At the intersection of bold flavor, ancient food wisdom, and modern gut health innovation is Tabchilli-the UAE’s rising fermentation brand redefining how the region sees kimchi, sauerkraut, and probiotic living. Recently, The Pro Chef ME, a leading publication in the Middle East’s culinary world, sat down with our founder, Maher El Tabchy, to dive into the journey behind the jars.
In a world that’s saturated with processed foods and mass-market shortcuts, Maher’s story stands out: from experimenting with fermented chili paste in a home kitchen to bootstrapping one of the fastest-growing artisanal fermented food brands in the Gulf.
In the interview, Maher talks candidly about what it means to build a purpose-driven food company from scratch. No venture capital, no culinary degree-just a relentless obsession with gut health, fermentation science, and real food that actually makes you feel alive.
He discusses:
- Why fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are no longer just “niche wellness products,”? but everyday essentials for gut health and immune support.
- How Tabchilli’s fermentation process stays true to traditional techniques while maintaining the high standards of modern food safety (HACCP certified, raw, unpasteurised, and crafted in small batches in Dubai).
- The challenges of building a fermentation-based CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) brand in a region where refrigeration, regulation, and shelf space are tough battles.
- And most importantly, how fermented foods are not just good for your microbiome-they’re bold, punchy, alive, and packed with umami, crunch, and character.
For food enthusiasts, health-conscious shoppers, and chefs across the UAE and beyond, this feature is a chance to understand the deeper mission behind Tabchilli: we’re not just selling jars-we’re on a mission to rebuild people’s relationship with food, starting at the gut.
Read the full interview on The Pro Chef ME:
https://www.theprochefme.com/meet-the-maker-founder-of-tabchilli-maher-el-tabchy/
This feature marks a milestone for Tabchilli-not just as a growing food startup, but as a voice for the fermentation movement in the Middle East. From probiotic-rich pickles to deeply flavorful kimchis and sauerkrauts, we’re proud to share our story, and even prouder to see the community growing around it.