- We were super lucky to be on the first Abu Dhabi public art and food tour. It was also our first Tim with Frying Pan adventures but it definitely won’t be our last!
We had a fantastic time. Discovered new area of Abu Dhabi and increased our knowledge of local foods! It was also fun and very informative. We loved our guides too and they took great care of us! Looking forward to do more tours with you all! Thank you!read moreread less
Kash V.24/11/24Amazing experience with Frying Pan Adventures in Abu Dhabi. You travel the culinary world in 4 hours and 8 restaurants. So inspiringread moreread less Paola B.24/11/24 - Had a great time on the latest Frying Pan Adventure - a new food and art tour in Abu Dhabi (so glad the tour company has finally ventured to the capital!).
The food was excellent and varied. A fantastic Palestinian bakery with some delicious sandwiches, a local Chinese restaurant with a hidden interior. We ate boiled beef (more exciting than it sounds!!!), then there was Indian street food, delicious kulfi, a stuffed bread hot from the oven, a strange chai and a sweet ending. During the tour, walking between venues, there was public art on view and time to view and contemplate the artists' work.
A great way to spend a few hours on a Friday evening.
Highly recommended - go before it gets booked up!read moreread less Jane V.24/11/24I had an amazing tour with this company on my recent trip to Dubai. I highly recommend it . I did the old souk tour and it was so good :).read moreread less Ben W.06/11/24 - The tour was fabulous. Not only did we get to eat some extraordinarily good and authentic food, but we were also provided with lots of cultural and historic insight - thanks to our super-friendly and knowledgeable guide, Ketki. Thank you so much for making this experience as wonderful as it was.read moreread less Thomas P.06/11/24A group of colleagues and I took a tour with Farida last month and we had the best time. This was a food tour that couldn't be delivered from memorizing a script - it was based on deep local knowledge and a true love for food. A few of the experiences were ones we never could have found on our own, and the food overall was of course delicious. Couldn't recommend more highly!read moreread less
Seth A.05/11/24 -
Fun way to learn about local food. very enjoyable.. food really good.. Camilla was so excellent .. So lovely.. so thoughtful. explained everything so well.. made sure everyone was OK.. different food choices made it interesting. very fun eveningread moreread less 
Leslie P.02/11/24So much fun. Have loved in Dubai for over a decade and still found so many unexpected surprisesread moreread less Jacqui B.02/11/24 - If you want to be in the most capable hands for anything to do with authentic food in Dubai, look no further than Frying Pan Adventures! We’ll be back for more and are especially looking forward to the new noodle tour as well as the one at Dubai Mall!read moreread less Julia H.31/10/24Such a culinary delight! This tour (Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage) was so well organised and a real highlight on our trip. The food stops Farida chose for us were wonderful - we all ate so much! Too much!!! Next time we come to Dubai we’ll try more tours with Frying Pan Adventures!read moreread less fancyrestaurants30/10/24
- Fantastic Food Tour of old Dubai, with a chance to eat like a local 😋read moreread less Ian J.26/10/24Yummy Fun tour. Educational as well as delicious. Camilla is a delightful young lady with lots of energy, knowledge and passion.read moreread less Eileen E.26/10/24
- Excelent food tour. It was an authentic and unforgettable experience. It was surprising to know that Dubai goes beyond the traditional tourists attractions. Camila was an amazing guide, who provided clear, detailed and exciting explanation.read moreread less Lilian M.25/10/24The Middle Eastern Pilgrimage is one of the best things that we've done during our stay in Dubai. Camila, Farida and Labiba were amazing hosts. You get to explore old Dubai with knowledgeable guides and best of all experience the exquisite tastes of the region.read moreread less Karen M.17/10/24
- Delicious overview of the souks Our guide, Ketki, was lively and knowledgeable. We made several short stops for street food. Normally I wouldn’t eat street food in a strange city, but it felt safe with a guide, and it was delicious. Ketki even explained about the culture surrounding the park benches and street food.
Pro tip: try everything! Don’t be shy.
We spent time at a fascinating spice souk. We got to smell all the spices with absolutely no pressure to buy! Ketki made a fun game out of learning the spice names. It was nice to play and chat with the others in our small group.
Ketki led us through all the souks for an orientation. We will return to the gold souk tomorrow!
We rode an abra across the creek. The sit down Emirati dinner was anticlimactic (and unnecessary) after all the snacks, but we all enjoyed it anyway!
Pro tip: good tour for an overview of the souks. Come with an appetite!read moreread less Laura P.15/10/24The middle eastern food pilgrimage was absolutely epic. I really feel like I experienced a totally different side of Dubai from what most tourists get to see. Highly recommend.read moreread less Susan F.11/10/24 - Fantastic Food Tour! What a fantastic evening!
