In a landmark moment that is resonating across the global culinary landscape, Dubai’s Trèsind Studio has been awarded three Michelin stars — a historic first for an Indian restaurant. This exceptional accolade not only cements Dubai’s growing influence on the world gastronomic stage but also marks a turning point for Indian cuisine. The announcement came during the 2025 Michelin Guide Dubai ceremony, held on Thursday evening, where the International Director of the Michelin Guide, Gwendal Poullennec, hailed the achievement as a “wake-up call for Indian chefs around the world.”
Speaking at the event, Poullennec emphasized that the recognition carries far more than just professional prestige. “This is a matter of national pride,” he stated. “A lot more people will now be willing to explore the vast and diverse food cultures of India. I use the word ‘cultures’ deliberately, because India, as a subcontinent, offers incredible culinary diversity.” His remarks point to a deeper understanding of Indian cuisine, often flattened by global perceptions into a few familiar dishes. Trèsind Studio’s triumph pushes back against this reductionism, opening the door for nuanced, regionally rooted yet globally refined interpretations of Indian food.
Chef Himanshu Saini, the creative force behind Trèsind Studio, was lauded as a “pioneer” who is reshaping Indian gastronomy through his inventive techniques and commitment to storytelling on the plate. “Himanshu Saini and his team have truly put Indian food on the world culinary map,” said Poullennec. “He has opened the floor for many more talents in India and beyond to reimagine what Indian cuisine can be.” Saini, dressed in white, stood alongside his team during the announcement — a moment that symbolized not just personal success but collective achievement for the South Asian culinary community.
Housed in a discreet 20-seat space on The Palm Jumeirah, Trèsind Studio delivers a meticulously curated 16-course tasting menu that journeys across India’s four cardinal regions — North, South, East, and West. Each section of the menu features four deeply researched dishes that pay tribute to traditional ingredients and heritage recipes, reimagined with cutting-edge techniques. A standout creation is the ‘rasam sphere,’ a molecular reinterpretation of the classic South Indian soup, which has earned widespread acclaim for its balance of innovation and authenticity. Significantly, the menu foregoes staples like rice and bread, encouraging diners to focus on the depth and range of individual flavors.
This commitment to pushing culinary boundaries has earned Trèsind Studio a constellation of global accolades. In addition to its Michelin triumph, the restaurant is ranked No. 11 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list — another testament to its status as a world-class dining destination. Restaurateur Bhupender Nath, who co-founded the restaurant alongside Saini, has been instrumental in providing the creative freedom and vision needed to achieve this level of excellence.
Trèsind Studio was not the only star of the evening. The European restaurant FZN by Björn Frantzén, led by the celebrated Swedish chef, also received three Michelin stars. It marked the first time since the Michelin Guide’s arrival in the UAE in 2022 that any restaurants in the region reached the coveted three-star level — further highlighting Dubai’s rise as a powerhouse in global gastronomy.
The 2025 guide also recognized several other noteworthy establishments. Indian fine-dining import Jamavar earned one Michelin star, and Thai restaurant Manao, helmed by Indian chef Abhiraj Khatwani, was similarly honored. Khatwani was also awarded the Young Chef Award, highlighting the growing prominence of Indian culinary talent beyond borders. These new additions join an existing roster of 14 one-starred restaurants and three that retained their two-star status: Row on 45 by Jason Atherton, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, and Stay by Yannick Alléno.
In the Bib Gourmand category — which honors restaurants offering exceptional food at moderate prices — five new names were added, bringing the total to 22 across Dubai. This shows the city’s broad culinary spectrum, which caters not only to the fine-dining elite but also to everyday diners seeking quality and value.
Reflecting on Dubai’s culinary ascent, Poullennec noted, “In just a few years, Dubai has emerged as a real gastronomic hub. It’s one of the frontrunners on the global culinary stage. Walk around this city and you can taste the world — you’re essentially traveling through its restaurants.”
The Michelin selection process is famously rigorous, with anonymous inspectors evaluating every restaurant against five universal criteria: the quality of ingredients, the mastery of culinary techniques, the harmony of flavors, the chef’s unique voice, and consistency across time and menu. Trèsind Studio’s recognition is thus not merely symbolic — it’s a validation of sustained excellence and a clear signpost for the future of Indian gastronomy.
For Indian chefs, whether in Mumbai or Manhattan, the message from Dubai is clear: the world is ready to experience Indian cuisine in its most evolved, innovative form. Trèsind Studio has set the bar — now it’s time for others to rise to the occasion.
— The Gulf Talk
