Restaurants

Posta Dubai: exploring the city’s best restaurants with industry pros — ahead of Michelin Guide launch

06 июня 2022

Ekaterina Pugacheva
publisher, art collector, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair: Russia, Central Asia & Eastern Europe

Dubai is the largest commercial, economic and touristic center of the Middle East. The city, which is home to 3.41 million people, was visited by more than 16 million tourists before the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, Dubai has grown into the gastronomic capital of the Middle East. This year, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants launched a separate rating for restaurants in the region, which includes 16 restaurants in Dubai, and soon the city will have the Michelin guide as well. We spoke to some of the industry’s most iconic figures who talked about the city’s gastronomic landscape and shared some of their favorite spots.

Flavel Monteiro

Award-winning author, Publisher & Gourmand 2021 & 2022 Specialized Cookbook Publisher

How will the appearance of the Michelin guide change the gastronomic landscape of Dubai?

Dubai is not just a dining destination, it’s one of the food capitals of the world. Dubai is the tasting grounds where new and enhanced flavors connect with aromas that provide a new taste sensation — The SixthTaste. It is an experience where restaurants and chefs elevate gastronomy to a new level. For the past decade, the culinary landscape in Dubai has changed, I guess this was the start to groom itself for the red guide. Dubai has an impressive range of culinary offerings which makes it a unique dining destination. So now, finally, these culinary offerings will be tested by a trusted guide. It’s all about consistency rather than giving a few freebies to get recognized and this will be the validation which the red guide brings.

Your favorite 3 restaurants in Dubai (or 3 hidden treasures)?

I could give you more than three but I’ll limit myself to a few — Social by Heinz Beck, Clay, Indego by Vineet Bhatia, Kinara by Vikas Khanna, Brassiere Boulud, Meat Co, Taiko, Mythos in JLT, 3 Fils, Gold Fish. Earlier this year I compiled the very best restaurants and chefs in Dubai titled «The Best Of Dubai Gastronomy». Some hidden treasures would be Mythos, Reform Grill, San Beach Dubai, 3 Fils.

Any advice for Russian entrepreneurs who are looking to open restaurants in Dubai?

Dubai is the go to place for five decades now, with over 200 nationalities. Dubai sits on the crossroads of East and West, It lives and breathes a sense of endless possibilities and innovation. This unique destination defines the glittering perfection so you can bring any concept but ensure to do it correctly; and this is the equation to success.

Any must-visit places in Dubai?

I would say Dubai and the UAE itself should be on everyone’s bucket list, a must visit place. You have the five tastes and I give you the SixthTaste — Dubai being the dining destination of the world.

Courtney Brandt

American author and journalist living in Dubai, UAE. Her work has been published in Travel Curator, Forbes Middle East, Curiosity Magazine, Elite Daily, The Forward Feed, Food&Wine, Sopexa, A Luxury Travel Blog, Matador Network, JustLuxe, Travelettes, Citizen Femme, and Roads & Kingdoms.

How will the appearance of the Michelin guide will change the gastronomic landscape of Dubai?

As a foodie, I am very excited by the announcement of the Michelin guide coming to Dubai. I am optimistic the awards will recognize some of the incredible culinary talent we have in the country and begin to have an immediate impact on bookings at some of my favorite locations. While I’ve only been involved with the F&B industry since 2016, I’ve lived in the UAE since 2007. In this time, the rise of locally developed concepts, independent restaurants, and their continued success has been a joy to witness. While we will still have celebrated foreign chefs pop in to set up restaurants, the market is in the process of maturing and I’m delighted to see chefs open their own venues to focus on individual concepts and cuisine. Michelin is not alone in this landscape — the World’s 50 Best Restaurants announced the inaugural MENA list in February, and we are expecting the Gault & Millau ratings any day. Overall, I hope that the focus of the Michelin guide will highlight restaurants and teams for the global culinary community.

Your favorite 3 restaurants in Dubai (or 3 hidden treasures)?

Tresind Studio, Ossiano and High Joint.

Any advice for Russian entrepreneurs who are looking to open restaurants in Dubai?

Opening a restaurant in the UAE isn’t as straightforward as it is in other countries, so, my biggest advice would be to do a lot of research — about the market, gaps in the market, the supply chain, and costs. Setting very realistic expectations around financial forecasting would be imperative. Dubai represents one of the most competitive markets in the world (literally, we have more choices than almost any city) and there are more venues opening every day.

Any must-visit places in Dubai?

We are spoiled for restaurants in Dubai! With nearly every culinary genre represented, in no particular order (besides the ones listed above): Hoseki, BOCA, Lowe, anything in Reif Othman’s portfolio, BB, folly, Avatara, moonrise xyz, Alici, and Orfali Brothers. I’d also highly recommend a tour with Frying Pan Adventures, for an authentic wander and meal through Old Dubai.

Himanshu Saini

Chef Tresind Studio (The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Discovery, № 4 MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants), Tresind

How will the appearance of the Michelin guide change the gastronomy landscape of Dubai?

First MENA’s 50 best and now Michelin. It’s huge for the Dubai gastronomic scene. The Michelin appearance will make the restaurants in the region more refined, creative and imaginative. The food tourism scene is about to get a huge boost too as dubai is becoming recognized as a serious food destination.

Your favorite 3 restaurants in Dubai (or 3 hidden treasures)?

Ossiano, Orfali Bistro and Torno Subito.

Any advice for Russian entrepreneurs who are looking to open restaurants in Dubai?

Not to invest in only commercial venues. There’s a big scope for passion driven projects. Small and boutique restaurants is what can help define the Dubai food scene right now. Make something homegrown and local. There’s amazing produce and farms to support, use them to define your restaurant concept.

Any must-visit places in Dubai?

Dubai miracle garden (in winter season), Emirates Bio farm and Green planet.

06 июня 2022

Ekaterina Pugacheva для раздела Restaurants