The food tour with our guide Camila, together with Farida, was amazing!Not only did we get to taste a lot of different foods, but we also got an insight into the history of the food and the different cultures!
Camila and Farida were fantastic! Should I visit Dubai again I will definitely book another tour with them!read moreread less anncharlottk201708/10/24Very good food tour, pricey but worth it! Our guide Ketki was really funny and friendly and took our small group through the souks of Dubai. We visited places we would have never had if we had gone by ourselves and had amazing snacks before having dinner at a traditional restaurant. Would recommend this to everyone!read moreread less Daphne d.07/10/24 - A wonderful cultural experience We were a fairly large group of folks from a conference and the tour was unique, wonderful and showed a side of Dubai I am sure we would never had seen otherwise.
3 tour guides gave us local food we never would have found on our own,
Back history of how all the cultures work together harmoniously, and a wonderful tour of the souks.
Amazing. GO!read moreread less 
Ian J.03/10/24Don't miss it This was a great tour. Our guide was incredibly smart, engaging and funny. She had us play a game involving the spices, and was very knowledgeable about Old Dubai. I highly recommend this tour!read moreread less Joshuabowman1528/09/24
Our Team
We’re a local crew of food lovers that loves peeling back the layers of Dubai through its diverse food and communities.
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Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
Founders
Arva Ahmed
Co-Founder & CEO
Hi, I’m Arva, and I’ve been chasing flavors and food stories across Dubai for over a decade. Funny enough, my food journey didn’t start with a bang—it was more about the simple joys, like my mum’s legendary gulab jamuns, fast food hot dogs, and the shawarma from our local cafeteria. Little did I know, growing up around my mum, a trained nutritionist, would spark a deep curiosity about food that I’d later embrace wholeheartedly.
Before starting Frying Pan Adventures, I dabbled in finance and earned an MBA—worlds away from food tourism—but it gave me the tools to build something I’m truly passionate about. These days, I geek out over Middle Eastern and Central Asian bakeries (carbs are my happy place!) and love creating tours that bring Dubai’s hidden food gems to life. Watching our guests experience the bold, historic flavors of Old Dubai for the first time is pure magic. And behind the scenes? I’m all about collaborating with my amazing team to keep learning, exploring, and building new adventures. Life’s never boring when there’s always something new to taste or a story to tell!
Farida Ahmed
Co-Founder & General Manager
Hi, I’m Farida, and my love for food and culture began at home, where my mom’s storytelling transformed a simple bowl of kichdi—a comforting rice and lentil dish—into a journey through family memories. Those stories of her childhood in Hyderabad, where Sunday cod liver oil was followed by this nourishing meal, taught me how food connects us to our personal histories.
Before co-founding Frying Pan Adventures, I studied at a hotel school in Switzerland and built my career in hotels and HR, fine-tuning my ability to anticipate needs and create meaningful connections. These skills now help me craft tours that dive deep into Dubai’s rich culinary tapestry. Beyond food, I’m a bit of a geek for word games, traveling for delicious discoveries, and indulging in Korean beauty obsessions.
The best part of my work? Meeting incredible people from all over the world and watching them light up when they experience Dubai through our tours. It’s amazing how food can break barriers, foster connections, and inspire appreciation for our shared humanity. If you’re in town, I highly recommend exploring Dubai’s flavors beyond the usual hotspots—it’s a journey worth taking!
The Team
Noorin Ansari
Tour Leader
Hi, I’m Noorin aka Noon, and my love for food and culture started with my sister, who opened my eyes (and taste buds!) to cuisines I’d never experienced before. That curiosity grew into an obsession with storytelling and food, fueled by cooking shows where chefs shared the origins of their dishes. It wasn’t until I joined Frying Pan Adventures that I truly dove into the rich history and culture behind food.
Before this, I worked in education, but now I get to geek out over dish origins, cats, and true crime (an odd combo, but it keeps things interesting!). My advice for exploring a city like Dubai? Take a food tour. There’s no better way to discover the soul of a place, especially its older, more historic neighborhoods.
What I love most about Frying Pan Adventures is the team—they’re what makes this work so rewarding. And, of course, the food! Seeing guests leave a tour amazed by the flavors, culture, and hospitality is a feeling that never gets old. Sharing those meaningful moments is what this job is all about.
Camila Patrial
Tour Leader
Hi, I’m Camila, and my love for food and culture began in my childhood kitchen, where my mom and grandmother taught me to cook and shared stories of life on a farm, where every meal was made with love and tradition. My dad’s passion for ancient history and travel sparked my curiosity about the world, blending food, history, and storytelling into my journey of exploration.
