Starting a blog can be as easy a signing up for an Instagram account. Take a few photos on your smartphone, write a witty caption or two, rant against a hotly-debated issue. Presto, you’ve joined the ranks of millions of other aspiring bloggers.
Creating a tremendous and a successful food blog, combined with an award-winning personality? A little bit trickier. Meet Moayad Alsawaf, the leading Dubai based food blogger, who parlayed his passion for food into a small empire.
Moayad Alsawaf’s Instagram page, aligned with his passion for food blogging is the cornerstone of his success. Moreover, in a brightly designed feed, the popular food influencer strikes a conversational tone in posts that feature several classic dishes.
Recognizing that few foodies might not have access to their uncle’s ‘kibbeh’ or the patience to cook in the kitchen for hours, Moayad offers shortcuts when possible but also lets readers know that yes, it is really important to make a perfect texture in ‘manakish’.
Moreover, his audience reaches out to him to learn more about good restaurants in the UAE, or even the best places for trying burgers, pizzas, etc.
“When it comes to food, I can drive from one city to another or even fly from one country to another to see what’s trending and how can I find the hidden gems. My love for food is everlasting and there’s a lot more to come in my life.” – says Moayad Alsawaf.
A quick glance at the well-researched recipes, stunning photos and his active Instagram page drives the point home: Moayad has been serious about growing his blog.
“[On Instagram] I try to act like how I am in real life, it’s important to be genuine,” says Moayad. “Sometimes, it can come off a little dorky, but you definitely need to engage with your followers.”
Sharing details of his businesses and new favourite restaurants, the leading Dubai based food influencer tries to strike a balance between the personal and informative aspects, knowing that readers come to his page for watching his reviews on delicious recipes rather than the sordid details of his personal life. In the blogosphere where it is normal for bloggers to share everything from their new house story to intimate photographs of their lifestyle, this professionalism in food blogging has helped set Moayad apart.
“I won’t post a review just to have something up,” explains Moayad. “From the beginning, I focused on quality over quantity, and I think that very much important for me at first.”
Check out his latest food reviews on Instagram @moayad.alsawaf