Hiring a home cook is one of the most impactful quality-of-life upgrades for busy households in Abu Dhabi. Whether you want daily meal prep, Ramadan iftar preparation, or a personal chef for a dinner party, the experience works best when you prepare properly before the first session.
Before the First Visit: Communication
Clear communication before the cook arrives saves time and prevents disappointment. Be specific about:
Dietary requirements:
- Any allergies or intolerances (nuts, gluten, dairy, shellfish)
- Halal requirements (standard in Abu Dhabi, but confirm)
- Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary preferences
- Foods you or your family dislike
Cuisine preferences:
- Arabic and Levantine (biryani, machboos, mezze)
- Indian (common in Abu Dhabi's diverse community)
- Western (pasta, roasts, salads)
- Asian (Thai, Chinese, Japanese)
- Mixed / fusion
Meal structure:
- How many people are you cooking for?
- Do you want freshly cooked meals or meal prep for the week?
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner — or specific meals only?
Preparing Your Kitchen
A professional home cook works most efficiently in an organised, well-stocked kitchen:
- Ensure all appliances are working (oven, hob, microwave)
- Provide adequate cooking utensils: sharp knives, pots, pans, cutting boards
- Confirm you have the basic pantry staples you expect them to use (olive oil, spices, salt, etc.) or agree in advance that they will shop for ingredients
- Clear counter space for prep work
Groceries: Who Buys What?
This is one of the most important things to clarify upfront. Common arrangements:
1. **You buy all groceries** — provide a list to the cook in advance and they will cook with what's available
2. **The cook shops for ingredients** — you reimburse the cost or agree on a weekly grocery budget
3. **A mix** — you provide pantry staples and the cook shops for fresh produce
At Genienow, we discuss this with you before confirming the booking.
Setting Expectations for Ongoing Cooks
If you're setting up a recurring cook (daily or several times per week), invest time in the first two or three sessions to provide feedback. Be specific:
- "I'd love less oil next time"
- "Can we try a lighter spice level for the children's portions?"
- "The rice was perfect — please do it the same way"
Home cooks in Abu Dhabi work best with clear, direct feedback. Most are highly adaptable once they understand your household's tastes.
Book a Home Cook via Genienow
Genienow connects Abu Dhabi households with experienced, verified home cooks. Whether you need someone in Al Raha, Yas Island, or Khalifa City, message us on WhatsApp to discuss your requirements and we'll match you with the right person.