THE BEST CHEF AWARDS 2024 REVEALS ANTICIPATED EVENT & SPEAKER LINE-UP – THE FUTURE OF FOOD (R)EVOLUTION
Celebrating Culinary Excellence in Dubai
The culinary world turns its attention to Dubai this November as The Best Chef Awards makes its highly anticipated debut in the Middle East. From 4-6 November 2024, Dubai will host a series of impactful events, bringing together the most respected names in global gastronomy and emerging local talent. Supported by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this year’s edition promises to be the largest in the event's history, with chefs, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world converging to celebrate and shape the future of culinary innovation.
The Best Chef Awards 2024 will feature three days of dynamic programming, including two conferences under one topic: The Future of Food (R)evolution: Area Talks, where the industry’s thought leaders will discuss the latest trends and challenges, and Food Meets Science, which highlights the intersection of innovation and tradition. The event will culminate in the prestigious The Best Chef Awards Gala, powered by Atlantis, The Palm, celebrating the culinary contributions of some of the world’s most esteemed chefs.
The prestigious gathering of over 800 culinary professionals, including top chefs, hospitality leaders, journalists, and food enthusiasts, will witness the unveiling of the latest rankings and special awards, celebrating the best culinary talent from around the world. During the evening, guests will also be able to savour dishes from nine of Atlantis Dubai’s leading celebrity chef restaurants including Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan Dubai, Jaleo by José Andrés, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Nobu Dubai, Ossiano and The Royal Tearoom with Christophe Devoille.
This year’s Best Chef Awards will spotlight an exceptional mix of global icons and local culinary powerhouses through its highly anticipated programming. International stars such as Vaughan Mabee (New Zealand), Ángel León (Spain), and Floriano Pellegrino (Italy) will headline the event, sharing their world-renowned expertise with the global audience. Representing Dubai’s dynamic culinary landscape, acclaimed chefs Himanshu Saini, known for redefining Indian fine dining, Mohammad Orfali, a leader in modern Middle Eastern cuisine, and Grégoire Berger, whose innovative approach to seafood has made waves internationally, will compete for top accolades. Adding to the local roster are Wassim Orfali, Nicolas Lambert, and Christophe Devoille, all of whom continue to elevate Dubai’s status as a global culinary hub. Together, these culinary giants will engage in groundbreaking discussions and culinary showcases, shaping the future of the industry.
THE BEST CHEF AWARDS 2024 EVENTS SCHEDULE
DAY 1: 4 November – Area Talks, Sphere, One&Only One Za’abeel
High above the city, join us for thought-provoking discussions in a spectacular setting.
- 16:00 - 17:00 | Welcome Reception & Registration
An opportunity for guests to network while enjoying the stunning views from Sphere, One&Only One Za'abeel. - 17:00 - 18:30 | Panel Discussion: The Future of Food
Leading chefs: Salam Daqqaq (Bait Maryam, Sufret Maryam, UAE), Paul Ivic (Tian Restaurant, Austria), Mohammad Orfali (Orfali Bros, UAE), Vaughan Mabee (Amisfield, New Zealand), Manu Buffara (Restaurante Manu, Brasil), Grégoire Berger (Ossiano, UAE), Inés Páez Nin (Chef Tita, MoriSoñando, Dominican Republic) will dive deep into the future of food, sustainability, and the evolving culinary landscape. - 18:30 - 20:30 | Dinner: A Culinary Journey Across The Middle East Pt. 1
An immersive dining experience at Arrazuna, One&Only One Za'abeel, featuring the region’s leading chefs who will showcase the depth and diversity of Middle Eastern culinary expertise in a remarkable gastronomic exploration of the region’s cuisine and traditions.
DAY 2: 5 November – Food Meets Science, Solar Ballroom, One&Only One Za'abeel
Where culinary artistry meets groundbreaking food science.
- 15:30 | Welcome & Registration
- 16:30 - 16:45 | Opening Speech
- 16:45 - 17:20 | Ángel León: The Chef of the Sea
Ángel León (Aponiente, Spain) will share his groundbreaking work on sustainable seafood and marine life as a culinary resource. - 17:20 - 17:55 | El Kaitai Show
This 35-minute interactive performance of the ancient Japanese art will offer a captivating blend of culinary art and precision of cutting a bluefin tuna specimen. - 17:55 - 18:30 | Himanshu Saini: Pushing the Boundaries of Indian Cuisine
Himanshu Saini (Trèsind Studio, UAE) presents his innovative take on Indian cuisine that is reshaping global perceptions. - 18:30 - 18:50 | Coffee Break
- 18:50 - 19:25 | Tala Bashmi & Prof. D. Newman: Ancient Techniques, Modern Applications
Tala Bashmi (Fusions by Tala, Bahrain) and Prof. Newman (University of Durham, UK) will delve into ancient Middle Eastern culinary traditions and how they are being revived today. - 19:25 - 20:00 | Christopher Devoille: Elevating Pastry
Christopher Devoille (The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal, UAE) will showcase his mastery in pastry, blending creativity with classical techniques. - 20:00 - 20:25 | Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij: Exploring Thai Flavours
Pam Pichaya (Potong, Thailand) will present her innovative approach to Thai cuisine, focusing on balancing tradition and modernity in her culinary creations. - 20:30 - 22:30 | Dinner: A Culinary Journey Across The Middle East Pt. 2
Capping off an extraordinary day, the second dinner at Arrazuna, One&Only One Za'abeel, will offer a sequel to the previous evening’s exploration and delivering an unforgettable end to this gastronomic journey. Curated by sought-after chefs from across the Middle East.
DAY 3: 6 November – The Best Chef Awards Gala, powered by Atlantis, The Palm
The grand finale at Atlantis, The Palm, iconic Asateer tent.
- 18:00 | Welcome Reception
- 20:00 | Awards Gala
Cristian Gadau, co-founder of The Best Chef Awards, emphasised the importance of this year’s programming, stating, “This year’s programming is carefully curated to ignite conversations and collaborations that can genuinely shape the future of our industry and the crucial link with the territory and the preservation of culture, tradition and history for a world where healthy food can be accessible to everyone. With Area Talks and Food Meets Science – (R)evolution, we are focusing on critical topics that affect both global and local chefs, ensuring that every attendee walks away with new insights and inspiration.”
Joanna Slusarczyk, co-founder of The Best Chef Awards, further adds, “We are proud to deliver a platform where culinary creativity and innovation can flourish. By bringing these events to Dubai, we aim to highlight the unique fusion of tradition and science that is shaping modern gastronomy. This year’s programme promises to offer invaluable discussions, networking opportunities, and moments of true inspiration for chefs and food enthusiasts alike.”
