Over the past few years, Dubai has emerged as a prime destination for global chefs to open restaurant concepts to cater to Middle Eastern palates.
In this article, we’ll look at some of Dubai’s top chefs, along with renowned names from the Middle East’s and the world’s culinary scene.
Pushing boundaries and elevating guests’ dining experiences, discover the top chefs you should be following.
Top chefs in Dubai
Here’s our list of the top chefs in Dubai and the UAE.
Reif Othman
Singaporean chef Reif Othman continues to leave his mark on the Dubai dining scene. Though he started his career as a finance broker, Othman quickly went back to his passion for cooking. And now, he’s an award-winning chef.
Known for his Japanese-inspired creations, Othman has opened several successful restaurants, including Reif Kushiyaki, one of the most popular concepts in Dubai.
This award-winning Dubai chef constantly emphasizes the importance of mentorship and respecting ingredients in his culinary philosophy.
Follow Chef Reif Othman on Instagram, and Facebook, or Book a table at Reif Kushiyaki in Dubai.
Daniel Boulud
Inspired by his farm upbringing in Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, Chef Daniel Boulud has built an international culinary empire.
His Brasserie Boulud in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers a French cuisine experience with a Middle Eastern touch.
Follow Chef Daniel Boulud on Instagram, and Facebook or Book a table at Brasserie Boulud.
Mohamad Orfali, The Orfali Bros
Chef Mohammad Orfali, along with his brothers Wassim and Omar, founded Orfali Bros, a popular bistro in Dubai.
Named the Best Restaurant in MENA in 2023, Orfali Bros is known for its innovative dishes, blending tradition with modern tastes.
Driven by culinary freedom and collective creativity, the Orfali Bros menu avoids traditional labels. The restaurant's success is rooted in the brothers' genuine love for cooking and sharing their passion for food with their community.
Follow Chef Mohammad Orfali on Instagram, and Facebook or Book a table at Orfali Bros.
Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio
Himanshu Saini is the most watched Indian chef in the world today. He started his career at Indian Accent in Delhi before becoming the opening chef for Masala Library and Farzi Cafe.
His Trèsind Studio in Dubai has two Michelin stars making Himanshu the only Indian-born chef in the world to run a two star Indian restaurant. He also runs the highly rated Trèsind restaurant in Mumbai, serving the dishes that made him famous.
Follow Chef Himanshu Saini on Instagram or Book a table at Trèsind Studio.
Mich Turner: Little Venice Cake Company
Mich Turner, known as The Queen of Couture Cakes and an MBE recipient, is renowned worldwide for her baking artistry, having dazzled celebrities and graced events at Buckingham Palace.
One of the top pastry chefs in the world, Turner made Prince William’s cake for Expo 2020 Dubai.
Now, her Little Venice Cake Company resides at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai. Offering bespoke cakes and treats, like Lemon Meringue, Sweet Dome, and chocolate salted caramel cupcakes, and adding elegance and flavor to any occasion.
Follow Mich Turner on Instagram.
Top chefs in the Middle East
Though Dubai has many world-renowned chefs, there are several notable mentions around the Middle East.
Issam Rhachi, Park Hyatt Marrakech
The head chef at TFAYA, the brasserie arabesque at Park Hyatt Marrakech, Issam Rhachi is both a leading chef and food influencer. Known for his Moroccan culinary expertise, he has garnered attention in his native Morocco and the Middle East.
Follow Issam Rhachi on Instagram and Facebook.
Sally Fouad
Egyptian chef Sally Fouad is also a nutritionist and TV presenter. Active since 2010, hosting various food-related TV shows, Sally Fouad is known for her local Egyptian products and her focus on healthy eating.
With a certification in nutrition from Germany, and a degree in German Literature from Cairo University, Sally is the host of “Safara Sally” on Panorama Food. Known for her easy-to-follow recipes, Sally shares nutrition tips, recipes, and healthy lifestyle advice.
