Interview with CEO Clarice of Meokja Korean F&B

Q1. Introduce yourself

A. Hello, I'm Clarice Claudette Jimenez, CEO of MEOKJA, a modern, quirky Korean restaurant here in UAE.

My journey began as an Interior designer in Dubai, where I honed my creative skills and developed a keen eye for aesthetics. However, during the pandemic, I found myself working remotely from home and spending more time in the kitchen, baking and cooking. It was during this period that I realized my true passion lay in food and hospitality.

With no formal culinary training but a deep love for Korean cuisine, I embarked on this new path. I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family—my husband Emerson, Aunt Glenda, and Uncle Fernando Tarala, who co-founded MEOKJA, and became my backbone and strength in this venture. Together, we brainstormed branding ideas and conceptualized the restaurant's unique identity.

Our journey also took us to Korea, where we immersed ourselves in authentic Korean cuisine, learning from local chefs and experiencing the culture firsthand. My cousin, Chef Marie, played a pivotal role by helping us develop and perfect our recipes, ensuring that every dish we serve at MEOKJA is a true reflection of Korean culinary traditions.

MEOKJA is more than just a restaurant; it's a manifestation of passion, resilience, and the power of family. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, and every dish tells a story of love and dedication.

I believe that with passion and perseverance, one can turn any dream into reality. MEOKJA stands as a testament to that belief, and I am incredibly proud of what we've built together."

Q2. Could you explain the process of how Meokja's catering and restaurant was created?

 A. "The creation of MEOKJA was a journey of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to Korean culture.

Our story began at Souq Al Marfa, a vibrant food court in Dubai, where we first introduced our flavors to the community. From there, we expanded our presence by participating in two consecutive seasons at Global Village, one of Dubai's premier cultural and entertainment destinations.

But we didn't stop there. MEOKJA embraced the dynamic food scene of UAE by launching pop-up events, operating food trucks, and joining major events that celebrate culture and entertainment. We've had the privilege of serving our dishes at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, ADNEC, Expo Winter City, Emaar's New Year's Eve celebrations, and the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), among others.

These experiences have been instrumental in shaping MEOKJA's identity, allowing us to connect with a diverse audience and share our love for Korean cuisine in innovative ways. We've also been invited to participate in short-term events in other GCC countries, such as Thai Mart in Bahrain and Little Asia in City Walk, Saudi Jeddah, further expanding our reach and sharing our flavors with a broader audience.

Through these endeavors, MEOKJA has grown from a small venture into a beloved brand, known for its authentic Korean flavors and vibrant presence in the community."

Q3. Currently, due to the Korean wave, the exchange between Korean content and culture is increasingly expanding in Dubai. Please tell us your vision and plans for Korean food as it becomes more popular worldwide?

A. The Korean wave, or 'Hallyu,' has been a transformative force in global culture, and Dubai, with its dynamic and diverse food scene, has embraced it wholeheartedly. At MEOKJA, we believe that Korean food is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience. The flavors, the history, the traditions, and the stories behind each dish come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

As Korean culture continues to gain momentum worldwide, we see a tremendous opportunity to not only share authentic Korean flavors but also offer a space where people can immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Korean dining. Our vision for MEOKJA is to be a leader in making Korean food accessible and enjoyable, while providing a unique experience that transcends just the food on the plate.

Our vision for Korean food is not just about serving traditional dishes; it's about celebrating and modernizing the flavors to suit diverse tastes, all while staying true to the authenticity and spirit of Korean culinary traditions. We believe that Korean food has the potential to become as mainstream and beloved as any other global cuisine, especially as people become more familiar with its unique flavors, textures, and health benefits.

Dining at MEOKJA is all about creating good, lasting memories—whether it's a casual meal with friends, a celebration, or a cultural discovery. We want each guest to leave not just full, but enriched by the experience. As Korean food grows in popularity, we are focused on staying true to its roots, offering dishes that are authentic yet modernized for today’s tastes. We blend the comfort and familiarity of traditional Korean dishes with an innovative, quirky twist, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and exciting.

