The Pro Chef Showdown witnessed 20 thrilling battles, with over 60 of the region’s finest chefs given one hour to create a dish that could earn them the coveted 2025 title in their respective categories
We want to take a moment to thank all the chefs who participated. Your creativity and hard work made these Showdowns unforgettable. And of course, a huge thank you to our sponsors. The Pro Chef Showdowns wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you once again for supporting culinary talent in the region.
Chef Showdown Winners
Americas & Caribbean Cuisine
Tomlin George Graham, Ting Irie
Arab Cuisine
Hassan Khoder, Address Creek Harbour
British Cuisine
James Hitchens, Topgolf Dubai
French Cuisine
Milan Milosavic, Cafe L’Occitane
Fusion Cuisine
Dan Flores, Brooklyn Chop House from W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Indian Cuisine
Pranav Upadhyay, Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai
Italian Cuisine
Fabrizio Lusenti, Belcanto Restaurant
Japanese Cuisine
Hisao Ueda, TakaHisa
Korean Cuisine
Songmi Ji, Smoki Moto Dubai at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Latin American Cuisine
Carlos Cesar Pazos Costa, Toro Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
Meat Specialist
Jefry Tobing, Porterhouse Bar & Grill at Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Mediterranean Cuisine
Bidya Boro, The Dish by Chef Sperxos
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Salah Salha, Al Khaima, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
Pan-Asian Cuisine
Minho “Ted” Shin, Buddha-Bar
Pastry Chef
Beatriz Karla Canalita Perez, Jun’s
Plant-Based Cuisine
Nana-Serwa Mancell, Veghana
Seafood Chef
Lalith Prasanna, Aprons & Hammers
Spanish Cuisine
Alejandro Maestro, TATEL Dubai
Sustainability Innovator
Ionel Catau, Gerbou
Thai Cuisine
Kritsanin Winwan, Mekong at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah
Turkish Cuisine
Cagri Sahin, Mangal
The Pro Chef of the Year 2025
Ionel Catau, Gerbou
