Chef Mariam Almansoori’s latest concept is a heartfelt homage to heritage, hospitality and home cooking.
When it comes to the UAE’s dining hotspots, Dubai and Abu Dhabi usually steal the limelight. But Sharjah is making quiet waves, and Kashtat Amina is proof that the emirate’s culinary scene is blossoming with soulful, homegrown concepts worth seeking out.
Located on East Boulevard in Aljada, Kashtat Amina is the latest project from acclaimed Emirati chef Mariam Almansoori, the mind behind the FACT award-winning Montauk in Abu Dhabi. Backed by Arada, the restaurant is a deeply personal venture that honours the legacy of Emirati mothers. Named after her own mother, the space serves as a living tribute to the matriarchs who shaped generations through food, care, and tradition.
“Kashtat Amina is a love letter to my mother and to every Emirati woman whose wisdom and spirit are passed down through their food,” shares Chef Mariam. “This restaurant is my way of sharing that legacy, and of turning childhood memories, family traditions, and cherished flavours into a generous experience for everyone who visits.”
Step through the doors, and you’re instantly transported to an Emirati household. The interiors are simple yet steeped in meaning, where beige marble tables, wooden accents, and touches of turquoise blend with nostalgic elements like golden kettles, vintage radios, and portraits of henna-covered hands that speak volumes. Ceiling fans whir overhead, evoking the familiar rhythm of Gulf homes from decades past.
On the menu, expect a celebration of traditional Emirati flavours, from Balaleet and Beetroot Harees to Madrooba, Mastic Um Ali, and the ever-popular Luqaimat. Each dish is crafted using local ingredients, without rigid recipes—just like it’s always been done at home.
Kashtat Amina serves food with history, memory and the warmth of a mother’s kitchen. Whether you’re in Sharjah or visiting from elsewhere, this is one meal that will stay with you long after the last bite.
GO: Visit kashtatamina.com for more information.