Partner Content: Follow Chef Nouel Catis 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, 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, and Chef Giovvani Ledon of Akira Back Dubai, 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 Nouel Catis in the spotlight. Born in the Philippines, Chef Nouel Catis is a pastry innovator based in Dubai, widely recognised as the creative force behind the viral “Dubai chocolate”. With an appreciation for heritage flavours and decades of experience in luxury hospitality — including roles at Burj Al Arab and as an in-flight chef with Etihad Airways — he developed a style that blends Middle Eastern ingredients with modern pastry techniques. Through his ventures, including Sna’ap, he continues to push boundaries with culturally inspired desserts.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Nouel Catis 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.