In the coming years, we plan to expand MEOKJA's footprint both here in UAE and GCC countries and beyond. Our goal is to bring the MEOKJA experience to even more food lovers, whether that’s through new restaurant locations, food trucks, pop-up events, or collaborations with other cultural initiatives. We are also exploring ways to elevate our brand digitally—perhaps through cooking classes, recipe books, or even branded products that allow our customers to recreate their favorite dishes at home.

Our overarching plan is to keep pushing the boundaries of what Korean food can represent globally. Beyond being just a trend, we want MEOKJA to be a place where Korean food helps create lasting connections between people from all walks of life. As the Korean wave continues to expand, we aim to be at the forefront, offering not just food, but a holistic cultural experience that people can enjoy and remember.

Q4. How important is it for you to support all the communities in the UAE?

A. Supporting all communities in the UAE is incredibly important to us at MEOKJA. The UAE is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan places in the world, and we are proud to be part of a society where so many different cultures come together. As a business, we believe that we have a responsibility to reflect that diversity in everything we do.

For us, it's not just about offering a great product—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of something special. Whether it's through the food we serve, the events we host, or the collaborations we engage in, MEOKJA strives to be a place that brings people together, celebrates diversity, and fosters a sense of belonging.

We actively seek out opportunities to engage with different communities, whether that means supporting local initiatives, participating in multicultural events, or even collaborating with fellow businesses that represent various cultures and backgrounds. For example, through our pop-ups and food trucks, we've had the chance to serve not only the local Emirati community but also expats from all over the world. We see this as an amazing opportunity to break down cultural barriers and showcase the beauty of Korean cuisine, while also learning and growing through the exchange of ideas and experiences.

We also believe in supporting the local economy, employing people from diverse backgrounds, and offering them a platform to grow within our business. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about making meaningful connections that enrich the community as a whole.

Ultimately, at MEOKJA, our goal is to create an inclusive environment where anyone—regardless of nationality, background, or culture—can come together, enjoy great food, and have a positive experience. We view our restaurant as not just a place to eat, but as a space where the unity of all the UAE’s communities can be celebrated through the universal language of food

Q5. What has been the most difficult part of running an F&B business?

A. Running an F&B business has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences of my life. There are many aspects to manage, and each comes with its own set of hurdles. If I had to pinpoint the most difficult part, it would probably be maintaining consistency while balancing creativity and operational efficiency.

In the F&B industry, the bar is constantly set high—customers expect excellent food, great service, and a memorable experience every single time. As we grew from our humble beginnings at Souq Al Marfa to the dynamic environment of Global Village, then expanding with pop-ups and food trucks, ensuring that every aspect of our service and food quality remained top-notch was a huge challenge. It’s easy to be creative and experiment with new ideas, but keeping the standard high across all locations, especially when dealing with multiple teams, is a constant balancing act.

Another challenge has been adapting to the fast-paced nature of the F&B sector, especially in a city like Dubai where trends change rapidly. We’ve had to stay agile and ready to pivot our offerings to meet customer preferences, all while staying true to our brand identity and the authenticity of our Korean cuisine. Whether it's managing supply chain issues, adjusting to market demands, or simply dealing with the logistics of scaling up, it requires constant vigilance and flexibility.

Lastly, like any small business, managing the financial aspect—ensuring profitability while reinvesting into the business for growth—can be a tricky balancing act. While we’ve been lucky to have a strong family team behind MEOKJA, running a business requires countless hours of dedication, overcoming setbacks, and having the resilience to push forward when things don’t always go as planned.

But despite these challenges, what makes it all worth it is the incredible joy of seeing customers enjoying our food, hearing their positive feedback, and knowing that MEOKJA is making a meaningful impact in the community. The difficulties along the way have only made the victories that much sweeter.

Q6. What would be your advice to young people on what is the most important factor in success in life?

A. My advice to young people would be this: passion, perseverance, and resilience are the true keys to success. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of instant success or quick wins, but the reality is that lasting success comes from staying committed to what you love, no matter how tough the journey gets.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Success doesn’t happen by playing it safe—it happens when you take bold steps, even when you're unsure of the outcome. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your dreams, and always stay true to yourself and your values.

And remember, success isn’t just about achieving big milestones; it’s about finding fulfillment in the journey, learning from every experience, and enjoying the process along the way.