Gerbou, Dubai’s celebrated homegrown restaurant, known for offering reimagined Emirati-inspired cuisine rooted in local ingredients and cultural research, announced the appointment of Chef Ninad Salvi as the new Head Chef, bringing a wealth of experience and a refined culinary skill set to the restaurant.
With almost 20 years of experience in the culinary industry
and having worked across several Michelin-recognised kitchens and leading
multi-cuisine restaurants, Chef Salvi has built a strong reputation for delivering
world-class ingredient-driven dining experiences.
Known for his ability to reinterpret traditional techniques
through a contemporary lens, Chef Salvi has been an integral part of Gerbou
since its pre-opening phase.
He worked closely with the culinary team to develop a menu
that reflects the UAE’s dynamic food scene, while paying homage to the
country’s rich history, people and deep culinary heritage.
Furthermore, his leadership during the opening phase ensured
consistency across all services and helped establish the restaurant’s
standards. This contributed to Gerbou’s highly successful launch and early
recognition among Dubai’s discerning diners.
Originally from India, Chef Salvi began his culinary journey
in Mumbai, training in esteemed kitchens including Vetro at The Oberoi Hotels
and Resorts and later supervising the all-day dining venue at Shangri-La
Mumbai.
In 2013, he moved to Jeddah to join Limone before relocating
to Dubai in 2015, where he further refined his leadership skills at Flow
Kitchen, Fairmont The Palm.
He later joined Little Miss India as Junior Sous Chef,
acting second-in-command during the restaurant’s pre-opening phase.
The restaurant has since been listed in the Michelin Guide
for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.
Prior to joining Gerbou, Chef Salvi distinguished himself as
Chef de Cuisine at Eunoia by Carine, a French-Mediterranean concept by Chef
Izu.
In his role, he oversaw daily operations, upheld strict
hygiene and food safety standards, assisted in the recruitment process, trained
and led culinary teams and collaborated with other departments to ensure
seamless operations.
In his role as Head Chef, Chef Salvi will lead Gerbou’s
kitchen with a focus on menu evolution, team development and thoughtful
execution, while maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to quality and
cultural integrity.
His vision is to further evolve Gerbou’s culinary offering
while staying true to its Emirati roots, curating dishes that allow guests to
connect meaningfully with the land, culture and traditions of the UAE.
With a deep-rooted love for food and passion for continuously
blurring the lines between traditional flavours and contemporary palettes, Chef
Salvi is set to lead Gerbou into an exciting new chapter, reinforcing its
position as a must-visit destination for reimagined Emirati cuisine within the UAE’s
ever-evolving culinary landscape. -TTN