
Culinary Excellence, New Products and Global Trends on the menu
Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event opened its doors for a third day of industry trade exchanges, and knowledge transfer amidst a spectacular culinary showcase.
Gulfood brings gastronomic superstar Chef Alain Ducasse and takes centre stage
Celebrity Chef and 21 Michelin Star Chef, Alain Ducasse from the acclaimed Ducasse restaurant in Paris and three Michelin Star Chef Romain Meder, Sapid (Paris), Alain's right-hand man, showcased plant-powered perfection with a multi-approach interpretation on carrots using the entire product at Top Table.
Commenting on his philosophy of natural eating, Ducasse summarised. We need to look at what is natural, be precocious and use less animal protein, less fat, sugar and salt. I am not saying that I don't use meat rather we need to use less quantity of meat but of a better quality. The fine dining industry influences the whole business, like haute couture in fashion so with our students in our schools around the world, we teach them that vegetables can be the focus and reduce the animal protein.
Circling to the masterclass, Meder offered, Using the whole product, we'll use different techniques to capture the carrot's maximum flavour and give a concentrated flavour without salt and use the capucine leaf instead of black pepper .
Moving on, Ducasse addressed the Food500 Summit reinstating the pivotal role of culinary arts as a driver of the industry during his first appearance in the region. A chef's roundtable exploring culinary futurism with three Michelin Star Chef, Angel Leon and two Michelin Star Chef, Fredrik Berselius followed straight after.
F&B trading arena: Showcase continues with new product launches
A diverse range of innovative products has been unveiled at Gulfood 2025, from Estonia's award-winning Shredded Chickenless Coconut Curry to unique creations like Spinach-Flavoured Ice Lollies by homegrown brand House of POPs, as well as bold new flavours like Date Mustard and Date Cola. Launching our new edible flower collection and vitality collection at Gulfood was extremely important for House of Pops. Gulfood is a global stage, and we couldn't think of a better opportunity to showcase the best we have to offer. Winning the Innovation Award for Best Health & Wellness product is a testament to the quality and cutting-edge manufacturing we bring to the table. These pops are the first of their kind in the UAE .
Says, Mazen Kanaan, Co-founder & CEO
Food500 Summit Day 3 Agenda: Ensuring stable food trade, trends and growth opportunities, shifting geopolitics and culinary futurism
Speaking to the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) role in ensuring stable food trade, Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of Agriculture and Commodities Division shared this insight. About 80% of global trade is placed on WTO terms. Trade in food and agricultural products has increased five-fold since 2000, nearly USD 2 trillion, with many countries being able to trade their way out of poverty and enhance food security for their people such as China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. However, there is more to be done, and we need to make sure we level the playing field and create conditions that can harness innovation to have a system that has more high-quality food produced sustainably. Additionally, businesses have a vital role to play in working with governments to support stable trade in food and agricultural products .
Trends and growth opportunities in the F&B space drove a panel discussion conversation around the evolving consumer mindset's influence, GCC market dynamics, driving growth in a scale market and the need to master innovation to meet consumer needs.
Geopolitical factors and implications on the global food supply chain were openly addressed in a panel discussion. Key areas covered include sanctions and trade barriers' impact on the supply chain, managing supply chain risk, collaboration amongst nations to foster engagement, and the government's role in ensuring secure and resilient food systems.
Top Table plants ahead before moving to land and sea
Chef Khaled Allibhai, Cultiva (Kenya), alongside the restaurant's founder, Ariel Moscardi continued with the sustainable theme bringing a garden box from farm to future. Dubai-based Executive chefs from Michelin Guide listed and Gault & Millau two toques recipient Takahisa , Takashi Namekata and Hisao Ueda, held a sushi and wagyu beef master series. Three Michelin Star Chef Angel Leon, Aponiente (Spain) emphasised the need to explore a sustainable approach when working with marine life before seeing Japanese seafood in action with Chef Pawel Kazanowski, Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
News Source: Pop Comms
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The National
12-07-2025
- The National
Meet the Indian-Syrian chef duo behind Manao, a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Dubai
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The National
20-06-2025
- The National
Dubai's Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros on World's 50 Best Restaurants list again
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FACT
17-06-2025
- FACT
Renowned Indian restaurant Gymkhana will make its Dubai debut
Gymkhana can already be found in London and Riyadh. Gymkhana has made a name for itself as one of the finest Indian restaurants in the world – and now, it's making its debut in Dubai. Originally launched in London and with an outpost in Riyadh, the Gymkhana Dubai is preparing to open its doors in the landmark location of DIFC. When Gymkhana first opened in London in 2013, it quickly became a critical and commercial success. It went on to earn a coveted MICHELIN Star, which put it on the culinary map. Its Riyadh debut came in 2021 as a pop-up during Riyadh Season, before returning in 2023 as the brand's first permanent international location. Since then, it has garnered a string of accolades, including Best Indian Restaurant at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh 2024 and Best Newcomer at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh 2023. Gymkhana Dubai draws its inspiration from gymkhana clubs of colonial India. These were former elite social clubs where members dined, drank, and played sports. The restaurant is known for its elevated take on classic Indian cuisine. The menu features biriyanis, curries, kebabs, sabzis and tikkas. Plus, game and chop dishes. FACT favourites include the Chettinad Duck Dosa with Coconut Chutney, Kid Goat Methi Keema with Salli and Pao, Wild Muntjac Biryani, and Duck Egg Langoustine Bhurji with Malabar Paratha. Gymkhana has always chosen prestigious places for its restaurants. It is located on Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London. In Riyadh, it is located in Via Riyadh near the Diplomatic Quarter. The latest location has also been carefully chosen with Gymkhana Dubai opening near Royal China and several FACT Dining Award winners close to The Ritz-Carlton DIFC. No matter the city, stepping into Gymkhana is like stepping back in time. The décor evokes the charm of a bygone era, with black-and-white cricket club portraits, deer heads, fringed lampshades, and wooden ceiling fans. Even the bathrooms stay true to the theme, with vintage-style cast-iron cisterns and chain-pull flushes. Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Dubai. GO: Visit for more information.