Latest news with #HimanshuSaini
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How Dubai's Trèsind became the first Indian restaurant to win three Michelin stars
It's not every day that a restaurant earns not one but three Michelin stars! Trèsind Dubai has been recognised in the Michelin Guide 2025. The restaurant has created history by becoming the first Indian restaurant in the world to earn Three Michelin Stars. It's a proud moment globally for the Chefs and Founders of Trèsind Studio. What sets it apart is Trèsind's highest standards set up by founder Bhupender Nath and co-founder Sakshi Nath. Add to it the bold cooking techniques and excellent flavours presented by chef Himanshu Saini. Its innovative Indian cuisine has set a benchmark and 3 Michelin stars are proof of it. The place takes double measures to ensure that the food, service, and overall experience at Trèsind meet the impeccable standards. Sakshi Nath, co-founder of the Michelin-starrer, says, 'Trèsind Studio was born out of the legacy of Trèsind Dubai, and it benefits from a deeply experienced team led by an exceptional restaurant manager. Their ability to work closely and cohesively is what allows us to uphold our philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava — the guest is god. What truly sets the experience apart is the passion and precision the team brings to every service. From the kitchen to the front-of-house, it's their seamless collaboration and unwavering commitment to excellence that ensure each guest experience reflects the Trèsind standard. To maintain this level of quality, our staff regularly undergo rigorous training, keeping them sharp, inspired, and aligned with the evolving expectations of modern fine dining.' The entire Trèsind team is elated and the phone hasn't stopped ringing ever since the news came out. Trèsind Studio's three-Michelin-star status will surely have a long-lasting impact on the Indian culinary scene and the chefs and founders are ever so prepared for it. 'Trèsind Studio's achievement of three Michelin stars is a historic moment not just for us but for Indian cuisine globally. It is the result of our team's relentless dedication, passion and countless hours of hard work. This recognition places Indian gastronomy firmly on the global culinary map and showcases the depth, diversity and innovation our cuisine has to offer. As owners, we take immense pride in our team and the platform this achievement has created for Indian culinary excellence.' Trèsind helms under the expertise of chef Himanshu Saini. 'The menu and concept at Trèsind are shaped by the passion and curiosity of Saini. Extensive travels across India and to culinary capitals around the world have been instrumental in uncovering both forgotten traditions and fresh inspirations. These experiences continue to influence the kitchen's approach, blending time-honored Indian flavours with modern techniques and global perspectives. Each dish is the result of thoughtful research, storytelling and innovation offering a dining experience that feels rooted yet refreshingly new,' says Nath, who's all praises for Chef Himanshu Saini and the entire team at Trèsind. One recent course that has deeply resonated with our guests is the Onam Sadya. Inspired by the traditional Kerala feast, it's presented through a choreographed, tableside service featuring a vibrant array of vegetarian preparations. It's a celebration of heritage, community, and emotional connection, often leaving a lasting impression long after the meal ends. Sakshi Nath, Co-Founder Of TrèSind Studio Trèsind Studio offers more than a meal—it delivers an immersive culinary journey. It's this experiential approach that sets them apart. The guests are not just dining; they are taken on a story through flavors, textures, and creativity. Holding three Michelin stars speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence. Across all restaurants, they follow the philosophy of treating our guests like family. The focus is on creating moments that are memorable, personal and extraordinary. Chef Saini is understandably on cloud nine as he is swarmed with congratulatory messages and calls. In a recent interview to Culinary Culture – Saini mentioned how he was 'always curious to know why there are no three-star Indian restaurants in the world.' He believes 'every dish is not a final dish.' He always leaves a 'question mark' to a dish and waits for it to ''evolve with time.' In another Instagram post, he commented: 'It's a moment of pride for all the Indians.' Saini's culinary journey in modern Indian cuisine started with a pivotal experience at Indian Accent in Delhi under chef Manish Mehrotra. He then played a key role in launching Masala Library and Farzi Café. In 2014, Saini relocated to Dubai and began conceptualizing Trèsind, showcasing his innovative approach to Indian cuisine. While the world sees the glam and glory, the journey hasn't been easy, feels Sakshi Nath. 'Every historic milestone comes with its own set of challenges, and our journey has been no different. We've experienced numerous highs and lows, each of which has shaped us into who we are today. Earning three Michelin stars was not without its sacrifices, but every challenge was worth it. Trèsind Studio now holds the distinction of being the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive this honor, something that will remain etched in culinary history,' she says. Achieving three Michelin stars is a tremendous honor and culinary feat indeed but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Trèsind. 'Our immediate focus is to uphold this standard of excellence and continue to innovate. At the same time, we are committed to elevating our other brands and extending this level of quality and recognition across our wider culinary portfolio,' signs off Sakshi.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
