaled the higher-level execution of the Food. But with minimalism and sustainable attitude in business, Chef Khaled has presented his Cafe’s menu at reasonable rates. Fa’e Cafe’s Head Chef – Cuong has translated Chef Khaled’s ideas and purpose of Food to the plates effectively. Chef Cuong’s Vietnamese roots make him understand Asian cuisine pretty well, and with a delectable menu, he nails his culinary art.

Let it be Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or mere Snacks, you will get the appropriate dish to eat in Fa’e Cafe. The fresh and clean ingredients, appealing plates, and uplifting environment of Cafe shall provide you bliss at all respects. The fusion of various Asian Flavours represents the culinary expertise of Chef Khaled in Asian cuisine:
1) Grilled Okra, which consists of Okras grilled on charcoal, Yuzu Kosho (Japanese seasoning), Sweet Chilli Sauce, and Crispy Shallots combines the Indian Okra with Japanese flavours.

2) Thai Chicken Thigh, which is accompanied with Parathas and peanut Sauce. The Thai style chicken combined with Indian Parathas.

Apart from such fusion dishes, simple Salads, Chicken Bites, and Fries are served impressively. Don’s miss the garnish of fried Curry leaves in many dishes. The supreme quality specialty coffee and refreshing mocktails too shall accompany you with your beloved ones on a Date.

Many understand that Cafe is just for Youth, but Fa’e Cafe breaks that notion; this Cafe is for a gang of friends, family, and couples – for the community. Moreover, during this challenging time of Pandemic, Fa’e cafe is offering 50% discount to health care workers (all they need to do is show their ID card), which shows the ethical sense behind the business.

With a sense of community, sustainability, and purity if food execution, Fa’e Cafe is here to stay for Abu Dhabi residents and nationals. Visit the Fa’e Cafe and be a part of Chef Khaled’s impetuous passion for Food where he takes a reference of Ghaf Tree and executes the sustainable business, be my Guest.