Partner Content: Follow Chef Robin Höfer 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, Chef Giovvani Ledon of Akira Back Dubai, Chef Nouel Catis behind the “Dubai chocolate”, and Chef Giuseppe Pezzela, 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 Robin Höfer. Born in Germany and shaped by his experiences in some of Europe’s most respected kitchens, he is a Dubai-based chef recognised for his refined approach to modern gastronomy. With a background that includes leading the culinary team at Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm, Chef Robin Höfer has developed a distinctive style that blends technical precision with a deep respect for sustainability, seasonality, and the natural world. Now at Kraken Dubai, he creates immersive seafood-focused experiences inspired by the ocean, local ingredients, and his personal connection to nature, combining innovative techniques with thoughtful storytelling to deliver a cuisine that celebrates both the UAE’s coastal heritage and creativity.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Robin Höfer 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