Kenyan travellers with an interest in global cuisine are finding
more reasons to explore Dubai, as the city gains recognition for its expanding
culinary scene.
At the fourth Michelin Guide Ceremony held at Address Sky View,
119 restaurants were featured, representing 35 types of cuisine.
The 2025 edition marked a milestone, with two restaurants earning
Three Michelin Stars for the first time since the guide was launched in Dubai
in 2022.
One of them, FZN by Björn Frantzén, received the top accolade.
This marks Swedish chef Björn Frantzén’s first restaurant in the Middle East.
The restaurant offers dishes combining Scandinavian and Asian
elements.
Trèsind Studio was also promoted to Three Michelin Stars.
It features a tasting menu
based on traditional Indian dishes presented in a modern style by Chef Himanshu
Saini.
Jamavar, an Indian restaurant located in Dubai’s Opera District,
was awarded One Michelin Star in this year’s guide.
Another new entrant, Manāo, led by chef Abhiraj Khatwani, also
received One Star for its modern interpretation of Thai cuisine.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Gwendal Poullennec, International
Director of the Michelin Guide said:
"Dubai’s rapid
transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and
excellence.”
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for
Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy
and Tourism (DET), added:
"The launch of the fourth edition of the Michelin Guide
Dubai, including the naming of the city's first Three MICHELIN Starred
restaurants, marks another pivotal moment in Dubai's journey as a world-class
gastronomic destination, and is a testament to bold innovation, extraordinary
talent and culinary distinction.”
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michelin, whose
dedication to excellence continues to elevate Dubai's reputation, highlighting
the crucial role of restaurants in driving Dubai's destination appeal, economic
growth, and global competitiveness. The people from almost 200 nationalities
that live in Dubai are at the heart of the unique fabric of the city, and we
congratulate all the restaurateurs, chefs and talents behind the establishments
included in this year's Guide."
There are now fourteen One-Star restaurants in Dubai, according to
the guide. Additionally, five new restaurants were added to the Bib Gourmand
list, which recognizes establishments offering quality food at moderate prices.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET),
the city welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024.
Africa accounted for 20% of these arrivals. In the first quarter
of 2025, Dubai received 5.31 million international visitors, with 4% from
Africa.
Dubai is currently served by more than 19 weekly flights from
Nairobi, facilitating growing interest among African travellers in its dining
scene.
Michelin Guide inspectors evaluate restaurants based on five
criteria: ingredient quality, cooking technique, harmony of flavours, the
chef’s personal expression, and consistency across the menu and over time.
