Abu Dhabi Stories

It all started as a simple Friday night tradition. In a small New York kitchen, Raj would make pizza for his family and friends. He wasn’t sure if his dough recipe was perfect, but that never stopped him from trying.

When he moved to Abu Dhabi, his love for discovering hidden spots led him to a modest storage space by the sea. It was small, far from ideal, and lacked proper equipment, but he saw something more. A space full of possibility.

With the help of his sons, Emil and Sebastian, he turned a family tradition into something real. What started as a tiny pizza shop open just one day a week soon became a place where visitors felt like they were stepping into a story woven with warmth, passion, and tradition

A City that Gives Ideas Room to Grow

Raj saw Abu Dhabi as a city that nurtures dreams, a place where ideas are given the chance to grow. But growth, for him, was never about expanding fast; it was about preserving the soul of what he built.

Marmellata now opens five days a week with a team of 20 people, yet its mission remains unchanged: "Success isn’t measured by size, but by the connections we create and the sense of belonging we offer."

For Raj, the real achievement is in the community that has formed around his kitchen, where every visitor feels like part of something special.

Abu Dhabi truly is the City of Dreams. Discover the story of Ayesha Al Obaidli, the youngest Emirati chef who amazed the world with her unique flavors

Family First

For Raj and his sons, family isn’t just part of the team; it’s what shapes the entire experience.

And Marmellata isn’t just a place that serves pizza—it’s a home away from home.

“It’s an extension of our home,” Raj says, a gathering spot, where friends, loved ones, and the community come together, sharing moments that feel just like home.

The Meaning Behind Marmellata

Marmellata means orange marmalade, a name inspired by a small family project in Colorado. But for Raj, it has always meant something more.

"It’s about community. It’s the feeling of warmth and connection. It’s the sea outside our window, weekends spent together, and the joy of creating something meaningful."

Are you interested in stories of culinary creativity in Abu Dhabi? Explore the journey of Chandran Thanggaraja, from laundry work to earning a Michelin star.

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