Partner Content: Follow Chef Reif Othman as he reveals how Dubai’s top culinary talent selects ingredients and flavours.
Dubai’s dining scene is thriving, and behind every memorable dish is a chef who cares as much
about sourcing as seasoning. In a city where premium produce is always within reach, Waterfront Market continues to stand out for chefs who take their ingredients seriously.
Located on the Deira Corniche, Waterfront Market is the UAE’s largest fresh food hub and a
vital part of Dubai’s culinary landscape. Open 24 hours a day in a fully air-conditioned setting, it
brings together an impressive line-up of seafood, meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables, dry goods, and
spices under one roof. For many of the city’s leading chefs, it is where menus begin.
It is also the backdrop for FACT’s new video series, Behind the Plating. The series follows some
of Dubai’s most exciting culinary talents as they move through the market, explore seasonal
produce, and explain how the right ingredients can transform a dish from good to unforgettable.
The previous episodes spotlight Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, Chef Roberto Segura of La Barra,
Chef Hadrien Villedieu of Chez Wam, Chef Sperxos of the Efzin group, Chef JP Anglo of Kooya
Filipino Eatery, Chef Giovvani Ledon of Akira Back Dubai, Chef Nouel Catis behind the “Dubai
chocolate”, Chef Giuseppe Pezzela and Chef Robin Höfer, who invite viewers to see the market
through a chef’s eyes. FACT trails them as they weave through the seafood counters, negotiate
with trusted vendors, and pause at stalls piled high with herbs, citrus, and spices. Each stop
becomes a lesson in freshness, traceability, and taste.
And this time, it’s Chef Reif Othman. Born in Singapore and shaped by a culinary journey that
spans some of the region’s most respected kitchens, he is a Dubai-based chef and restaurateur
renowned for his unconventional approach to Japanese and Asian cuisine. With a career that
includes leading kitchens at Zuma and later establishing his own culinary portfolio, Chef Reif
Othman has developed a distinctive style that combines technical precision with bold flavours,
playful creativity, and a deep understanding of Asian culinary traditions. Best known for REIF
Japanese Kushiyaki, he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dining, blending
Japanese techniques with influences from his Singaporean roots and global culinary
experiences.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Reif Othman shines a light on
the decisions made long before a dish reaches the table. By celebrating responsible sourcing
and chef-driven selection, Behind the Plating encourages viewers to think more about where
their food comes from and why that matters. For Dubai’s food lovers, it is a delicious blend of
education and entertainment that looks as good as it tastes.
Where: Waterfront Market, Deira Enrichment Project, Al Khaleej Street, Deira, Dubai
Contact: https://waterfrontmarket.ae