Follow Chef Kelvin Cheung 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 first episode spotlights Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, who invites viewers to see the market through a chef’s eyes. FACT trails him as he weaves through the seafood counters, negotiates with trusted vendors and pauses at stalls piled high with herbs, citrus and spices. Each stop becomes a lesson in freshness, traceability and taste.
For those who may not know his story, Chef Kelvin Cheung was born in Canada, raised in Chicago and trained in Europe. He brings a “third-culture” cooking philosophy to Dubai, blending influences from his heritage, travels and adopted home. As chef-partner at FACT award-winning Jun’s on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, he is known for dishes that feel familiar yet forward-thinking, grounded in quality produce and sharp technique.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Kelvin Cheung 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.