Follow Sally Fouad via Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Alaa El Sherbiny
Another well-known top chef from Egypt and the Middle East is Chef Alaa El Sherbiny. The son of also widely-famous Chef El Sherbiny, Alaa is popular among younger generations for his recipes across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Alaa El Sherbiny usually shares traditional Egyptian recipes with modern twists.
He has participated in events such as Cairo Bites, Egypt's biggest food festival, where he has conducted live cooking demonstrations and engaged with food enthusiasts. Chef Alaa's engaging personality and culinary skills have made him a beloved figure in the Egyptian culinary scene.
Follow Chef Alaa El Sherbiny via Instagram and YouTube.
Burak Özdemir
Instagram-famous and world renowned Chef Burak Özdemir is a must-see on any top chefs list. Known globally as Chef Burak, the chef has opened branches of his CZNBurak empire across the Middle East, including Dubai and Egypt.
Hailing from Turkey, Chef Burak is known for his jumbo creations, always-smiling face, and fun videos.
At his restaurants, he offers extravagant plates with rhythmic drums and flaming salt, ensuring guests are entertained while they enjoy his delectable dishes.
Follow Chef Burak on Instagram and Facebook.
Nusret Gökçe, Salt Bae
Another Turkish familiar face on this top chefs list is Nusret Gökçe, widely known as 'Salt Bae.'
Nusret gained fame on social media for his unique meat-slicing and salt-sprinkling techniques. His Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers top-quality cuts and warm service. Diners may even get to see Salt Bae perform his signature seasoning.
Follow Salt Bae on Instagram and Facebook
Kamal Mouzawak
Kamal Mouzawak, a restaurateur and food activist in Beirut, Lebanon, started the local farmers' market Souk el-Tayeb. The market aims to preserve traditions and promote sustainable agriculture, featuring a kitchen where different cooks share stories through their food.
Follow on Kamal Mouzawak Instagram.
Osman Merhi, executive Chef and operations manager at Venor KSA
Saudi executive chef Osman Merhi leads and manages Lebanese cuisine chain Venor. Offering a wide array of Lebanese dishes, Venor boasts 3 branches in the kingdom.
Follow Venor on Instagram or visit Venor’s various branches in Saudi Arabia.
Top chefs from around the world
Here’s our list of the best chefs from across the globe.
Gordon Ramsay
Though he originally aspired to be a professional footballer, Gordon Ramsay is a world renowned chef.
Trained by renowned chefs, he gained prominence as the head chef at Aubergine in London, earning two Michelin stars. Later, he opened his own Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, holding three Michelin stars, and expanded globally with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Known for yelling at aspiring chefs in the series Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay is now a prominent TV personality with various successful shows and a production company, Studio Ramsay. Ramsay has also authored several bestselling books and received an OBE for his contributions to the culinary industry.
Follow Gordon Ramsay on Instagram and Facebook.
Akira Back
Akira Back, a renowned chef known for his innovative and exquisite cuisine, has built a global empire with 25 locations worldwide. Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, he transitioned from a professional snowboarding career to culinary arts.
Back's namesake restaurants span the globe, and he has created unique concepts like ABSteak and ABar. He has cooked for numerous dignitaries and celebrities, appeared on various TV shows, and his restaurant DOSA has earned a Michelin star. He continues to lead the culinary world with his creativity and artistry.
Follow Akira Back on Instagram and Facebook.
Eric Lanlard
Eric Lanlard is a French pastry chef and cake designer in London, famously-known for his stylish cake-making and patisserie expertise.
He has published cookbooks like “Afternoon Tea” and “Chocolat” and appeared as a judge on shows like “The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice.”
Lanlard has won several awards and is considered one of the world's leading pastry chefs.
Follow Eric Lanlard on Instagram.
Mehmet Gürs: Arrazuna
Finnish celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs blends his Turkish heritage with Finnish roots. After honing his skills in the US, he gained fame in Turkey with restaurants like Mikla.
Now, he's brought his culinary magic to Dubai with Arrazuna, featuring dishes like Balik ekmek and Thrace lamb.
Follow Mehmet Gürs on Instagram.
Nada Sobhi
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