'Basically, I want to be a modern hippie, forest creature'

Mandana Shabani, founder and chef of Brambles café, on what moving to Dubai taught her

Describe your work in a sentence.
I make people happy and loved by feeding them. I'm like a mom, but without constantly asking when you're going get married.
The biggest learning point or experience in your life.
Moving to Dubai and opening my first business four years ago. Also, being married and learning to compromise, though this one is still a work in progress.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I don't know if it's my favourite, but the most entertaining thing is watching people's faces the first time they take our Tough Love shot. It's pure ginger, lemon and cayenne, and has a kick! I've been wanting to start a photocollage of it, but no one will let me take their photos!
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
You took the scenic route, but you're on the right track. And also, pay more attention when your mom cooks. Oh, and keep a diary, write it all down so you can look back on your stories when you're older.
The number one item on your wish list.
An around-the-world ticket, and the time to actually use it.
If you could move to any place in the world, what place would that be?
My own farm, preferably oceanfront and close to a forest. So I can catch my own fish, grow my own food, forage in the wild, and be barefoot. Basically, I want to be a modern hippie, forest creature.
Favourite fictional character of all time - and why.
Gil Pender from the movie Midnight in Paris. Imagine being transported to 1920s' Paris only to hang out and party with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda, Picasso, Hemingway and Dali! It would be magical.
The best thing you've ever bought yourself and why?
A one-way ticket to Thailand. A year of adventuring solo is the best thing you can do for yourself; I highly recommend it at least once in your lifetime. And it eventually brought me to Dubai four-and-a-half years ago.
A superpower you wish you had?
Teleportation for sure. How fun would it be to just magically appear out of thin air and startle your loved ones, and then sit and have a nice meal together?
If you were head of your country, what is the first thing you'd do?
I would make nap time mandatory for all citizens. Also, I would make farmers and teachers celebrities. In fact, a celebrity would be judged by how much they give back to their community.
- Staff Reporter