Waste to Taste
Success Stories/Projects
Osteria Mario's Zero-Waste Menu
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Our team was thrilled to learn about Osteria Mario at Dubai Hills Mall, a restaurant launched by Tiger Holding, and their collaboration with Duo Gastrobar on the innovative Zero-Waste Menu. Their commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact sets a fantastic example for the restaurant industry. We had the opportunity to dive deeper into their success story and were truly impressed by the ways they've turned sustainability into a core part of their operations.
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The restaurant achieved this by thoughtfully repurposing food scraps and implementing precise portion control, ensuring that all dishes are finished without leftovers. The aim of the Zero-Waste Menu is to use every part of each ingredient creatively, transforming what would traditionally be food waste into delicious menu items. Dishes like potato chips made from peels, carrot cake using juice pulp, and chicken broth from bones are a few ways they creatively utilize every ingredient, while maintaining high quality..
Osteria Mario sources its ingredients both locally and internationally, closely monitoring the carbon footprint of their supply chain by tracking the miles traveled by produce trucks. To offset these emissions, they plant trees, contributing to a greener future. With zero single-use plastic, sugarcane straws, and biodegradable packaging, the restaurant prioritizes eco-friendly practices at every level.
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The Zero-Waste Menu reflects Osteria Mario’s mission and dedication in finding innovative ways to recycle, upcycle, and mindfully source food products that might otherwise be discarded. By balancing sustainability with quality, Osteria Mario has redefined eco-conscious dining, offering thoughtfully crafted meals that leave minimal impact on the environment and serve as an inspiration for responsible dining in Dubai.
The Big Chill Cafe's Commitment to Reducing Food Waste
The Big Chill Cafe, located in Dubai Hills Mall, is also committed to reducing food waste and making a positive environmental impact. Through carefully implemented practices and strategic partnerships, they have turned sustainability into an integral part of their restaurant operations.
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The Big Chill Cafe has been a favorite among our team since its early days in Delhi, known for its elaborate menu and unforgettable desserts and cakes. So, when we discovered that The Big Chill Cafe had opened at Dubai Hills Mall, we were eager to learn about their new initiatives here, especially their approach to reducing food waste.
One of their primary tools is Foodwatch, a system that helps track the shelf life of food to ensure items are used before spoilage, minimizing waste at the source. Additionally, The Big Chill Cafe has partnered with companies that collect surplus food, redistributing it to those in need. This initiative not only reduces waste but also supports the community of migrant workers.
The restaurant also abides by strict food safety protocols. Food must be stored at the correct temperature and in its original packaging to prevent bacteria growth, safeguarding quality and reducing spoilage. To further minimize waste, The Big Chill Cafe prepares food based on demand throughout the day, aligning production with peak hours.
Dubai Hills Mall supports these sustainability efforts by managing separate waste streams, including wet, dry, and food waste. Used cooking oil is collected and repurposed, while food scraps unsuitable for human consumption are redirected for animal feed—a practice inspired by the cafe’s experience with Costa Coffee in India, where vegetable scraps were repurposed to create animal feed.
The Big Chill Cafe’s dedication to sustainable food practices, from waste reduction to community partnerships, is an inspiring example for other restaurants in Dubai Hills Mall and beyond, demonstrating how small actions can have a meaningful impact on food waste and environmental sustainability.
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Vietnamese Foodies
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We recently read about their pledge to distribute 1,500 meals to those most in need, and we were inspired by their dedication to creating a positive impact on the community. Their initiative sets a wonderful example for other restaurants, showcasing how businesses can go beyond serving delicious food to also serve a meaningful purpose.
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We were particularly interested in learning more about the food banks and charities they partner with to ensure that any surplus food finds its way to those in need.