Partner Content: Follow Chef Sperxos 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 of Behind The Plating spotlight Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, Chef Roberto Segura of La Barra, and Chef Hadrien Villedieu of Chez Wam, 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 Sperxos in the spotlight. Chef Sperxos, originally Alexandros Pavlopoulos, hails from Greece. He developed a deep appreciation for quality ingredients and Mediterranean flavours from a young age, and since moving to Dubai in 2015, he has built an influential culinary career, leading kitchens at venues like One&Only Royal Mirage. He’s also the brains behind the Efzin group, bringing Greek flavours to Dubai, and The Dish at Culinara.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Sperxos 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.