Partner Content: Follow Chef Hadrien Villedieu 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, one destination continues to stand out for chefs who take their ingredients seriously: Waterfront Market.
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 and Chef Roberto Segura of La Barra, 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.
Chef Hadrien Villedieu is a French chef based in Dubai and the mind behind Chez Wam, a popular restaurant on Palm Jumeirah. Originally from Paris, he began cooking in the late 1990s and built his experience in kitchens around the world, including time in Morocco and the Caribbean, before moving to the UAE. His cooking blends French technique with global flavours, creating dishes that are playful, modern, and full of personality. Known for his warm, home-style approach to hospitality, Hadrien Villedieu has become a standout figure in Dubai’s dining scene.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Hadrien Villedieu 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.
GO: Visit www.waterfrontmarket.ae for more information.