How popular would you say French cuisine is in the region?
Jonathan Vercoutere & Julien Pilard, co-founders, Bistro des Arts: French cuisine in Dubai and in general in the Middle East was for a long time considered as fine dining and therefore not as popular as some other European/international cuisine since it was more a cuisine of events or celebrations such as birthdays, anniversary etc. People understand the quality and the finesse of French food but do not consider it as an everyday meal. While the region prefers the spices and the safe choices that the market offers, we now see more and more casual French eateries such as Bistro Des Arts and Publique that provide value for money “terroir" food which is more of a comfort food approach and much more accessible.
Alexis Couquelet, co-founder and corporate chef at Couqley: I think that French food is very popular in this region. With so many French people living in the Middle East, and so many locals travelling to and from France, the popularity has and will continue to grow.French food is classic and timeless, it never gets boring.
Jeremy Degras, executive chef, Chez Charles: French cuisine is highly admired wherever you go. It is a reference for great flavours and techniques. Dubai specifically is becoming a culinary destination for several cuisines and the contemporary French is going to be more and more popular.
Omar Basiony, chef de cuisine, Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai: French cuisine is notably one of the most prevalent cuisines in the world, renowned for its sophisticated flavours and artistic presentation. Therefore it is no surprise that Dubai has a variety of esteemed French restaurants, Traiteur being one of them.
Rory Duncan, executive chef, La Petite Maison Dubai: As a general appreciation of the public, it is very popular. French with a Mediterranean influence has even more leverage because of the climate. Dishes are light, fresh and healthy.
Have you noticed any trends in French cuisine?
Vercoutere & Pilard: Same as Italian cuisine French has always been a trendy cuisine over the world, however today the French cuisine is more a Mediterranean cuisine. I strongly believe that no restaurant in Dubai is offering a proper traditional French cuisine from “terroir”.
Couquelet: Gastro style French cuisine has been popular for years but I’ve noticed that more and more chefs are going back to the traditional and simple authenticity that makes French cuisine so unique. Bistro style food is making its mark again.
Degras: Contemporary French cuisine is now bringing flavors from around the world. A lot of international but subtle influence is the trend.
Basiony: It has been very popular to pair French cuisine with modern twists such as Mediterranean or Asian. However, I feel the current trend is moving back to a more traditional style of French cooking, where simple ingredients are combined to enhance their natural and rich flavours.
Duncan: Deformalised bistro food from Michelin-starred chefs is a big thing as well as small producers and artisan. Sustainable food sources and cooking methods are the top culinary priorities. The focus is now all about the product, and being able to reflect the true flavour without altering it through so much transformation. People want good, honest food based on amazing ingredients, but cooked in a simple way; authentic flavours and recipes, served in a refined yet simple manner.
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