Dubai’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is taking a Parisian turn of late, with French cuisines with spicy Indian twists and healthy Mediterranean twists are fast gaining traction among the city’s foodies, industry players said.
The trend is giving a major leg up to the premium fusion segment, which is currently seeing rapid growth, with a diverse clientele – young professionals, millennials, expats, families, and, of course, food enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds – driving up demand in the segment.
Increasing disposable incomes, a thriving tourism sector and a growing appetite for innovative culinary concepts are driving the new trend, attracting several new international players and brands to Dubai’s F&B sector, sector experts said.
“As diners [in Dubai] become more adventurous and seek out unique and memorable dining experiences, the demand for artisanal, high-quality fusion cuisine is projected to increase substantially,” Sudhakshina Shivkumar, owner of Cocoa & Chilli, a fast-becoming popular Indo-French bakehouse in Dubai which specialises in French viennoiserie with an Asian twist, told Arabian Business.
“We anticipate increased competition in the premium fusion segment with both established players and new entrants expected to join the bandwagon,” she said.
Shivkumar said this competitive landscape is a testament to the market’s potential.
Katarina Filipova, Founder, and owner of Mondoux Dubai, a French-inspired café and restaurant in Dubai, said the F&B scene in the city is evolving at an astonishing pace, offering ample opportunities to players with a vision to offer new and exciting fusion dishes.
“We believe that over the next 2-3 years, the customer will be even more demanding than we can imagine today,“ Filipova told Arabian Business.
“The demand for French cuisine is not just about the food – it’s about an experience,“ she said.
Mondoux, which has numerous branches across Europe, has already opened three branches in Dubai.
Dubai’s evolving food scene
Sector experts said the premium fusion segment in Dubai’s F&B sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a combination of factors, including increasing disposable incomes, a thriving tourism sector, and a growing appetite for innovative culinary concepts.
Looking ahead to 2025 and the years beyond, the outlook is extremely promising as the high-end fusion segment is anticipated to have continued high growth, with a number of key trends shaping the future of the industry, they said.
A rising demand for health-conscious and personalised offerings and the integration of technology to enhance dining experiences, besides a growing emphasis on sustainability are among the key trends expected to further shape this segment.
“Dubai’s commitment to innovation and its position as a global hub make it an exciting market to be a part of. For Cocoa & Chilli, this translates into a tremendous opportunity to showcase our unique Indo-French fusion and cater to the evolving tastes of Dubai’s residents and visitors,” said Shivkumar, an alumnus of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
The Cocoa & Chilly owner, however, said simply being “new” is not enough to succeed in the segment.
“Success in this segment requires more than just novelty. It demands a commitment to authenticity, the use of high-quality ingredients, and the ability to cultivate a loyal customer base,” she said.
Filipova also said they also anticipate a significant expansion in this segment over the next 3-5 years.
“Dubai’s residents aren’t just looking for great food; they’re searching for quality in everything – from the food they consume to the ambience they experience,“ said Filipova, who revealed that she infuses every dish with her boundless passion for food, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories and globetrotting adventures.
Dubai’s F&B trends evolve
Industry players said several exciting trends are currently shaping the F&B landscape in Dubai.
They said with personalised dining experiences gaining major traction, restaurants are tailoring offerings to individual preferences and dietary needs.
The Mondoux founder, however, said: “We don’t follow trends, we define them.“
“And let’s be honest, many of the current trends in the F&B industry [in Dubai] are heading in the wrong direction.
“The market is missing something critical, and we’ve identified that gap,“ Filipova said.
Citing the example of coffee, she said even the highest-quality coffee can contain toxins and substances that customers do not want.
“Despite being premium, the process of transporting and preparing coffee can degrade its integrity. That’s why we’re taking a revolutionary approach – switching to a special hot-air roasting process that eliminates toxins from coffee.
“This is just one example of how we’re rethinking every aspect of the food we serve, and it’s a direction that will change the F&B landscape in Dubai and beyond,“ the Mondoux founder said, adding that “ at Mondoux, we’re inspired by the Mediterranean, which has long been celebrated as one of the healthiest diets in the world.“
Shivkumar said the Indo-French twist at Cocoa & Chilli is a deliberate and strategic choice, designed to resonate with Dubai’s cosmopolitan palate.
“Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and its residents are known for their culinary curiosity. By blending the bold and vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine with the refined techniques and elegance of French gastronomy, we’re creating a truly unique and exciting culinary experience,” she said.
Shivkumar said at Cocoa & Chilli, they believe that the future of F&B in Dubai is about connection.
“It’s about creating food that tells a story, reflects craftsmanship, and fosters lasting memories beyond just the dining experience,” she said.
Filipova, however, said the premium fusion segment is not for the faint-hearted.
“Yes, there will be many players entering the market, but only the brave and persistent will thrive.
“In a city like Dubai, where the competition is fierce, it takes more than just good food – it takes resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to Better,“ she said.
Both Cocoa & Chilly and Mondoux are eyeing faster expansion within and beyond Dubai. while Cocoa & Chilli said it will explore opportunities for expansion across the UAE, and also within GCC, Mondoux said they are actively seeking franchise partners in the UAE to help it scale even faster.
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