I studied hospitality and tourism management and gained hands-on experience in restaurants, hotels, and travel agencies, which taught me what travelers really crave—authenticity, connection, and great stories. I also have a deep love for languages, from Portuguese and English to French, Arabic, and now German. For me, learning a new language is like discovering a whole new way to connect across cultures.
My advice for visiting a new city? Stay curious, engage with locals, and go beyond the tourist spots. At Frying Pan Adventures, I love sharing the untold stories of Dubai’s neighborhoods and cuisines, helping guests see the city’s rich diversity beyond its shiny exterior. The most rewarding part of my job is hearing how these experiences give people a deeper connection to Dubai—it’s a joy to be part of that discovery.
Ketki Bhosale
Tour Leader
Hi, I’m Ketki, and my love for food and stories began in childhood, helping my dad make juice and my mom knead dough or chop tomatoes. But the real magic happened at dinner, when my mom would share family tales, folktales, and fairy tales to keep my brother and me still while we ate. Those moments sparked my lifelong fascination with the connection between food, culture, and storytelling.
Before joining Frying Pan Adventures, I studied marketing communications and worked in strategy and content creation—both centered around telling stories and connecting with people. I also geek out over everything from food science and history to philosophy, mental health, and animation (fantasy and sci-fi are my favorite for their relatable yet fantastical stories).
My advice for exploring a city like Dubai? Make local friends and get a little lost—it’s the best way to discover its soul. At Frying Pan Adventures, I love sharing overlooked places and untold stories that help people see the city in a whole new way. Being part of a team of strong women inspires me every day, and meeting fascinating people along the way makes the journey even more meaningful.
Kehkashan
Trainee Tour Leader
Hi, I’m Kehkashan, and my love for food, stories, and culture comes from my childhood. Mealtimes were always special—whether it was helping my dad make juice, my mom prepare dough, or sitting down for dinner where my mom’s stories about family, gods, and folklore brought food to life. Those moments sparked a lifelong passion for how food connects people and tells a story.
Before joining Frying Pan Adventures, I studied marketing communications and worked in strategy and content creation. Telling stories and building connections has always been at the heart of what I do. I also love geeking out about food science, history, mental health, and animation (fantasy and sci-fi especially—they tell the best stories!).
My advice for exploring a new city? Find local friends and let yourself get a little lost—that’s where the magic happens. At Frying Pan Adventures, I love uncovering hidden gems and sharing stories that change how people see Dubai. Being part of a team of strong, passionate women inspires me every day, and connecting with incredible people along the way makes the journey even more rewarding.
Atiya Fatima
Logistics Coordinator
Hi, I’m Atiya, and my love for food started in the kitchen, watching my mom cook with so much skill and joy. She inspired me to appreciate the magic of food and how it brings people together. Before joining Frying Pan Adventures, I studied interior design—not exactly food-related, but both involve creativity and an eye for detail, which I now use to help curate unique food experiences.
I’m obsessed with travel and love discovering new places and cultures. My advice for exploring Dubai—or any city—is to skip the flashy spots and dive into genuine tours and great local restaurants. That’s where you’ll find the real heart of a place.
Being part of Frying Pan Adventures has been life-changing for me. The team’s support has helped me grow in so many ways. Meeting new people and hearing their stories is the best part of what I do—it’s taught me so much about the world and keeps my curiosity alive every day.
Patrys Cato
Guest Relations Executive
Hi, I’m Patrys, and growing up in South Africa, food was always at the center of every family gathering. Meals weren’t just about eating—they were about connection and storytelling, which sparked my love for food and culture.
Hi, I’m Patrys, and growing up in South Africa, food was always at the center of every family gathering. Meals weren’t just about eating—they were about connection and storytelling, which sparked my love for food and culture.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about animals and advocating for people’s rights, causes I care deeply about. My advice for exploring a new place? Take the time to learn its history and customs—it’ll enrich your experience and help you connect with the local culture.
What I love most about Frying Pan Adventures is knowing I play a part in creating special memories for our guests. Being part of this women-powered team that celebrates diversity and empowerment inspires me every day.
Ashley Feldtmann
Personal Assistant to the CEO
Hi, I’m Ashley, and my love for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I spent hours baking and cooking alongside her. She passed down not just her amazing cooking skills but also a deep appreciation for food and the joy it brings.
Before joining Frying Pan Adventures, I studied Psychology and Human Resources. While it may not seem food-related, it taught me communication, empathy, and problem-solving—skills I now use every day to keep things organized and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with horses. My advice for exploring a new city? Do your research, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the adventure.
What I love most about Frying Pan Adventures is being part of a strong, female-led team and knowing that I help create memorable experiences for guests. Learning about new cultures and connecting with people from all over the world only deepens my love for travel and adventure.
