In a groundbreaking moment for Indian gastronomy, Dubai’s Tresind Studio has become the first Indian restaurant in the world to be awarded the coveted three Michelin stars.
The announcement was made during the Michelin Guide’s fourth annual Dubai ceremony, where the intimate 20-seat restaurant, tucked away on the Palm Jumeirah, shared the top honor with FZN by Bjorn Frantzen. It also marked the first time any restaurant in the United Arab Emirates received Michelin’s highest accolade.
An emotional Bhupender Nath, the founder of Tresind Studio, reflected on the milestone by emphasizing the weight of being the “only” Indian restaurant to receive the honor. “Today I realized what is the word called ‘only’ and how heavy it is,” he said.
Chef Himanshu Saini, 38, who leads the kitchen, described the recognition as a proud moment for Indian cuisine and an inspiration for aspiring chefs. “It’s a dream which is possible,” he said. “I think it’s a great time for Indian food.”
Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, hailed Saini as a “pioneer,” praising his role in inspiring a new generation of culinary talent both in the UAE and back in India.
Tresind Studio is known for reinventing Indian flavors through a bold and artistic approach, using local and sustainable ingredients sourced within the UAE. On its website, the restaurant states its mission is to reshape perceptions of Indian cuisine by offering a modern and creative interpretation.
“The global spotlight is brighter than ever,” the Michelin Guide said. “Indian chefs in cities from London to Dubai have been rewriting the playbook, fusing time-honoured flavors with boundary-pushing techniques.”