In the heart of Dubai‘s Alserkal Avenue, Middle Child stands out as a unique hub that transcends the typical restaurant experience. Founded by Lynn Hazim, who traded a decade in the tech industry for the culinary world, this innovative space seamlessly combines a restaurant, bookshop, and pantry, all within the creative confines of a warehouse. Unlike many establishments in Dubai, Middle Child operates on a no-reservations basis, a deliberate choice that reflects its ethos of spontaneity and community engagement.
A Journey of Culinary Passion
Lynn Hazim’s transition from a high-ranking position at Google to the realm of food wasn’t marked by a dramatic epiphany but rather a gradual realisation. “There wasn’t one big dramatic moment. I actually loved my time at Google and learned a huge amount there,” she shares. However, the more she pursued her passion for food—through cooking, hosting events, and exploring culinary cultures—the clearer it became that her future lay in this field. “Food slowly became the thing I cared about most. Once I realised I was investing more energy dreaming about a future restaurant than my next step in tech, it was hard to ignore.”
A Concept Like No Other
Middle Child breaks the conventional dining mould by integrating a bookshop that focuses on food literature and a pantry offering unique ingredients. “Food has never existed in isolation for me,” Lynn explains. “The way I cook is shaped by the books I read, the ingredients I discover, and the conversations I have around a table. The original vision for Middle Child was never just a restaurant.” Instead, she aspired to create a multi-faceted space where patrons could explore food culture in its entirety.
The No-Reservations Philosophy
In a city where restaurant reservations are often required weeks in advance, Middle Child’s walk-in model is a bold statement. “We didn’t choose a walk-in model because we thought it was cooler or more exclusive,” Lynn clarifies. “We chose it because it felt right for the kind of place we wanted to build. Restaurants should still have room for spontaneity.” The lively atmosphere generated by this approach fosters serendipitous encounters, as neighbours drop by or diners take a chance on a wait. “It feels more alive that way,” she notes.
Why Alserkal Avenue?
The decision to set up Middle Child in Alserkal Avenue, a cultural hub in the Al Quoz arts district, was straightforward for Lynn. “I’ve spent years coming here for exhibitions, talks, and pop-ups. It’s one of the few places in Dubai where people come not because they need to be there, but because they’re curious.” This alignment with the creative spirit of the neighbourhood has, over time, integrated Middle Child into the local community.
Recognition and Challenges
The accolades came quickly for Middle Child, including a placement as a MENA 50 Best One to Watch. “It was reassurance at a time full of challenges,” Lynn reflects. However, this initial recognition was accompanied by the wider challenges the global restaurant industry faced. “Reality caught up with all of us pretty quickly. What I remember most is how proud the team felt. A restaurant is hundreds of small things done well every day, and it felt like recognition for all of that effort.”
A True Homegrown Success
Recently, Middle Child was honoured as Homegrown Restaurant of the Year at the dubai-lifestyle.ae Dubai Awards. Lynn expresses how this recognition resonates deeply with her. “‘Homegrown’ is exactly what Middle Child is,” she emphasises. “It started as supper clubs and pop-ups, and to be recognised by Dubai as a homegrown restaurant feels very special. More than anything, it belongs to the team.”
What’s on the Menu
The menu at Middle Child is intentionally concise, with each dish carefully curated. “If we’re talking about what our guests order most, it’s probably the pappardelle bolognese and the steak with jammy onions,” she reveals. Yet, Lynn’s personal favourite is the seabass crudo, which she appreciates for its simplicity. “When the fish is great and balanced, it feels effortless. It captures the kind of food I personally love to eat: ingredient-led, unfussy and full of flavour.”
In its essence, Middle Child offers an enriching experience that combines culinary delight with a love for food culture, truly making it a remarkable addition to Dubai’s gastronomic landscape.