The international and homegrown chefs you need to check out at Expo 2020

Indulge in innovative tasting menus from visiting international chefs, sample restaurants that have never been seen in the region and try Dubai’s local gems, headed up by the very best in the industry.

Mohammed Najem at Rising Flavours 

Born from the city of traditions, history and elegancy, Chef Najem is Beirut’s pride. As an advisory chef and consultant, he has created a wealth of prestigious projects across the Middle East and hosted various shows on Qatar TV. Chef Najem will be cooking at the Rising Flavours Dining Hall from Saturday 13 to Friday 19 November. 

Fatih Tutak at Jubilee Gastronomy 

A globetrotter, Fatih was born and raised in Istanbul and is today known for curating innovative Turkish cuisine which perfectly balances culinary sensibility and a sense of humour. Chef Fatih leads a talented team at The Dining Room of The House on Sathorn, listed in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Join him at Jubilee Gastronomy on Tuesday, 16 November, to experience his unique cuisine, taking inspiration from his travels around Asia. 

Christelle Vougo at Alkebulan

Christelle Vougo has become a celebrity chef in the Ivory Coast. Led by her curiosity and passion for gastronomy, Christelle today manages three high-end restaurants: Normina, a local reference for American classics; Le Saakan, which specializes in African gastronomy; and Le Mondial, a restaurant that enables experimentation, with dishes such as crocodile meat. Christelle will be cooking at Alkebulan, the African Dining Hall, from Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 November. 

Urosh Mitrasinovic at Jubilee Gastronomy 

Chef Urosh Mitrasinovic will be showcasing his culinary skills by hosting a nine-course tasting menu – transporting diners’ taste buds to the Balkan peninsula at Jubilee Gastronomy. Originating from Serbia, Chef Urosh is an alumnus of 21grams. The homegrown neighbourhood eatery has become a firm favourite with the foodies of Dubai for its honest yet daring Balkan soul food, inspired by the melting pot of cultures of the Balkan region. Sunday 21 November.

Roaya Saleh at Rising Flavours 

Roaya Saleh founded Villa Mamas, a restaurant that serves local cuisine with Mediterranean influences in the Saar suburb of Bahrain. Saleh has promoted Bahraini food, not only in her country but across the GCC. Roaya will be cooking at Rising Flavours from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 November, making her Expo 2020 Dubai debut.

Alfredo Russo at Jubilee Gastronomy 

After a series of international roles, Alfredo is the manager of a restaurant located in one of the most magnificent Royal Palaces, the Palace of Venaria. Alfredo opened the Dolce Stil Novo restaurant at the age of 22, with three years of hard work earning him a Michelin star. Alfredo will be appearing at Jubilee Gastronomy, joining an impressive line-up of chefs to host a chef’s table on Tuesday, 30 November. 

Chef Chakall at Jubilee Gastronomy 

Chef Chakall will operate a pop-up, Al-Lusitano by Chakall, at the Portugal pavilion and, for one night only, will present a degustation menu at the Jubilee Gastronomy restaurant. Speaking seven languages, Chakall is a true citizen of the world. Chakall owns a catering company, has created several restaurant concepts in Portugal and is also Executive Chef for various restaurants in China, the Algarve and the Gulf of Guinea. At Expo 2020 Dubai, Chakall will introduce his franchises, Chakburger and the upcoming Chakachicken, to the market. Wednesday 1 December.

Nader Al Aisari at Rising Flavours 

Chef Nader Al Aisari is the exuberant chef behind Muscat’s acclaimed restaurant Tanzanite. Nader’s enthusiasm for Omani ingredients and his gregarious, likeable nature has made him an ambassador for the country’s cooking. Chef Nader will be cooking at Rising Flavours – the three-storey dining hall highlights the range and creativity of the Gulf region’s vibrant and ever-evolving food scene. From Sunday 26 December to Saturday 1 January 2022.