Why India Has No Michelin Star Restaurants, Why It Will Probably Be That Way For Now
What do Trésind Studio in Dubai, Le Pré Catelan in Paris, Taian in Osaka, and The Pottinger Hotel in Hong Kong have in common? Well, if you're a true foodie, you might already know the answer. If not, let us tell you - all these fine-dining restaurants share a common distinction: three Michelin stars each. Michelin stars are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in the food and hospitality industry. If your restaurant has a star, it speaks volumes to your customers without you having to say a word. Michelin stars are essentially a rating system used in the Michelin Guide to assess restaurants based on their culinary quality. But did you know that India does not have a single restaurant that holds even one Michelin star (even though restaurants with Indians at the helm do)? This might come as a shock - or heck, even enrage you a little - considering how Indian cuisine is often synonymous with flavour, colour, and a vast, diverse array of regional dishes. So, why no Michelin star? To understand that, we need to explore how the system works. What Is The Michelin Guide Anyway? Created in 1900 by the Michelin French tyre company (yes, the one with the chubby white mascot), the guide was originally intended to encourage more road travel - meaning more tyres sold. Over a century later, the Michelin Guide has become the gold standard in global fine dining. Its coveted stars can turn chefs into icons and restaurants into international destinations. How Do Michelin Stars Work And How Are They Awarded? Restaurants can receive one, two, or three stars purely based on the quality of their food. The stars signify: * (1 Star) "A very good restaurant in its category" * (2 Stars) "Excellent cooking, worth a detour" * (3 Stars) "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey" These are not handed out casually. Inspectors visit multiple times to assess consistency, technique, ingredients, and whether a dish is truly memorable. Ambience and decor don't count - it's all about what's on your plate. Michelin inspectors are like culinary James Bonds - trained, secretive, and completely obsessed with food. Most are chefs or hospitality professionals and go through intense training. Their identities are highly confidential, and even restaurant owners usually don't know they've been visited. They dine alone, pay for their meals, and submit detailed reports. These are then reviewed as a team to ensure stars are awarded with complete objectivity. For many chefs and restaurants, even one Michelin star can be transformative - bringing prestige, more bookings, and sometimes a career-defining shift. But Why Does India Not Have A Michelin Star? On May 24, 2025, Dubai-based Indian restaurant Trésind Studio, led by Chef Himanshu Saini, made history as the first Indian restaurant in the world to be awarded three Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Passion F&B (@passionfandb) While every Indian is proud of this landmark achievement, it also raises a question - why doesn't India have a single Michelin-starred restaurant? We took the question to Indian chefs. Sahil Arora, Executive Chef at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, explains, "India's culinary landscape is incredibly rich - shaped by centuries of tradition, regional diversity, and constant innovation. The absence of Michelin stars in the country is not a reflection of our food quality but simply because the Michelin Guide hasn't officially launched in India. Its expansion depends more on logistics and strategic interests like tourism partnerships and market readiness, rather than just the cuisine's quality." Chef Manoj from The Piano Man agrees. He adds that to understand this, we need to look at the origins of the Michelin Guide. "It began as a French tyre company's guide to suggest good places to stop for food during road trips. It eventually became famous, but for the guide to apply to a location, there needs to be a dedicated city edition. That hasn't happened yet for any Indian city," says Chef Manoj. 'There's A Subconscious Bias' Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur Harpal Singh Sokhi tells NDTV that India has often been overlooked by the West. "Earlier, India was still developing, and the economy wasn't open. But as we began welcoming the world, people started experiencing real Indian food. Indian cuisine is so vast that I, as a chef, find it impossible to master every part of it. If I can't fully learn it in a lifetime, how can the West ever truly experience it? Not even in ten lifetimes," he says. Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef and Founder of Mulk, Miniyaturk and SJI Gourmet, agrees. He believes there is a subconscious bias, with the Michelin model still leaning towards Western perceptions of fine dining. "Indian food is respected - but only when plated according to European dining styles. The way food is eaten in India is still largely ignored. The idea that Indian food must be 'refined' to be Michelin-worthy is problematic. Our gravies, spice blends, and techniques are nuanced, but because they don't follow European norms like wine pairings or formal course structures, they're wrongly seen as rustic. That's a blind spot in global recognition," he adds. Bhavesh Tambe, Chef at Kamats Legacy, offers another view. He points out that Indian food culture is deeply rooted in regional and street food traditions, which may not always align with the fine-dining image Michelin looks for. Chef Sahil reiterates that the issue isn't complicated - it's simply about where the Michelin Guide chooses to operate. Traditionally, it has focused on Europe and select parts of Asia, where it already has partnerships and the necessary infrastructure. 