He’s well known to food fans all over the world thanks to his popular daily cooking programme, and is considered an authority on Arabic food. And chef Osama El-Sayed insists his main aim is for viewers, of all levels in the kitchen, to take something away from each and every show he records. That’s a big aim though, as Egyptian-born Osama is live on TV six days a week during Ramadan, from 1pm-2pm on Dubai TV, with ‘Ma’a Osama Atyab’, or ‘It’s More Delicious With Osama’.

The satellite show has fans everywhere, from America to Australia.

But, believe it or not, Osama works entirely without a script for the duration of the show - 7DAYS has seen him in action.

Osama has a team of six who busily help prepare dishes for the programme, and the studio is a hive of activity ahead of showtime. Despite a lack of script, he’s always on track and his message at this time of year is simple - follow your own colour code.

He says: “For Ramadan, we are taking a colourful approach with good reason. With the economic crunch, we are trying to prove that the best and cheapest are the basic and fresh ingredients. “And what works out the cheapest? Vegetable and fruit, it’s really so simple. Take the juice I made for today’s show (Wednesday), with pomegranate and melon. It’s delicious and cheap. The most expensive ingredient, strawberry, we can use the least as an attractive and tasty garnish so again, it’s not an expensive juice.

“Basically for the flow of the show, with a message, I have always considered that a wide variety of people will be watching.
“So I want to include something for everyone - the amateur chef, the mums, their children who might enjoy food and for the serious cooks too. Hopefully they can all take something away.”

Chef Osama started out on TV and radio back in the early 90s in America, and has prepared banquets for the likes of former president Bill Clinton, so he knows his way around a kitchen.

But his Arabic show is much more than just cooking tips. He tries to dish up advice on anything from saving at the supermarket, to advice on Ramadan etiquette.

He explains: “Anything around food is our responsibility. “Ramadan is about sharing so think about others when you are preparing for food and breaking your fast. And also consider simple things, like creating space for your guests to pray if they are coming over.”