Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, is set to welcome back culinary icons to its flagship culinary exhibit, Top Table, under the theme Culinary Futurism. For the first time ever, Top Table will feature 21 Michelin Star Chef Alain Ducasse, the most awarded Michelin Star chef in history, alongside a roster of 120+ world-renowned chefs who collectively hold an impressive 50 Michelin Stars. This exciting culinary showcase will take place from February 17 – 21, 2025, at Al Mustaqbal Plaza, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), offering live cooking demonstrations, exclusive masterclasses, and engaging activations.
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence: Meet the Legends
Top Table will shine a spotlight on global culinary royalty, including Chef Alain Ducasse, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence. With 21 Michelin Stars to his name, Ducasse will be joined by fellow stars such as:
- Romain Meder, co-founder of Prévelle in Paris, who boasts 3 Michelin Stars and 1 Michelin Green Star for pioneering Naturalité Cuisine.
- Angel Leon, chef-owner of Aponiente, Spain, who holds 3 Michelin Stars and 1 Michelin Green Star, along with 3 Knives from The Best Chef Awards.
- Ana Ros, chef-owner of Hiša Franko in Slovenia, a 3 Michelin Star chef and recipient of 1 Michelin Green Star and 3 Knives from The Best Chef Awards.
- Deepanker Kholsa, chef-owner of Haoma, Thailand, with 1 Michelin Star and 1 Michelin Green Star.
- Fredrik Berselius, chef-owner of Aska in Brooklyn, New York, awarded 2 Michelin Stars and 2 Knives from The Best Chef Awards.
Additionally, a talented lineup of UAE-based chefs will showcase their skills, including:
- Mohamed Orfali, head chef and co-owner of Orfali Bros, awarded 1 Michelin Star and 2 Toques from Gault & Millau.
- Daniel Birk, executive chef at ROW ON 45, with 2 Michelin Stars and 3 Toques from Gault & Millau.
- Solemann Haddad, head chef and owner of Moonrise, awarded 1 Michelin Star and the 2022 Michelin Dubai Young Chef Award.
- Ali Shiddique, head chef at LOWE, a Michelin Green Star recipient, who champions sustainable gastronomy.
Explore the Future of Food: Innovations and Masterclasses
This year’s Top Table will take gastronomy into the future, focusing on the intersection of food, science, and technology. Visitors can expect ground-breaking techniques, inventive flavor combinations, and new textures that will redefine the dining experience. Exclusive masterclasses will showcase cutting-edge cooking methods and revolutionary F&B products, while exhibitions will reveal emerging trends, novel ingredients, and industry innovations.
The Blend Studio will feature immersive sessions highlighting the artistry behind beverages, from handcrafted cocktails to innovative coffee creations. Meanwhile, The Tasting Room will offer a platform for top chefs to taste and evaluate new products, such as artisanal cheeses, truffles, seafood, and more.
Culinary Debates: Shaping the Future of F&B
Top Table will also host thought-provoking discussions in The Culinary Debate, where international experts will delve into critical industry issues. Topics will include the role of Artificial Intelligence in food production, the future of plant-based proteins, and the environmental impact of the food industry.
Celebrate Rising Stars with YouthX Young Chef Challenge
The YouthX Young Chef Challenge returns for its 4th edition, offering emerging culinary talents the chance to compete for AED 100,000 in prizes and a coveted internship at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Europe. This competition promises to showcase the dynamic diversity and cutting-edge techniques of young chefs from luxury hotels worldwide.
Dubai’s Dining Scene Takes Centre Stage
Gulfood 2025 will also celebrate Dubai’s vibrant food scene with Dubai World Cuisine, a fine-dining series featuring exciting collaborations between homegrown and internationally acclaimed chefs. A highlight of this year’s lineup will be an exclusive eight-hands dinner with Alain Ducasse, Romain Meder, and Japanese Wagyu and Sushi Masters Hisao Ueda and Takashi Namekata. Limited-seat experiences like these promise a truly memorable culinary journey.
In addition, Gulfood After Hours offers visitors exclusive deals at some of Dubai’s most sought-after restaurants. From casual eateries to gourmet hotspots, diners can enjoy special menus and discounts at popular venues, including Filia, Luigia, Mama Shelter, Carna, and Citronelle Club.
Join Us at Gulfood 2025
Marking its 30th edition, Gulfood continues to be the go-to event for food and beverage enthusiasts, industry experts, and culinary professionals. Whether you’re a fan of cutting-edge gastronomy, a rising star in the culinary world, or simply an enthusiast of great food, Top Table at Gulfood is the place to be.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.gulfood.com
