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This Egyptian Chef Won Top Chef And Is Now Changing The Way Dubai Eats African Food
It’s not every day you meet someone who turned their childhood dream into a reality and Chef Shehab Medhat is living proof that with talent, dedication, and a sprinkle of spice, anything is possible.
The Egyptian chef, who won Top Chef Middle East Season 9, is now making waves in Dubai with his innovative African-inspired cuisine.
From washing dishes to ruling the kitchen, Chef Shehab’s journey has been anything but ordinary
Hailing from Egypt, he started his career at just 14, initially working as a dishwasher in a restaurant. But it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the chaos and creativity of the kitchen.
“I didn’t care about food when I was younger,” Chef Shehab admits. “I wanted to be a football player, but when I saw chefs in action, I just knew it was my path.”
At the age of 26, Chef Shehab’s dream came true when he competed on Top Chef Middle East. “I started watching the show when I was 15, and winning it was a dream I had since then,” he says.
And while the win was sweet, it wasn’t easy. The pressure was real, but in the end, he clinched the win with a unique, waste-conscious dessert made from tomato and basil which is the dish that helped him secure the top spot.
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After his Top Chef triumph, Chef Shehab was ready for a new challenge
Enter Savryn, his fine dining African-inspired restaurant in the heart of Dubai.
What makes Savryn stand out is its focus on showcasing the rich diversity of African flavors. Unlike many restaurants that center on one country, Savryn brings together ingredients and techniques from all across Africa.
“We’re not just focusing on one country,” Chef Shehab explains. “I wanted to share the flavors of the entire continent, from Egypt to South Africa. It’s all about showcasing Africa’s culinary richness.”
One of the standout dishes at Savryn is the Egyptian-inspired Musaka, made with eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. And don’t be fooled by the “baby eggplant” appearance; it’s a clever twist on the traditional dish.
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Chef Shehab also brought a showstopper to the Lovin Dubai Show: THE tomato dessert that stole the spotlight
This dessert, made from tomato waste, was a game-changer for Chef Shehab when he created it for the Top Chef finale.
“The tomato dessert changed my life. I used waste from the appetizer, the tomato from the main course, and basil from the final dish to create something unique,” he explains, emphasizing his sustainable approach to cooking.
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With only 28 seats at Savryn, Chef Shehab ensures that every guest gets a personalized dining experience. Savryn’s tasting menu, which spans 10 courses, is served with impeccable timing and precision, a reflection of Chef Shehab’s dedication to his craft.
With his triumph on Top Chef and the successful launch of Savryn, Chef Shehab is just getting started
His focus now is on continuing to push boundaries in the culinary world, while sharing his passion for African cuisine with the world.
When asked about the future, Chef Shehab is optimistic. “I want to keep learning, keep pushing, and most importantly, keep sharing the flavors of Africa with everyone here in Dubai.”
So, next time you find yourself in Dubai, make sure to stop by Savryn, not just for a meal, but for an experience that takes you on a culinary journey across Africa. As Chef Shehab says, “If you love food, then you’ll love Savryn.”