The much-anticipated launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Dubai is imminent. With inspectors already sampling its best cuisine, the Emirate’s top restaurants will soon be included in the world’s most revered dining review publication
Taking its place on the world’s culinary stage
Once an Arabian trading port, this Gulf city is now one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. And its distinct dining culture has followed suit, with an enticing array of eateries. The gourmet offer here takes influence from international cuisines as well as specialising in its exotic native dishes – ancient and modern.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides announced: “We will be showcasing the best of Dubai’s gastronomy, to reflect not just the sophistication that the city is famed for, but also the wide diversity of cuisines that the city’s location and history provide.”
Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing added: “Already one of the world’s most popular destinations, this latest accolade for Dubai is also recognition of its emergence as a global gastronomy hub, inspired by the goal of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the world’s most sought-after destination and the best city to live and work in. With Dubai home to thousands of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines from fine dining to street food and talented Chefs, the MICHELIN Guide Dubai will provide a fresh perspective and new insights into the diversity, creativity and multicultural nature of Dubai’s culinary offering. We are excited to discover the special selection for Dubai.”
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Five criteria, three-star categories and the Bib Gourmand
The Michelin Guide follows the same five categories when evaluating food across the world, helping fine diners to make informed choices, highlighting the greatest talents and ensuring the maintenance of its stringent standards across the globe. These categories are: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef through the cuisine and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.
One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” Two MICHELIN Stars are for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour.” Three MICHELIN Stars are for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
But it’s not only about the star ratings, the selection in Dubai will also include the Bib Gourmand category. This is a distinction applied to restaurants that offer notable value-for-money, for three-course meals.
36 destinations across North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Europe are currently included in the guide – and Dubai will be the latest. From June 2022, you’ll be able to peruse Dubai’s offer on the MICHELIN website and on the MICHELIN Guide App (available for free on iOS and Android).
