Abu Dhabi is set to become the epicenter of gastronomic excellence as it hosts the exclusive 50 Best Signature Sessions, part of the renowned Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards event. This immersive dining experience brings together world-class chefs and celebrated culinary figures, offering food enthusiasts a unique opportunity to indulge in a series of one-of-a-kind meals crafted by some of the best talents in the global and regional culinary scenes.
Running from Saturday through Thursday, the 50 Best Signature Sessions will be held at some of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious dining venues, creating a week of unforgettable culinary experiences. From innovative collaborations to showcasing regional flavors, each session promises an extraordinary experience that blends the artistry of acclaimed chefs with the vibrant food culture of the MENA region.
A Glimpse into the Flavours of 50 Best
The excitement kicks off with Flavours of 50 Best, an evening brunch hosted at Graphos Social Kitchen in Hilton Yas Island. A highlight of the event, this brunch brings together an array of culinary talents from around the world. The lineup includes Eduard Zatruch from Disfrutar (currently The World’s Best Restaurant), Gaggan Anand from Gaggan in Bangkok (No.9 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024), and Louisa Lim, Pastry Chef at Odette in Singapore (Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2023). Guests will be treated to a sumptuous spread of drinks, food stations, and a range of delectable offerings showcasing each chef’s signature style, blending global influences with a touch of local flair.
Unique Culinary Journeys Across Abu Dhabi
Throughout the week, Abu Dhabi will host four extraordinary dining experiences, each a collaboration between globally celebrated chefs and esteemed local talent. These exclusive sessions promise to elevate the city’s culinary reputation to new heights.
- Bord Eau at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri: The renowned Hélène Darroze of La Grande Table Marocaine will merge Moroccan authenticity with French elegance, working alongside Chef de Cuisine David Tavernier to curate a menu that celebrates the essence of both cultures.
- Fouquet’s in Louvre Abu Dhabi: British culinary maestro Jason Atherton joins Matteo Guerra of Fouquet’s to create a fusion of modern British cuisine with refined French techniques, all within the stunning surroundings of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Ryba at Al Mina Souq: For a celebration of regional flavors, Sara Aqel of Dara Dining (Amman) will team up with Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi, combining the rich culinary traditions of Jordan and the UAE in a vibrant homage to Middle Eastern gastronomy.
- Talea by Antonio Guida at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Renowned Italian chef Norbert Niederkofler, known for his sustainable dining philosophy, will collaborate with Luigi Stinga to bring together sustainable Italian flavors in an elegant fine-dining setting.
More Extraordinary Collaborations
The excitement continues with more collaborations that promise to wow diners with innovative techniques and diverse culinary influences.
- Catch at St. Regis: José Avillez, the celebrated Portuguese chef from Belcanto (No.31 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list), will partner with Kessav Kutwaroo to present a seven-course tasting menu focused on the finest regional fish and seafood, infused with traditional Portuguese flavors.
- The Oak Room, The Abu Dhabi Edition: Eddie Castro of Kuuru in Jeddah will join forces with Fernando Tapia at The Oak Room to showcase bold and modern Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian influences in an exciting culinary fusion.
- MouzMari, UAE: Chef Sergio Cabrera, known for his unique fusion of Argentinian flavors and Emirati heritage, will host an exceptional evening of gastronomic creativity, joined by Mostafa Seif from Khufu’s Restaurant in Cairo. This collaboration will highlight a modern take on Egyptian cuisine with an Argentinian twist.
Exclusive Dining Experiences Await
In addition to these remarkable collaborations, the 50 Best Signature Sessions also includes standout individual experiences such as the world-class Japanese chef Takeshi ‘Goh’ Fukuyama at Strawfire by Ross Shonhan in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Meanwhile, José by Pizarro at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers will host Johanne Siy, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023, who will collaborate with Carlos Ortiz to create an intimate and vibrant experience centered around sharing plates.
These collaborations bring a dynamic range of flavors, from regional to international, across multiple cuisines. The 50 Best Signature Sessions are more than just a series of dinners—they are an invitation to experience the cutting edge of culinary creativity, all set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s world-class dining scene.
A Week to Remember
Whether you’re a seasoned food lover or new to the world of fine dining, the 50 Best Signature Sessions offers an exceptional opportunity to taste, savor, and explore the talents of chefs from around the globe. These one-of-a-kind experiences are perfect for those seeking to indulge in the finest flavors and discover new culinary horizons.
For food enthusiasts, this is an unmissable event, offering an exclusive chance to taste the best that global cuisine has to offer, while celebrating the unique and rich food culture of the Middle East and North Africa.
Stay tuned for more details on this extraordinary event, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other in Abu Dhabi.