'It's Their Loss' Despite all this, chefs believe Indian cuisine is more than capable of earning Michelin stars. Chef Harpal says the real loss is Michelin's; not India's; for excluding the country from the guide. Chef Sahil adds that even without Michelin recognition, India's top restaurants continue to receive global acclaim, many featuring in respected rankings like the World's 50 Best Restaurants. "These accolades prove that Indian chefs are crafting world-class dining experiences that hold their own on the global stage - with or without the Michelin spotlight," he concludes.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why You Should Dine At These Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurants In Dubai
If you are planning a trip to Dubai, you must make time to sample its food culture in different ways. Beyond street eats, international food chains and mall cafes, Dubai offers an exquisite range of fine dining experiences - some of which are considered among the best in the world. These award-winning restaurants are renowned for their clever and distinctive approaches to gastronomy. Several of them are Indian establishments serving elevated versions of regional cuisine. Dubai is currently home to three Michelin-starred Indian restaurants. Each of them has unique features that make them a worthy dining destination. Here is a guide to help you decide which one(s) to visit: These Indian Restaurants In Dubai Have Michelin Stars - Here's Why You Should Visit: 1. Tresind Studio Tresind Studio is the world's first and only Indian restaurant to win three Michelin stars. It is also one of only two Dubai restaurants to hold this coveted status at present. For many, this distinction alone is reason enough to try to score a reservation (which is far from easy). However, it is important to understand what it actually offers you as a guest. Helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, Tresind Studio offers tasting menus that showcase reimagined regional Indian flavours. The presentation is innovative and visually striking, as it combines traditional ingredients and textures in unexpected ways. The restaurant is located on the terrace of the St. Regis Gardens at The Palm Jumeirah, thus offering a rooftop view - ideal for a luxurious dining experience. Who should visit: Dine at Tresind Studio if you are someone who seeks out the best of the best Indian restaurants in any given destination, if you want an intimate fine dining experience (it has only 20 seats), or if you simply want to try an elevated Indian tasting menu served with theatrical flair. This Indian restaurant offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, so it caters to a wide range of food preferences. In terms of location, Tresind Studio also has an advantage since The Palm Jumeirah is a popular tourist destination in itself. So, if you get the chance to dine here, you can plan your itinerary around your visit to this locality and its various other attractions. 2. Avatara Avatara is the world's first and only vegetarian Indian restaurant with a Michelin star. Its food famously contains no garlic or onion. Led by Chef Rahul Rana, Avatara aims to challenge stereotypes about Indian vegetarian cuisine and spotlight overlooked ingredients through its multi-course tasting menus. Like Tresind Studio, Avatara is also known for its eye-catching presentation, although it follows its own creative style. Moreover, each course comes with a fascinating story that adds depth to the experience. Avatara is located in Dubai Hills Business Park. The space has a soothing interior design, which allows the vibrant colours on plates to stand out even more. Who should visit: Plan a meal at Avatara if you are curious to try the diverse possibilities of vegetarian Indian food. Even if you are a non-vegetarian, this can help you appreciate new dimensions of plant-based ingredients. The food here is also said to be wholesome and typically light. So, if you are seeking a multi-course tasting menu that is not overly rich or heavy, Avatara could be a good option. 3. Jamavar Dubai Jamavar Dubai was awarded its first Michelin star in 2025. Its two other international branches - London and Doha - also hold single Michelin stars. The restaurant is helmed by Culinary Director Surender Mohan. The menu curation is inspired by the royal delicacies of Northern India and the coastal flavours of the Southern states. The glamorous interiors are enhanced by chandeliers, palatial designs and striking artwork. Jamavar is situated in downtown Dubai in the Opera District. Who should visit: Jamavar Dubai is an excellent choice if you want an Indian restaurant with opulent interiors and indulgent delicacies. Unlike the other two restaurants on this list, Jamavar offers food a la carte too (not just tasting menus). Its location in downtown Dubai means it is close to several other popular tourist attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium and more. Additionally, if you are attending a show at the Dubai Opera, Jamavar offers a set lunch menu as a pre-theatre dining option, as per The Michelin Guide. Want other travel tips for your Dubai trip? Click here to read more.
