Partner Content: Follow Chef Roberto Segura 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 spotlighted Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, and the second one features Chef Roberto Segura, 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.
Chef Roberto Segura is a Peruvian-born chef who has made a significant mark on Dubai’s dining scene. He has trained under renowned chefs and helped bring a contemporary take on Peruvian cuisine to the UAE, blending quality ingredients with bold, creative flavours. The chef is also the brains behind La Barra, a casual Peruvian eatery located in Nakheel Mall’s Depachika food hall. He also launched Nikkei Modern Japanese at Market Island, where he masterfully merges Japanese culinary traditions with his Peruvian roots.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Roberto Segura 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.