In Dubai’s ever-evolving culinary scene, where global flavours and refined dining experiences meet, Le Fumoir by Joe Bassili has carved out a distinct place of its own. Since opening its Dubai smokehouse in 2011, the brand has become known for artisanal smoked salmon crafted with patience, precision, and a deep respect for tradition.
The story of Le Fumoir begins with Joe Bassili, originally from Byblos, Lebanon. His journey into smoked salmon was shaped by necessity, curiosity, and an uncompromising love for quality. At a time when importing smoked salmon into Lebanon became increasingly difficult due to customs duties, Joe was also disappointed by the quality available locally. Rather than accept what was on the market, he chose to create something better himself.
To master the craft, Joe travelled to Scotland, where he learned from experienced smokehouse artisans who used traditional methods to prepare and smoke salmon. This experience became the foundation of Le Fumoir’s approach: simple ingredients, careful technique, and a process that allows the quality of the fish to speak for itself.
When Joe returned to Beirut, his first smoker was not built in a factory or professional kitchen. It was a homemade setup on the balcony of the family home. There, through trial, patience, and attention to detail, he began refining the techniques that would eventually define the Le Fumoir name.
In 1991, Joe established his Beirut smokehouse, followed by a restaurant in 2001 where guests could experience his smoked salmon firsthand. Dubai became the next chapter in the brand’s journey, beginning with the first restaurant at Mall of the Emirates in 2005 and later the Dubai smokehouse in 2011.
At Le Fumoir, artisanal smoked salmon is not simply produced. It is patiently crafted, hand-sliced, and shaped by a family tradition that began long before Dubai knew its name.
JASON BASSILI
Today, Le Fumoir continues to honour the traditional craft of salmon smoking while serving some of the UAE’s most respected kitchens, hotels, chefs, supermarkets, and food lovers. Its artisanal smoked salmon has become a trusted choice for those who value flavour, consistency, and authenticity.
What sets Le Fumoir apart is the level of care given to every stage of the process. The salmon is selected for quality and freshness, then prepared with a focus on preserving its natural flavour and texture. In-house preparation allows the team to manage the fish with precision, retaining the richness and moisture that are essential to a well-balanced smoked salmon.
The smoking process is central to the character of Le Fumoir. Using oak wood chips, the salmon is slowly smoked to develop a deep yet refined flavour. This is not a rushed process. Time allows the smoke to move gently through the fish, creating the delicate balance between sweetness, richness, and smokiness that defines artisanal smoked salmon.
Hand-slicing is another signature of Le Fumoir’s craftsmanship. Each fillet is sliced with care, allowing the team to remove pin bones, separate the darker meat, and create thin, delicate slices with an even texture. This hands-on approach helps preserve the salmon’s appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel, resulting in slices that are elegant, balanced, and ready to serve.
For more than two decades, Le Fumoir by Joe Bassili has supplied premium smoked salmon to five-star hotels, award-winning chefs, restaurants, and food connoisseurs. What began as a family experiment in Beirut has become a respected name in Dubai’s gourmet food landscape.
Today, customers can find Le Fumoir products online through the brand’s shop, as well as in leading UAE supermarkets including Waitrose, Spinneys, Carrefour, and Choithrams. From professional kitchens to home dining tables, Le Fumoir continues to bring the art of artisanal smoked salmon to those who appreciate quality made with care.
At its heart, Le Fumoir is more than a smokehouse. It is a family story, a culinary craft, and a commitment to doing things properly. Every slice reflects the journey from Byblos to Scotland, from a Beirut balcony to Dubai, and from tradition to modern excellence.
You can find Le Fumoir products online here and in UAE’s local supermarkets (Waitrose, Spinneys, Carrefour, Choitram, etc.).
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