Travel Daily News
7 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Dubai earns its first Three Michelin Stars
The Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 selection also includes two new One Michelin Star restaurants and five new Bib Gourmand restaurants. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Michelin unveiled the fourth edition of its annual Michelin Guide Dubai during a glittering ceremony in Downtown Dubai, which saw the naming of the city's first ever Michelin three-starred restaurants. This year's Michelin Guide Dubai, a dedicated gastronomy guide which features the city's best dining venues and talents, includes a total of 119 restaurants, indicating a 72.5% rise since the Guide's inaugural edition in 2022 when 69 outlets were highlighted. With the results determined by Michelin's inspectors, the increase in selected restaurants reflects Dubai's fast-growing and diverse culinary scene. In addition to the overall increase in selected venues, two restaurants received Three Michelin Stars for the first time since the destination's guide launched in 2022, marking a historical moment in Dubai's culinary scene. This distinction highlights exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. Having received its first Michelin Star in 2022 and second in 2023, homegrown concept Trèsind Studio, Chef Himanshu Saini's flagship restaurant, is now the first Indian three Michelin Star restaurant in the world. Chef Björn Frantzén, whose restaurants Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden) and Zén (Singapore) have already been awarded three stars respectively, has added another to his extensive Michelin Star collection with FZN by Björn Frantzén now receiving the accolade. This makes him the only chef in the world to currently hold Three Michelin Stars in three different restaurants simultaneously. The MICHELIN Guide Dubai selection 2025 at a glance: 2 restaurants with Three Michelin Stars (1 Promotion, 1 New) 3 restaurants with Two Michelin Stars 14 restaurants with One MichelinN Star (2 new) 3 restaurants with a Michelin Green Star 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants (5 new) 78 Michelin selected restaurants (15 new) Also among the venues selected in the 2025 edition are three Michelin two-starred restaurants, and 14 Michelin one-starred restaurants, with the city now also home to 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants and three with a Michelin Green Star. Featuring a diverse selection of 35 cuisines, the 119 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 directly underpins the city's vibrant culinary landscape by offering unique dining experiences while also supporting the city's tourism and economic objectives. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: 'The launch of the fourth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, including the naming of the city's first Michelin three-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.' 'Just as three Michelin stars signify a restaurant that is 'worth a special journey', so the same applies to Dubai as a destination; from celebrated homegrown eateries to globally-renowned names, this vibrant gastronomy landscape truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of a city that always aims to inspire the world.' 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. As demonstrated by Trèsind Studio's historic achievement of earning Three Michelin Stars in its fourth appearance – making it the first Indian restaurant worldwide to earn the Guide's highest accolade – Dubai embraces a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the world's gastronomic passions. With the city now home to 119 Michelin-recommended establishments, it stands as a beacon for food lovers, drawing them to experience the very best of the world's culinary traditions, all within one dynamic destination.' Chef Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio,said: 'We are deeply humbled to receive this extraordinary recognition. To be awarded Three Michelin Stars is a testament to our team's unrelenting passion and belief in the power of storytelling through food. Our goal has always been to present Indian cuisine not just as nostalgic but as progressive and worthy of the world's highest culinary Studio can only be Trèsind Studio in Dubai. It cannot be the same in any other city in the world.' Chef Björn Frantzén, FZN by Björn Frantzén, said: 'This recognition is an incredible honour, not just for me, but my entire team. Receiving Three Michelin Stars for FZN is a proud moment for us and reflects the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. We always knew we wanted to launch a restaurant in Dubai, and selecting the right partner was paramount. We are grateful to the Atlantis Dubai team for supporting our journey and helping to bring to life our vision.' Home to thousands of restaurants and F&B outlets, including world-renowned and homegrown brands, Dubai is known for being one of the most impressive culinary capitals across the globe. The diverse landscape caters to a host of varied tastes, preferences and budgets and according to the Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report 2024, the city ranks second only to Paris as the world's leading gastronomy capital, and was also named one of the top 10 cities for foodies to dine in. