Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Dubai Chefs Launch Kits, Cut Menus as War Raises Costs

5/2/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dubai chefs are turning to local ingredients and home-cooking kits to offset soaring freight costs from the Iran-U.S./Israel war.
Chef Shaw Lash reduced staff, trimmed menus and launched fajita kits to keep her restaurant operating.
A survey of 30 UAE food-service operators reported a 27 % demand drop and a 13 % rise in supplier costs since the conflict began.

1 of 1

Story summary

Dubai chefs are turning to local ingredients and home-cooking kits to offset soaring freight costs from the Iran-U.S./Israel war.
Chef Shaw Lash reduced staff, trimmed menus and launched fajita kits to keep her restaurant operating.
A survey of 30 UAE food-service operators reported a 27 % demand drop and a 13 % rise in supplier costs since the conflict began.