In a city where culinary dreams turn into reality and the dining scene constantly reinvents itself, one name has risen above the rest — Chef Himanshu Saini. Known for his fearless creativity, avant-garde presentations, and deep-rooted love for Indian cuisine, Chef Himanshu has made history by earning a third Michelin star for his Dubai restaurant. It’s a milestone not just for him, but for the region’s evolving gastronomic identity.
The latest accolade cements his position as a trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine, proving that tradition and innovation can co-exist on a plate and flourish on a global stage.
A Culinary Dream Born in Delhi
Himanshu Saini’s love for cooking was born in a humble kitchen in Delhi, where he watched his mother weave magic with everyday ingredients. Those early experiences weren’t about grand recipes or luxurious produce — they were about care, patience, and the joy of feeding people. This nurturing environment ignited a spark in him that would eventually turn into a lifelong passion.
After formal culinary training, Himanshu sought to push boundaries, not settle into conventional roles. His journey took him across different kitchens in India before his big break abroad.
Bringing Modern Indian Cuisine to the Global Table
Dubai, with its cosmopolitan crowd and appetite for bold new experiences, proved to be fertile ground for Himanshu’s vision. At a time when Indian food in the UAE was mostly about nostalgia and comfort, Himanshu dreamt of giving it a contemporary facelift without losing its soul.
His restaurant didn’t just serve food — it told stories. Each dish was a reflection of memories from India, reimagined with global techniques, modern plating, and unexpected ingredients. Diners were served beetroot korma, truffle-stuffed kulchas, and pani puri shots presented like precious jewels. What could have easily been gimmicky instead felt deeply personal, playful, and powerful.
The First Michelin Star — A Validation of Vision
When the Michelin Guide first arrived in Dubai, many eyes were on the city’s established European fine-dining institutions. Yet, it was Himanshu’s restaurant that captured the inspectors’ attention with its bold menu and consistently elevated dining experience. The first Michelin star was awarded within months, a proud moment not just for Himanshu, but for Indian cuisine worldwide.
For Himanshu, the star was less about personal achievement and more about representing the depth and versatility of Indian flavours on the world stage. It was a validation of a dream he’d held onto since his mother’s kitchen in Delhi.
The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Rather than resting on laurels, Himanshu and his team doubled down. They refined their dishes, explored regional Indian ingredients, and experimented with textures and temperatures. Himanshu introduced tasting menus that evolved with the seasons and festivals, ensuring no two visits to the restaurant were the same.
Behind the scenes, his leadership style remained collaborative. Himanshu is known to treat his kitchen brigade like family, encouraging young chefs to voice ideas and take risks. This culture of mutual respect and curiosity has become one of the cornerstones of his restaurant’s continued success.
A Second Star — And the Pressure That Followed
The second Michelin star came not long after, setting the bar even higher. With every accolade, the pressure mounted. There were expectations to maintain flawless standards, innovate relentlessly, and meet the demands of an increasingly discerning clientele.
But Himanshu thrived under this pressure. He saw it not as a burden, but a privilege — the rare chance to continuously create, evolve, and redefine what Indian fine dining could look and taste like.
The Third Michelin Star: A Landmark Achievement
Earlier this year, the restaurant community in Dubai buzzed with anticipation as the Michelin Guide announced its latest recognitions. When Himanshu Saini’s restaurant was awarded its third star, it marked a historic moment. It became one of the few establishments in the region — and the first modern Indian restaurant in Dubai — to achieve this feat.
The third star wasn’t just about technical perfection. It recognised Himanshu’s ability to create a dining experience that moved people emotionally. His food evoked memories, sparked conversations, and left guests with stories they carried long after the final course.
What Sets Himanshu Saini Apart
What makes Himanshu’s culinary journey extraordinary is his fearless fusion of heritage and modernity. He isn’t afraid to serve daal with caviar or craft a dessert that mimics a mango tree in full bloom. His food blurs the lines between art, nostalgia, and innovation.
But beyond the theatrics lies a deep respect for ingredients and tradition. Himanshu often collaborates with farmers in India to source indigenous produce and rare spices. His menu reads like a love letter to India’s diverse culinary landscape, from the streets of Mumbai to the villages of Kerala.
A Glimpse Inside the Michelin-Starred Experience
Dining at Himanshu’s restaurant is a sensory spectacle. From the moment guests step in, they’re welcomed with warm hospitality and an atmosphere that balances minimalism with Indian accents. The open kitchen offers glimpses of chefs crafting intricate dishes, while the fragrance of spices fills the air.
The tasting menu unfolds like a carefully curated journey. Each course is introduced with a backstory — a childhood memory, a festival tradition, or a forgotten regional recipe. Guests don’t just eat; they become part of a narrative.
Challenges Along the Way
The path to three Michelin stars hasn’t been without obstacles. The pandemic posed a significant challenge, with lockdowns forcing temporary closures and uncertainty looming large. Himanshu and his team pivoted quickly, offering curated home-dining experiences and virtual masterclasses.
It was a period of reflection and reinvention. Himanshu used the downtime to experiment with new concepts, research lesser-known regional cuisines, and plan a future that looked beyond the traditional restaurant model.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Today, Himanshu is not just a chef but a mentor and industry leader. He’s committed to nurturing young culinary talent, especially those keen to redefine Indian cuisine. His kitchen is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, where young chefs are encouraged to innovate fearlessly.
He regularly hosts workshops, partners with culinary schools, and collaborates with artists and designers to explore the intersection of food, art, and culture.
What’s Next for Himanshu Saini?
With three Michelin stars now adorning his restaurant, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Himanshu remains characteristically grounded, hinting at plans to open a concept restaurant focused on plant-based Indian fine dining and another inspired by forgotten royal recipes of India.
He’s also working on a book that chronicles his culinary journey, peppered with recipes, travel stories, and lessons learned along the way.
A Legacy in the Making
Himanshu Saini’s third Michelin star is more than a personal victory; it’s a statement that Indian cuisine deserves its place at the pinnacle of global fine dining. It proves that flavours from home kitchens, street stalls, and ancient palaces can be reimagined into world-class dining experiences.
In Himanshu’s own words, “It’s not about how fancy the dish looks, but how deeply it connects with someone’s memory. That’s what makes food truly unforgettable.”
As Dubai’s dining scene continues to evolve, one thing is certain — Chef Himanshu Saini’s influence will echo through its kitchens for years to come.
Follow us on Instagram: UAE STORIES
Dubai: A City Whose Eclectic Culinary Landscape Never Ceases to Surprise
