Meet the Culinary Couple Behind Dubai's Viral Café CRUNCH

Aug 9, 2026

98 min

Aug 9, 2026 05:30

From global kitchens to Dubai: Meet the couple behind Dubai’s viral cafe 'CRUNCH'

## From Global Kitchens to Dubai Mukhtar Kosbayev and Anastassiya, a couple with extensive culinary experience across seven countries, have brought their expertise to Dubai with the opening of CRUNCH café. Their journey spans from Kazakhstan to the US, and now to the UAE, where they are making waves in the local food scene.

## Culinary Beginnings Mukhtar's passion for cooking was ignited in his childhood, influenced by family experiences in Kazakhstan. Despite initial skepticism from his father, Mukhtar pursued his dream, eventually working in prestigious kitchens like Noma. Anastassiya, on the other hand, began her culinary journey out of curiosity, leading her to work in various international kitchens and eventually co-found CRUNCH.

## The Birth of CRUNCH The couple's relationship began at a food festival in Kazakhstan in 2020. Their shared love for food and a playful bet led to their first date. Together, they decided to create CRUNCH, a café that reflects their commitment to quality ingredients and attention to detail.

## A Family Affair Opening CRUNCH coincided with the birth of their daughter, who plays a significant role in shaping the menu. The couple balances running the café with parenting, ensuring their daughter is part of their culinary journey.

## The Viral Croissant Cereal CRUNCH gained fame with its unique croissant cereal, initially created as a fun gift for guests. The dish, featuring miniature croissants and croissant-infused milk, became a hit, embodying the café's playful and innovative spirit.

## Why Dubai? For Mukhtar, Dubai's multicultural environment and openness to new experiences made it an ideal location for CRUNCH. The café has become a melting pot, attracting guests from over 20 nationalities in a single day.

## Building a Home Away from Home CRUNCH aims to be more than just a café; it's a place where people can feel at home. The founders focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, where guests celebrate personal milestones and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food.

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