Supermodel Savors Palestinian Treat During Chopard Boutique Launch in Dubai
Bella Hadid, the Palestinian-American supermodel, made waves in Dubai this week, not only for her glamorous appearance at the grand opening of Chopard’s newest boutique at the Dubai Mall, but also for her heartfelt appreciation of a local culinary masterpiece. Hadid, who joined Chopard’s creative director Caroline Scheufele for the boutique’s opening, was treated to a delicious pistachio kunafa made by renowned chef Ahmad Halawa, a Palestinian culinary artist whose innovative approach to traditional Levantine sweets has earned him a devoted following in the city.
Halawa, who has lived in Dubai for eight years, is well-known for his private catering service and supper club, where he specializes in Palestinian and Levantine cuisine. The chef’s pistachio kunafa, a decadent dessert made of crispy phyllo dough filled with sweetened cheese or semolina, left Hadid so impressed that she took to her Instagram stories to share her delight. “I’m in shock!! Best! Knafeh for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Shukran Shukran Shukran Chef!!!” she exclaimed, tagging Halawa in her post.
In a sweet gesture that captured the spirit of hospitality, the kunafa was delivered to Hadid with a note that read: “To our lovely Bella, here’s a Palestinian treat to enjoy during your flight.” Chef Halawa, whose passion for Palestinian cuisine stems from his family’s cooking traditions, was overjoyed by the praise. Reposting Hadid’s story on his Instagram, he expressed his gratitude: “This made my week! So ecstatic to wake up to this beautiful post 🍉💫🕺🏽 @bellahadid, you’ve got unlimited Knafeh for life 🤍🤗 Big love.”
Hadid’s visit to Dubai marks her first public engagement since she was named Chopard’s global ambassador in September. The evening also featured an exclusive after-party at Jaipur Rugs in Alserkal Avenue, where she mingled with beauty mogul Huda Kattan, creating a viral social media moment that delighted her fans.
With Hadid’s glowing endorsement of Halawa’s kunafa, it’s clear that the world-class dessert has found a new fan, and we can only hope this won’t be her last visit to Dubai—perhaps next time for a taste of the viral kunafa chocolate that is quickly becoming a global sensation.
