Iman Nazemi born and raised Londoner whose extraordinary journey led to uncover her true passion and craft an exceptional culinary experience at Kishmish - an exhilarating and groundbreaking Afghan restaurant in Dubai. From her captivating university years to her inspiring endeavors in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iman immersed herself in charitable projects, empowering female prisoners through the art of cooking and enlightening communities about the significance of wholesome meals. With an unwavering devotion to nourishing cuisine and the allure of home-cooked comfort, Iman's campaigns reverberate with the essence of Kishmish's unique creations.
Iman's cultural environment played a significant role in shaping her love for Afghan cuisine. Growing up surrounded by family and traditional Afghan meals, she experienced the joy of gathering around a table, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. However, it wasn't until later in life that she fully embraced her culinary heritage. Inspired by her vision to create a space for Afghan flavours similar to what she had growing up and share the rich tapestry of Afghan cuisine with the world, Iman discovered her true calling.
She relied on her intuition and her innate understanding of flavors to guide her, and the journey to opening Kishmish wasn't without its challenges. Adapting traditional recipes to fit a commercial space and ensuring consistency were just a few of the obstacles she faced. However, with determination and a deep-rooted connection to her culture, Iman successfully navigated these hurdles.
For the past five years, Iman has been building the Kishmish brand and redefining Afghan cuisine. Her family's encouragement and her own instinctive cooking style have been invaluable. She prioritizes using high-quality ingredients that resemble what one would find in a home kitchen, resulting in comforting and flavorful dishes.
Her involvement in charitable work further solidified her desire to make a positive impact. In her pursuit of finding her true calling, Iman explored various fields, however, it was her experiences in Afghanistan and her deep connection to her mother's passion for helping others that ultimately led her to follow hers.
Iman's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one's true passion. Through Kishmish, she strives to bring the rich flavors and heartwarming traditions of Afghan cuisine to a broader audience, inviting them to experience the true essence of her culinary heritage. As the face of Kishmish, Iman's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams and the ability to create something extraordinary out of love and dedication.
