The Rise of Dubai’s Culinary Scene: A Spotlight on Ebru Erke

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to be in Dubai for the Michelin Awards—a city that is rapidly emerging as a powerful player on the global culinary stage. Two restaurants—Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén—each earned three Michelin stars, marking an unprecedented moment in the region’s gastronomic history. This remarkable achievement isn’t merely about accolades; it’s a testament to the vibrant tapestry of cultures and flavors that Dubai embodies.

A Historic Moment in Michelin Recognition

As I gathered with staff from both the kitchen and front of the house at Trèsind Studio, we awaited a special announcement. Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, walked in and delivered the breathtaking news: Trèsind Studio had become the first Indian restaurant anywhere in the world to receive three Michelin stars. The emotions surged—hugs, tears, screams of joy filled the room, as the magnitude of this achievement began to sink in. This was not just an award; it was a landmark moment for Indian cuisine, uplifting it from traditional casual fare to a celebrated culinary art form that deserved its place among the elite.

Challenging Perceptions of Indian Cuisine

Trèsind Studio dismantles long-standing perceptions of Indian food being merely comfort fare. Chef Himanshu Saini artfully marries traditional flavors with modern techniques, curating a culinary journey that showcases the richness and diversity of the subcontinent. Each dish invites you to explore the depth of Indian culture, expanding its boundaries and satisfying even the most discerning Michelin standards.

A Lightning-Fast Ascent in Fine Dining

In remarkable contrast, FZN by Björn Frantzén achieved its three-star recognition only seven months after opening its doors. This rapid rise in Michelin’s history signals a new narrative for the city—one that celebrates not only established names but also bold newcomers making their mark. Such achievements challenge the notion that a long maturation period is essential for success in fine dining.

Dubai as a Culinary Cultural Hub

The awarding of two three-star restaurants in a single Michelin guide is a significant turning point. It reflects a shift in how culinary hotspots are recognized; it’s no longer merely about the quality of the food but also the cultural and economic infrastructures supporting it. Dubai has positioned itself not as a whisper in the culinary world but as a resounding statement.

Now, instead of questioning whether Dubai was "ready" for Michelin, the conversation has evolved to "Where does Dubai go from here?" This thought-provoking shift underscores the realization that culinary excellence can also be a powerful narrative tool—one that profoundly shapes a city’s identity.

Global Perspectives on Dubai’s Culinary Landscape

The reaction from global media was a mixture of awe and scrutiny. Some boldly declared Dubai as “the capital of flavor,” while others offered tempered praise, suggesting the city was known for spectacle but is finally adding substance to its culinary offerings. This duality captures the essence of Dubai’s gastronomic evolution and signals its emergence as a new culinary epicenter.

The Strength of Diversity in Dubai’s Cuisine

What has propelled Dubai into the global culinary spotlight? Its extraordinary diversity. The city serves as a melting pot for various culinary traditions, from Arab cuisine to Indian, Japanese, and beyond. Remarkably, many chefs are not just setting up overseas branches here; they are relocating, investing in original concepts that narrate unique stories rooted in Dubai.

Some have likened Dubai’s culinary ascension to London’s. There’s merit to this comparison, particularly in how both cities foster a rich tapestry of immigrant cuisines, building sophisticated fine dining cultures. However, a critical difference lies in how Dubai showcases gastronomy—not just as a culinary experience but as an elaborate theatrical one, akin to its world-renowned architecture and fashion.

The Pulse of Local Flavors

Beyond glitzy fine dining, Dubai is also bringing local flavors to the forefront. Emirati cuisine is finding its voice, with venues like Bait Maryam spotlighting traditional fare. Chefs at Orfali Bros are committed to crafting menus that highlight local ingredients and push the limits of what desert cuisine can offer. A wave of emerging Arab chefs inspired by the rich tapestries of Lebanese, Palestinian, and Yemeni culinary traditions is beginning to resonate increasingly throughout the city.

The Reconnection with Culinary Heritage

Dubai is more than just an importer of global flavors; it is re-establishing connections with its own culinary history. This intricate balance of global and local influences is helping the city carve out its own unique niche on the gastronomic map of the world. While it may not yet rival the culinary maturity of Paris or Tokyo, Dubai’s youthful dynamism and insatiable hunger for growth position it as a rising star.

The ongoing transformation of Dubai’s culinary landscape is a captivating narrative, defined by remarkable diversity, innovative chefs, and a commitment to excellence that resonates far beyond its borders.