What do chocolate, culture, and choosing your own path have in common? One Emirati chef.
In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad sits down with Chef Bader Najeeb, pastry chef, chocolatier, and founder of Burnt Orange, for a deliciously honest conversation about baking, identity, and doing what truly moves you.
From making fondant in his childhood kitchen to opening one of Dubai’s most soulful cafés, Bader shares how desserts became his language for storytelling, for self-expression, and for staying true to his roots.
In this episode:
- From home baker to Swiss culinary school
- Chocolate as an emotional, cultural connector
- Managing pressure, perfectionism & online noise
- Building Burnt Orange with soul, not trends
- Embracing Emirati identity while thinking globally
📌 Whether you're a foodie, creative, or founder, this is your reminder that the best things come when you follow what actually matters to you.
🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Meet Chef Bader
02:23 Early Inspirations and Family Influence
04:13 Challenges of Being a Self-Taught Chef
06:02 Discovering Fondant and the Path to Pastry
09:42 Balancing Passion and Practicality
14:10 Pursuing Culinary Dreams
15:03 From Accounting to Culinary Arts
17:46 The Scholarship Dilemma
21:55 Embracing Social Media and TV Experiences
24:16 Opening Burnt Orange Cafe
24:35 The Courage to Quit
25:18 Support from Friends and Family
27:23 Handling Feedback and Criticism
35:30 Innovations in the Culinary World
43:59 Future Aspirations and Advice
49:10 Final Thoughts