Dwarika Bhatt Awarded Gold for Executive Chef of the Year - Free Standing Restaurant at Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2025
Zero Gravity's Culinary Visionary Recognized for 21 Years of Hospitality Excellence.
The Middle East culinary community celebrated one of its most accomplished leaders as Dwarika Bhatt, Executive Chef of Zero Gravity under Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, received the prestigious Gold Award for Executive Chef of the Year - Free Standing Restaurant at the Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2025. This highest honor recognizes Bhatt's remarkable 21-year journey from commis to culinary leader, culminating in his transformative work at Dubai's iconic beach club.
Currently at the helm of Zero Gravity's culinary operations since 2015, Bhatt has masterfully blended innovation with operational excellence at one of Dubai's most celebrated beachfront destinations. His leadership of a 200-strong culinary team has resulted in multiple accolades, including consecutive Time Out, What's On, and Shortlist Awards for Best Beach Club from 2014-2017. Under his guidance, Zero Gravity achieved HACCP certification while maintaining an exceptional food cost below 24%, demonstrating his unique ability to balance creativity with fiscal responsibility.
Bhatt's hospitality journey began with formal training at New Delhi's Institute of Hotel Management Pusa, followed by progressive roles at world-renowned properties including Grand Hyatt Muscat, Le Méridien, and Shangri-La Hotels. His return to Jumeirah Group in 2013 marked a turning point, where he rose from Executive Sous Chef to his current leadership position through his exceptional operational skills and team-building capabilities.
The Gold Award particularly honors Bhatt's successful pre-opening of Zero Gravity and his continuous implementation of innovative dining concepts. His international recognition includes a Gold Medal and Trophy (Yi-Yin Cup) from the First International Culinary Competition in Beijing (2012), where he competed against 200 chefs from 33 countries. This global perspective informs his approach to menu development, blending international techniques with local market understanding.
Bhatt's impact extends beyond culinary operations to encompass comprehensive business leadership. His strategic initiatives include implementing advanced inventory management systems that reduce waste while optimizing procurement processes. As a mentor, he has fostered a culture of excellence that has produced the next generation of culinary professionals in Dubai's competitive hospitality market.
Currently pursuing a Performance Leadership Certificate from Cornell University, Bhatt continues to evolve his leadership approach, focusing on collaborative team building and coaching skills. This commitment to continuous improvement reflects his philosophy that great cuisine is as much about inspired leadership as it is about technical skill.
The Middle East Chef Excellence Awards recognition not only celebrates Bhatt's achievements but also highlights Zero Gravity's position as a culinary destination under Jumeirah Group's prestigious portfolio. As Dubai's dining scene continues to flourish, culinary leaders like Dwarika Bhatt remain instrumental in shaping its global reputation for excellence.
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