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, the Michelin Guide is one of the world's oldest, and most prestigious culinary authorities. Since its inception, it's been rating restaurants anonymously through a three-star approach, in addition to the introduction of Bib Gourmand which highlights first-class affordable dining options. The Michelin Green Star was introduced five years ago to highlight restaurants prioritising sustainability within their offerings. The city's gastronomic evolution has been among the key driving factors behind its continued tourism growth, with Dubai welcoming 7.15 million international overnight visitors from January to April 2025 – a 7% YoY increase compared to the same period in 2024. Michelin Guide Dubai 2025 selection Three Stars FZN by Björn Frantzén (NEW) Trèsind Studio (PROMOTED) Two Stars Il Ristorante-Niko Romito Row on 45 STAY by Yannick Alléno One Star 11 Woodfire Al Muntaha avatāra Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Hakkasan Hōseki Jamavar (NEW) La Dame de Pic Dubai Manāo (NEW) moonrise Orfali Bros Ossiano Smoked Room Tasca by José Avillez Green Star(s) Boca LOWE Teible Bib Gourmand 21 Grams 3Fils Aamara Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Bait Maryam Berenjak DUO Gastrobar – Creek Harbour (NEW) DUO Gastrobar – Dubai Hills Goldfish Harummanis (NEW) Hawkerboi (NEW) Hoe Lee Kow Indya by Vineet Khadak (NEW) Kinoya Konjiki Hototogisu REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – Dar Wasl REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills Revelry Shabestan Sufret Maryam (NEW) Teible Michelin Special Awards 2025 Young Chef Award: Abhiraj Khatwani, Manāo Sommelier Award: Shiv Menon, Boca Service Award: Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Opening of the Year: Ronin
Gulf Business
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Dubai now has two restaurants with 3 MICHELIN stars, see details
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2025 recently unveiled its latest selection at a glitzy event. The fourth edition, announced at the Address Sky View hotel, features 119 establishments across more than 35 cuisine types, reflecting See full list Three MICHELIN Stars awarded to these restaurants For the first time since the guide's inception in 2022, two restaurants have been awarded the prestigious Three MICHELIN Stars, signifying exceptional cuisine worth a special journey. FZN by Björn Frantzén, a new addition to the guide, has earned Three MICHELIN Stars. This destination restaurant marks acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén's debut in the Middle East, offering a sophisticated experience that blends Scandinavian and Asian influences using the finest luxury ingredients. Trèsind Studio has also been elevated to Three MICHELIN Stars in its fourth appearance in the guide, making history as the first Indian restaurant globally to receive this highest accolade. Chef Himanshu Saini's immersive Indian concept showcases traditional dishes reimagined with creativity and flair, resulting in vibrant and flavorful creations. New One MICHELIN Star Restaurants Two restaurants have been newly awarded One MICHELIN Dubai outpost, located in the Opera district, offers harmonious Indian dishes crafted with prime ingredients, earning it a place in this year's selection. Manāo, led by Dubai-born chef Abhiraj Khatwani, presents an 11-course tasting menu of re-imagined Thai classics. The restaurant's dedication to authentic flavours and innovative presentation has secured its One MICHELIN Star status. With these additions, a total of 14 restaurants in Dubai now hold One MICHELIN Star, highlighting high-quality cooking worth a stop. Five new Bib Gourmand recognitions The Bib Gourmand award, recognising establishments offering great quality and value, has been bestowed upon five new restaurants, bringing the total in Dubai to 22. DUO Gastrobar-Creek Harbour, the second branch of the popular restaurant in Dubai Hills, offers a well-priced menu of refined comfort food. Harummanis, a Malay grill eatery, draws influences from neighboring countries, delivering perfectly spiced and balanced flavors. Hawkerboi, situated in the JLT neighborhood, celebrates the street foods of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar in a relaxed setting. Khadak, a contemporary Indian brasserie, offers vibrant sharing plates that capture the essence of India's street food. Sufret Maryam, the second venture by Chef Salam Dakkak, presents refined Levantine dishes generous in flavour and portion. Special awards highlight industry excellence The MICHELIN Guide also presented Special Awards to honor outstanding contributions within the hospitality industry. These included: Opening of the Year: Ronin, located in the FIVE LUXE JBR hotel, offers a contemporary Japanese dining experience with bold flavors and pan-Asian decor. Sommelier Award: Shiv Menon of Boca restaurant is recognised for his passionate and knowledgeable approach to wine, supporting the restaurant's sustainable ethos. Service Award: The team at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, situated in the Al Fahidi Historical District, is commended for their pride and passion in delivering exceptional service. Young Chef Award: Chef Abhiraj Khatwani of Manāo is honored for his authentic and skillfully balanced Thai dishes, reflecting his enthusiasm and experience.
