Mona Maabreh, known widely on social platforms as Chef Mona, is one of the leading culinary educators in Kuwait and a powerful voice in the regional gastronomy scene. As the head of culinary instruction at the Cookler Academy of French Culinary Arts, she has captivated both aspiring chefs and food lovers through her dynamic teaching style and her seamless blending of classical French cooking techniques with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
From Instagram Sensation to Culinary Mentor
With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, Chef Mona has built a visual and instructional universe that resonates deeply. Her posts encompass a stunning array of dishes, ranging from bold Middle Eastern staples like kibbeh, falafel, hummus, fattet, and fermented pickles, to international favourites such as New York cheesecake, coleslaw, and protein-rich bean pastas. Through Reels and stories, she demystifies labor-intensive recipes such as crispy bulgur kibbeh or layered fattet, providing clear steps and insider tips that empower home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Her content fits into three key pillars:
- Authentic Recipes Reinvented: Honoring traditional flavors while introducing contemporary twists.
- Technical Expertise: Leveraging her French culinary background to teach precise methods, like kneading, pastry lamination, or plating finesse.
- Visual Appeal: Utilizing high-quality images and short video clips to engage viewers and make cooking feel accessible.
A French Culinary Educator in Kuwait
At Cookler Academy, Chef Mona applies a rigorous, methodical teaching model rooted in French culinary arts, preparing students for both the creative and operational demands of modern kitchens . Her students gain mastery of essential skills—from classic saucemaking and dough handling to baking and patisserie work, while also exploring how these techniques can elevate local and regional recipes.
Her Instagram description underscores this dual identity: a Kuwaiti chef trained in French culinary methods, ready to share her skills with both students and social media audiences. This bilingual and bicultural approach makes her content especially appealing to Gulf-based learners seeking global standards with deep local roots.
A Regional Culinary Influencer
Chef Mona’s presence transcends social media. She regularly participates in regional culinary events, workshops, food festivals, and gastronomy forums, where she shares her passion and knowledge with a wider audience. Her participation in such platforms signals a growing movement in the Gulf: chefs who not only preserve traditional dishes but are also committed to elevating them through formal technique and innovative presentation.
Though not officially part of TV cooking shows, her educational reach and influence in Kuwait mirror the prestige of Gulf-based culinary figures featured on popular cooking competitions such as Top Chef Arabic.
Philosophy: Culinary Empowerment Through Education
Central to Mona’s work is the belief that her role as an educator is as important as her role as a chef. She focuses on nurturing independent culinary voices, encouraging women and men alike to turn their passion into livelihoods. By teaching not just cooking but also recipe development, presentation, and business skills, she supports budding entrepreneurs and home-based cooks seeking to launch catering services or small businesses.
Her approach mirrors that of other Gulf culinary icons who have used food education as a means of empowerment and cultural preservation.
Why Chef Mona Matters
In a culinary landscape often dominated by celebrity chefs, Mona Maabreh stands out for her focus on practical instruction, technique-driven knowledge, and community-building. Her insistence on precision, mastering French methods while integrating regional tastes, makes her a bridge-builder between worlds. Students of Cookler Academy and followers on social platforms are offered much more than recipes; they gain confidence, skills, and a sense of creative freedom.
Looking Ahead
Chef Mona continues to grow her educational outreach. Possible future directions include:
- Published cookbooks or e-books to document her culinary techniques.
- Online masterclasses, allowing global access to her teaching.
- Interactive workshops with guest chefs or food brands.
Whether you’re a curious home cook or a serious culinary student in the Gulf, Chef Mona Maabreh offers a compelling blend of tradition, technique, and transformative teaching, a formula that can inspire anyone who’s passionate about cooking and culture.
