Indian chef eyes Abu Dhabi for overseas debut

One of India's top chef has revealed that Abu Dhabi could be the location of his first overseas signature restaurant.

Abhijit Saha - rated among India's top ten chefs - said he would be visiting the UAE capital to look at opportunities to open a restaurant.

Saha owns and operates two critically acclaimed restaurants in Bangalore, Caperberry and Fava, and is founding director of bespoke catering outlet Avant Garde Hospitality.

He said in a statement: "Here in India the profile of Abu Dhabi is currently very high with constant news about the investment being made into establishing the UAE capital as a premium luxury destination.

"With the opening of so many beautiful hotels and visitor attractions, it is my belief that the UAE capital could be the ideal place for my first signature restaurant outside of India and I'll be looking into opportunities as a priority while I'm there."

Saha, who is also known for introducing molecular gastronomy techniques into his traditional dishes, will make his UAE capital debut during next month's Gourmet Abu Dhabi culinary festival.

The first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star launched his first fine dining restaurant in Dubai late last year.

Atul Kochhar opened Rang Mahal in the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, his debut in the Middle East.

Last year, Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor chose Bahrain to launch his first overseas Yellow Chilli restaurant after opening in the Seef area of the Gulf kingdom.

His Yellow Chilli chain is famous in many cities across India and Kapoor is one of its best known chefs.

He stars in the TV show Khana Khazana, which is the longest running show of its kind in Asia, and broadcasts in 120 countries. He also launched his FoodFood channel in January 2011.