Caline Chaoul's banana cake

Caline Chaya Chaoul, who studied at Alba and originally worked in advertising, says she has always had a passion for cooking and a strong interest in hospitality.

Her first major step in the food industry came when she ran La Centrale restaurant for four years. She later managed the restaurant People and the Urban Retreat Spa and Café at Aïshti for nearly 10 years.

« Until the day my son Alex brought me into the Makan project, » she said.

Her son opened Makan in Madrid in 2017. She became closely involved in the business, traveling regularly between Beirut and Madrid. She creates the recipes, develops ideas, and designs the menu, which changes every three months.

« He doesn’t add a spice without asking me. He’s my son, after all, » she said.

Since then, the Makan brand has expanded to two more locations in Madrid. It now operates in the IE University area, the financial district, and the city center. A fourth branch is expected to open soon.