bahrainthismonth.com | JUNE 2026 TOP CHEFS 62 Culinary Masters of the Kingdom From hotel kitchens and fine dining restaurants to independent culinary concepts, these chefs and restaurateurs continue to shape Bahrain’s evolving food scene. Bahrain’s culinary landscape continues to expand through chefs whose work reflects the Kingdom’s increasingly international dining culture. Across luxury hospitality, independent restaurants and chef-led concepts, these culinary figures are contributing to a food scene that balances global influence with regional character. At the centre of Bahrain’s hospitality industry is Abdelhameed Al-Mahsiri, Executive Chef of Areen Hospitality in Bahrain. Known for overseeing large-scale culinary operations, his work focuses on maintaining consistency across varied dining experiences while delivering refined presentation and guestfocused menus. Diana Ali, founder and head chef of Diana’s Eatery & Café, represents Bahrain’s growing café and independent dining culture. Her approach centres on approachable dishes and contemporary café dining, contributing to the demand for relaxed yet carefully curated culinary experiences. Within Bahrain’s luxury hotel sector, Ismayil Jabbarov, Executive Chef of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, oversees a broad culinary programme spanning international cuisine, banqueting and speciality dining. His work reflects the scale and diversity now associated with Bahrain’s hospitality industry. Chef Jagbeer Rawat has built a varied culinary career through yacht chef collaborations, restaurant leadership and culinary networking. Working across concepts including Texas Longhorn and Ourania Restaurant, his experience highlights the increasingly versatile nature of the modern culinary profession. At Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Executive Chef James Martin continues to contribute to one of Bahrain’s established hospitality destinations. His menus focus on contemporary international cuisine shaped by the standards expected within luxury hotel dining. Japanese cuisine remains a significant part of Bahrain’s restaurant scene and Junior Gomez, Executive Chef at Mirai Restaurant & Lounge, has played a key role in strengthening that presence. Through modern presentation and refined execution, the restaurant has become recognised for contemporary Japanese dining in Bahrain. Traditional Japanese technique is also represented by Kiyoshi Udagawa, Head Sushi Chef of re/ASIAN Cuisine and Blue Moon Lounge. His work reflects the precision associated with sushi craftsmanship while adapting to Bahrain’s international dining audience. Independent dining concepts continue to shape the Kingdom’s food culture through chefs such as Nabeel Lababidi, founder of The Red Barn. His work reflects the growing demand for restaurants built around strong culinary concepts and distinctive dining experiences. Indian cuisine continues to hold a prominent place within Bahrain’s dining sector and Chef Pillai of Jashan by Chef Pillai remains one of the most recognised names associated with regional Indian cuisine. His restaurant combines South Indian culinary traditions with contemporary fine dining presentation. Sarbjeet, Head Chef of Roti Shoti Sarbjeet’s Kitchen, also contributes to Bahrain’s appreciation for Indian cuisine through dishes rooted in familiar flavours and traditional cooking techniques. Bahraini chef and restaurateur Roaya Saleh continues to champion local food culture through her work within Bahrain’s restaurant industry. Her contribution reflects the growing visibility of Bahraini culinary voices within the wider regional dining conversation. At London Lounge Bahrain, Head Chef Walcot Teferi brings international influences into a contemporary dining environment shaped by Bahrain’s cosmopolitan restaurant culture. Luxury hospitality remains central to Bahrain’s culinary reputation. Younis Ramadhan, Executive Chef at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, oversees multiple culinary operations spanning international cuisine, large-scale events and hotel dining experiences. At Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa, Executive Chef Christian De Nadai contributes to one of Bahrain’s luxury coastal destinations through menus shaped by Mediterranean and international influences. Eric Pellen, Executive Chef at Hilton Bahrain City Centre, continues to oversee culinary operations focused on contemporary hospitality dining and international standards of presentation. Rajesh Kumar, Executive Chef at InterContinental Bahrain, also plays a role within Bahrain’s luxury hospitality sector through largescale culinary leadership and globally influenced menus. Chef-led dining continues to grow in Bahrain through concepts such as Chef by Steve McGowan. Founder and Head Chef Steve McGowan has developed a reputation for ingredient-focused cooking and personalised dining experiences shaped around technique and quality produce. At Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Executive Chef Sumit Kedia contributes to Bahrain’s hospitality industry through a varied culinary programme serving both visitors and residents. Within Bahrain’s luxury dining sector, Tony El Khoury, Oriental Specialty Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, brings expertise rooted in Levantine cuisine and regional culinary traditions. Completing this selection is William Khala, Executive Chef at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, whose work reflects the continued rise of destination dining experiences within Bahrain’s luxury resort sector. Together, these chefs and restaurateurs continue to shape Bahrain’s dining identity through culinary innovation, international expertise and a strong connection to hospitality culture across the Kingdom.
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