This week, we’re in Dubai with Torsten Vildgaard, executive chef of the three-Michelin-starred FZN by Björn Frantzén at Atlantis, The Palm.
Torsten is one of the most decorated Danish chefs of his generation. He spent a decade at Noma as head of R&D under René Redzepi, then opened Studio at The Standard in Copenhagen, which earned a Michelin star within four months. He was also named Denmark’s Chef of the Year.
In 2023, Torsten moved to Dubai to lead the kitchen at FZN, the Dubai restaurant from acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén—the only chef in the world with three restaurants holding three Michelin stars each. Within two years, FZN earned three Michelin stars under Torsten’s leadership.
And the timing couldn’t be better: Dubai is heading into its prime travel season, just as Atlantis The Royal—one of Torsten’s hotel recommendations below—has been named the No. 4 hotel in the world.
Below, Torsten reveals his favorite spots in Dubai including:
The neighborhood Indian restaurant he discovered because delivery drivers kept eating there, and the off-menu Masala Dal he calls one of the best things he’s ever tasted
Why going out for coffee at midnight is such a big part of Dubai culture, his two favorite coffee spots, and where a single cup can cost around $135
The two food products he always brings home from Dubai, and the best places to buy them
The only-in-Dubai hotels you won’t find anywhere else—and so much more
A Google Map with all of the locations mentioned is provided at the end of the interview.