Restaurateur Amiebeth Aroy-Caintoy is the owner of the Al Rigga Restaurant chain in the UAE. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

In the heart of Al Rigga, where the bustling streets of Dubai never sleep, a two-storey restaurant stands as a testament to one woman’s relentless pursuit of success. Amiebeth Aroy-Caintoy, once an accountant from Bukidnon, Philippines, is now a thriving entrepreneur and restaurateur, revolutionizing the Filipino food scene in the UAE. With 24 kiosks, restaurants, and pop-ups across the UAE—including the iconic Al Rigga Restaurant—she has become the undisputed queen of Filipino street food in the emirates. Amiebeth’s journey began in the corporate world, working in the UAE’s medical industry. But deep inside, she knew she was destined for something bigger. “I wanted to be my own boss so I could control my time,” she tells Expat Media. “But when I finally started my own business, I realized I had no control over my time at all. I worked until after midnight, making sure everything was ready for the next day.” Her first venture was a Filipino bakery in Dubai before opening a modest food stall. Recognizing the massive demand for authentic Filipino flavors, she expanded aggressively, establishing restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Today, she also supplies cooked meals for kiosks in supermarkets like Westzone, as well as standalone outlets like Angels Burger, bringing a taste of the Philippines to thousands of Filipinos and curious food lovers in the UAE. Her latest achievement—the grand opening of a standalone, two-storey Al Rigga Restaurant this year—is her most ambitious project yet.

New milestone in Al Rigga

The restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it has become a second home for many. “Yesterday, a couple came in with their child. They told me that this restaurant has become their regular meeting place. That, for me, is the real success—creating a space where people can build memories.” “Filipinos living abroad always crave the taste of home. That’s why our restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re gathering spots for families, friends, and kababayans looking for comfort,” she shares. "Filipinos in Dubai don’t just eat at Al Rigga Restaurant—they consider it their kitchen. We make sure they feel at home with every meal." Her food is among the most affordable in the market without compromising quality, with dishes starting at Dh5 and set meals for Dh15 or Dh21. Her burger joint offers two burgers for Dh15. "Our commitment has always been to help fellow Filipinos in the UAE. Many of our customers are hardworking Filipinos who deserve a taste of home without breaking the bank," she says. She’s excited to see the rise of Filipino cuisine on the global stage. “There’s a huge market for Filipino food here. Whether it’s street food, classic home-cooked meals, or modern fusion dishes, people love our flavors,” she says. Before becoming a restaurateur, Amiebeth worked as an accountant for a farmers’ association in the Philippines. She also dabbled in small business ventures, selling Avon products to college students on credit and collecting payments weekly. Little did she know that these experiences would sharpen her business acumen and prepare her for a much larger venture in Dubai. When she first arrived in the UAE in 2008, she juggled jobs in the medical field while nurturing her food business on the side. But as demand for Filipino cuisine grew, so did her ambitions. Today, her food empire is spread across the UAE. Success didn’t come easy. The Covid pandemic tested her resilience as she struggled to keep her business afloat while taking care of her employees. “I had 15 staff members, and we weren’t earning anything for a year. Banks were calling, bills were piling up, and I was at a loss. I even considered shutting everything down,” she recalls. But instead of giving up, Amiebeth leaned on her faith and strategic thinking. She used her salary from her medical job to keep the business going, making sure her employees didn’t have to be sent home. “It felt like God was testing me, but I endured it. And what came after was a blessing beyond what I imagined,” she says. As she sets her sights on further expansion, one thing remains constant: her deep love for Filipino food and the community she has built around it. “I never expected my businesses to grow like this,” she says. “But I believe this is the real blessing—after all the hardships, this is the reward.”

Rapid fire questions

If you were a dish what would you be? Balbacua! The more you put on fire, the more tasty you are. Your hidden talent. I can make people laugh. Food you can’t live without. Rice. Dish you cook best. Spicy seafood. One bucket list you would like to fulfill this year. To go home to the Philippines. Person or thing you can’t live without. My husband. Biggest regret in life. No regrets, just a disappointments. Your greatest strength. Building relationships. The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done. Being the first in my family to run my own business. Favorite thing to do in your free time. Reading and watching world events. I love history. Your dream destination. Nothing compares to the Philippine islands! Switzerland comes second. What do you collect? I'm starting a collection of farm lands. Most expensive thing you bought. Experience, with lots of failures in business. One thing you regret spending money on. Helping ungrateful people. What are you most looking forward to? Retirement in the Philippines and sending my free time in the community. One thing you wish you enjoyed more. Family and great friends. A condensed version of this story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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