CHEF ROAYA

Chef Roaya Saleh, the founder and visionary behind Villa Mamas, has been steeped in culinary traditions since childhood. Growing up in Bahrain, Roaya was inspired by her family’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients arrived from her uncles’ fields and were crafted into nourishing dishes by generations of skilled hands.

Under her guidance, Villa Mamas blossomed from a neighborhood restaurant into an internationally celebrated culinary experience, where guests savor a blend of Middle Eastern heritage and global culinary influences.

Roaya's menu tells the story of her own journeys—blending flavors from across the Middle East with those she encountered around the world. Driven by a deep pride in Khaleeji cuisine, she strives to elevate and share its distinct flavors with a global audience, bringing recognition to the rich heritage and innovative potential of this cuisine.

Her success led to the expansion of Villa Mamas beyond Bahrain to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and London. Villa Mamas London, which opened in 2017, has introduced British diners to modern interpretations of Bahraini cuisine, earning acclaim as one of the best restaurants for Middle Eastern flavors in the city. Known for her signature Tahchin Chicken, which fuses Persian and Bahraini elements, Chef Roaya’s dishes embody her innovative approach while remaining grounded in tradition.

Chef Roaya’s achievements have earned her a place among Forbes' top luxury dining leaders in the MENA region. Additionally, she has been a guest judge on MasterChef and Top Chef Arabia and has launched RS Management, a consultancy aimed at elevating hospitality standards. She is now preparing to open dāwa, a seafood restaurant, which will bring a new dimension of Middle Eastern-inspired dining to Bahrain in the near future.