Two of Dubai’s most beloved neighbourhood favourites, Khadak and 21grams, come together this November to present a one-of-a-kind breakfast collaboration that celebrates heritage, passion, and the simple joy of sharing a meal, available from Thursday, 13th, until Sunday, 16th November, from 8 AM to 11 AM at Khadak, and all day from 8 AM to 5 PM at 21grams.
This collaboration unites Chef Naved Nasir of Khadak and Chef Milan Jurkovic of 21grams, both Michelin-recognised culinary minds, in a shared moment of cultural connection and creative storytelling. Choosing breakfast was intentional: the most intimate meal of the day, where traditions are passed on, comfort is found, and identity is expressed. In bringing together the spice-laced richness of India’s morning kitchens with the warmth and generosity of Balkan breakfast tables, the chefs have created a dialogue between two worlds, one that feels nostalgic yet new, familiar yet full of discovery. Each dish reflects their shared belief that food, at its heart, is about connection, conversation, and the joy of starting the day together.
Dishes ranging from AED 42 to AED 88, the menu combines the flavours of both regions through a story-filled breakfast, where each dish tells a story of spices and memories crossing paths halfway between Bombay’s streets and the Balkan highlands. Guests begin with classics and shared beginnings, the Radio Café Kheema Burek, where Bombay’s street-style mutton kheema meets the flaky layers of Balkan pastry, and the Raan Komplet, featuring tender pulled raan, cheese, and fried egg inspired by Serbia’s beloved breakfast staple. The experience then moves to soulful staples such as the Uttapam reimagined with rajma hummus and grape salad, and the Meze, a celebration of togetherness featuring pathar ka ghost pâté, cucumber tzatziki, and freshly baked paratha and slava bread. The journey concludes on a nostalgic note with the Gajar Halwa Fig and Raisin Compote and the Ras Malai Sutlijas, a fusion of two iconic milk-based desserts, best enjoyed alongside a Plum Lassi or Rabdi Sherbet with Vanilla.
Each plate has been created exclusively for this collaboration, paying homage to time-honoured techniques and locally sourced ingredients from both cuisines, while echoing the familiarity of their existing menus.
Chef Naved, known for his work at London’s acclaimed Dishoom and now as the visionary behind Khadak, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in just six months of opening, brings his storytelling approach to Indian cuisine, honouring forgotten recipes and the people behind them. Alongside him, Chef Zuber, Executive Chef of Khadak, has played an instrumental role in developing the breakfast menu, translating the collaboration’s shared vision into dishes that beautifully balance authenticity and creativity.
At 21grams, Chef Milan Jurkovic, the creative force behind the bistro’s award-winning kitchen, channels his Balkan heritage into plates that are both authentic and modern, capturing the generosity of his region’s tables. The collaboration also reflects the vision of Stasha Toncev, founder and Chief Soulkitchen Officer of 21grams, who created the bistro six years ago with the simple yet powerful intention to relive and share her memories of home in Dubai. Guided by her belief that food should be heartfelt, welcoming, and rooted in culture, Stasha continues to inspire the spirit of 21grams — a place where heritage, community, and soul come together around the table.
What began as a shared admiration between two chefs became a creative dialogue, an exploration of how food connects cultures, memories, and emotions. Together, they’ve crafted more than a menu; they’ve created a breakfast that bridges continents while feeling entirely at home.
The Khadak × 21grams breakfast collaboration will be available to the public on the following dates:
- At Khadak: Thursday, 13th November | Saturday, 15th November | Sunday, 16th November
- Exclusive one-day experience at 21grams: Friday, 14th November
- Timings: Khadak: 8 AM – 11:30 AM | 21grams: 8 AM – 5 PM
Guests are encouraged to book early to experience this cross-cultural celebration of flavour, friendship, and craft.
