Born in Singapore and based in Dubai, Reif Othman is a Chef known for reimagining Japanese cuisine with Asian roots and modern technique. His inventive kushiyaki and intimate dining experiences have reshaped the Gulf dining scene.
A Restaurateur and culinary entrepreneur, he won the Chefs’ Choice Award in the inaugural MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2022 and earned a place on the Arabian Business Top 100 Power List 2023 for his influence across the region.
Reif's Formal Culinary Training
Reif Othman’s culinary curiosity began in Singapore, where he helped his mother in an Asian cafeteria. That hands on experience inspired him to pursue formal training at Shatec Culinary School, a respected institution that grounded him in Asian techniques and kitchen discipline.
Shatec taught Reif foundational skills in classical and regional Asian cookery while giving him the technical tools to experiment. Those early lessons in respect for ingredients and precision remain central to his approach to Japanese cuisine today.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
Reif Othman Professional Career
Reif built his career across Asia and the Middle East, moving from leadership roles in Singapore to top kitchens in Dubai. His tenure at high profile restaurants and hotels helped him refine a cuisine that blends authenticity with contemporary presentation.
- One Rochester Group, Singapore (2007) – Served as Group Executive Chef, overseeing multiple outlets and honing his management and menu development skills.
- Burj Al Arab, Dubai (2008) – A defining move to Dubai where he further developed high end hospitality experience at one of the city’s most iconic hotels.
- Zuma Dubai (2009–2014) – Joined as Executive Chef and later became Regional Executive Chef for the Middle East and Turkey. Under his leadership Zuma Dubai gained sustained global recognition.
- Play Restaurant & Lounge and The Experience by Reif Othman (2015) – As Chief Culinary Officer he launched inventive dining concepts that showcased his modern Asian sensibility.
- Sumosan Twiga London (2018) – Expanded his regional influence as Executive Chef and Business Partner, overseeing operations spanning Dubai, Monaco, and London.
These roles established Reif as a leader able to blend operational rigor with creative menu development, setting the stage for his own restaurants.
Reif Othman Restaurants & Businesses
Reif transitioned from executive roles to self funded entrepreneurship, opening restaurants that articulate his style: precise technique, simple flavors, and theatrical yet intimate dining.
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (2019) – His flagship in Dar Wasl Mall in Dubai presents kushiyaki as a focal style, combining grilling technique with seasonality and bold but restrained flavors.
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Time Out Market Dubai (2021) – A licensed outpost in Souk Al Bahar that brought his approachable kushiyaki to a wider audience.
- Hoe Lee Kow (2023) – An unconventional Korean barbecue concept that explores cross cultural grilling techniques and interactive dining formats.
- TERO The Experience by Reif Othman (2023) – A private dining concept offering curated tasting menus and theatrical presentations, emphasizing memory driven hospitality.
His restaurants combine accessibility with a refined aesthetic, attracting both local diners and international attention while expanding his footprint in Dubai.
Reif Othman's Other Ventures
Beyond restaurants, Reif is active in concept development, private dining, and hospitality consultancy. He leverages his experience to create immersive experiences and to mentor culinary teams across the region.
- Private Dining: TERO showcases Reif’s ability to design bespoke tasting menus and storytelling through food.
- Concept Development: From Play to Hoe Lee Kow, he develops formats that challenge convention and invite diners to engage with flavor and technique.
- Mentorship: As a leader he invests in training and guiding kitchen teams to raise regional culinary standards.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
Reif Othman Awards and Accolades
Reif’s work has been recognized by industry peers and regional bodies, reflecting both culinary excellence and impact on hospitality.
- Chefs’ Choice Award (2022) – Honored in the inaugural MENA 50 Best Restaurants list for his culinary achievements.
- UAE Golden Visa (2021) – Awarded in recognition of his significant contributions to the UAE food and beverage industry.
- Chef of the Year (2022) – Recognized at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai for his leadership and innovation.
- Arabian Business Top 100 Power List (2023) – The only chef featured on the list, underscoring his influence beyond the kitchen.
Reif Othman Personal Life
Raised in Singapore, Reif credits his mother and early hours in her cafeteria for sparking his love of food. That foundation of home cooking informs his focus on simplicity and respect for ingredients.
He studied at Shatec Culinary School before embarking on a career that took him from Singapore to Dubai and beyond. His personal philosophy centers on clarity of flavor and cooking with integrity.
Reif often reiterates his approach: "I always believe in respecting ingredients as they are. Don't complicate things. Keep it simple. Don’t try to make a fish or mushroom taste like something else."
Reif Othman Family and Friends
Family and early mentors remain important to Reif. He frequently speaks about the formative role of his mother and the teachers at Shatec. In the kitchen he surrounds himself with teams he can train and empower, fostering long term relationships.
Reif Othman Chef Profile: Conclusion
Reif Othman has risen from a Singaporean upbringing to become a defining Chef in Dubai by fusing Japanese technique with an Asian sensibility and modern creativity. His restaurants and experiences continue to push the region toward more adventurous and refined dining.
Through awards, entrepreneurial drive, and a clear culinary philosophy, Reif has established a distinct voice in contemporary Asian cuisine and remains a key figure shaping hospitality in the Middle East.
Loading comments...