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An amazing food experience. A brilliant evening with so much food, made all the better by our lovely guide Camile.
We discovered a new experience eating many excellent and different foods from the various Middle Eastern cultures. Highly recommend this tour, it really opens your eyes to new tasting experiences and Camile is such a knowledgeable guide on the different foods and the history and cultures of these foods.read moreread lesscondolynn27/02/25 -
The wonderful tale of Dubai and its start Truly wonderful experience with Arva who gave us great history of the area as well as a background on different cultures and religions that all live simultaneously together. The small alleys with incredible culture and amazing food spots were truly impressive and Arva knew exactly which places to hit up. It’s a lovely walk and each alley gives u a totally diff feel and experience.
read moreread lessZena S.26/02/25 -
Liked it so much, we did it again this year ! Great experience, food is memorable and our guide Camila loves her job and it shows. This tour is low key, filled with history, a must do if you seek some real value during your Dubai vacation. Best Kunafeh you’ll ever have !
read moreread lessLuke E.24/02/25 - Fifteen ladies were part of an Abu Dhabi public art and street food tour guided by Arva and Soumia. Their enthusiasm, knowledge of hidden gems, laughs, tips for trying tasty street food were wonderful and appreciated
Thank you for a great time, we sure will be back to some of the authentic cuisines.read moreread lessLuminita A.23/02/25 -
This is the best Food Tour to get to know Dubai better. It was the best Food Tour I have ever booked: very authentic, exciting and very delicious.
The guide was fantastic - very competent and entertaining.read moreread lessTanja F.20/02/25Wow, last night my friend and I embarked on a Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage with Frying Pan Adventures in Dubai, and it was absolutely amazing! Even though I've lived here for 20 years, I discovered hidden gems that were completely new to me. Farida's expertise and enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to the delicious dishes we savored at every stop. Just when I thought I couldn't take another bite, I was presented with yet another mouthwatering creation that I simply couldn't resist. Unlike previous food tours where I often left hungry, Frying Pan Adventures left me completely satisfied and enlightened with local trivia. I can't thank them enough for such a memorable evening!read moreread lessChristine S.20/02/25 -
Highly recommend ! We had an amazing experience at the Dubai souks food tour! Ketki, our guide, was wonderful and not only gave us historical context to all the foods but kept us entertained throughout. All the food was delicious and this was as one of the best experiences we had during our Dubai trip. Highly recommend !!
read moreread lessDiana E.13/02/25A must during your Dubai stay My teen son and I had the pleasure of experiencing this food tour that was nothing short of amazing. From start to finish, the adventure of sampling Middle Eastern food in Old Dubai was a feast for the senses. Everything was seamlessly organized. We never felt rushed and had plenty of time to savor each bite. Our guide, Camila, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local food scene. She shared fascinating insights and stories about each dish and its cultural significance. The tour took us through charming cafes, and hidden gems. The energy and vibrancy of each location added to the overall experience.
read moreread lessTatiana197413/02/25 -
Oh deira! This tour is delicious! Amazing, excellent, no notes!!! Good food, great tour guide, wholesome and interesting stories. I highly recommend this tour.
read moreread lessAlice T.08/02/25After experiencing several Frying Pan Adventures in Dubai, I'm thrilled that they are finally launching their unique blend of culinary passion and cultural insight in Abu Dhabi with a Public Art and Street Food Tour. We discovered some new dishes and a couple of spots that are likely to become our regular favourites. This tour is perfect for visitors, newcomers, and long-term residents seeking a fresh perspective on the Abu Dhabi food scene. Abu Dhabi food scene.read moreread lessPatrick M.07/02/25
Home » Team
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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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 Anand
Trainee Tour Leader
Hi, I’m Kehkashan, and I’m currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Finance while balancing my love for food and culture at Frying Pan Adventures. Food has always been a big part of my life, and I’m fascinated by the ways it connects to history, art, nutrition, and even science.
I love diving deep into anything that sparks my curiosity—whether it’s food, finance, medical sciences, arts or culture, I’ll research and learn as much as I can. For me, understanding a city’s food culture is like opening a window into its soul.
If you’re a foodie like me, I highly recommend taking a food tour. It’s not just about eating—it’s about discovering a place’s stories, traditions, and hidden gems. That’s what makes food so special, and I’m excited to share those discoveries through Frying Pan Adventures!
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.
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APPLY NOWHere's What Our Past Guests Are Saying
Here's What Our Past Guests Are Saying
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An amazing food experience. A brilliant evening with so much food, made all the better by our lovely guide Camile.
We discovered a new experience eating many excellent and different foods from the various Middle Eastern cultures. Highly recommend this tour, it really opens your eyes to new tasting experiences and Camile is such a knowledgeable guide on the different foods and the history and cultures of these foods.read moreread lesscondolynn27/02/25 -
The wonderful tale of Dubai and its start Truly wonderful experience with Arva who gave us great history of the area as well as a background on different cultures and religions that all live simultaneously together. The small alleys with incredible culture and amazing food spots were truly impressive and Arva knew exactly which places to hit up. It’s a lovely walk and each alley gives u a totally diff feel and experience.
read moreread lessZena S.26/02/25