Chef Izu Ani on his vision behind the new fine dining destination in DIFC
Known for its celebration of delectable food, luxurious interior and good music, Shanghai Me has opened the doors for honoring and innovating thousand year old Chinese traditions with Japanese techniques to bring a Pan-Asian fusion menu to its guests.
Chef Izu Ani discusses the inspiration and vision behind Shanghai Me and the details he made sure to consider in order to create the ultimate fine dining experience.
Can you walk us through your journey from economics to becoming a renowned chef in Dubai?
My journey into the culinary world began in London, where I grew up and first discovered my love for cooking in a Home Economics class at school. That class opened my eyes to the magic of food and the way it can spark joy, create memories, and connect people. After my studies, I was fortunate to work at a few hotels in London, which gave me a solid foundation in hospitality. But it was when I joined The Square in Mayfair, a Michelin-starred restaurant, that I truly began to understand the precision and artistry involved in fine dining.
I also travelled to France, where I spent six transformative years immersing myself in the traditions of French cuisine. I had the privilege to work at some incredible places, including the two-Michelin starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine and the legendary three-Michelin starred Auberge de L’Ill. These experiences were invaluable, teaching me not only technique but also the soul of cooking, how to respect ingredients and elevate simplicity into something extraordinary.
After spending time in Spain and then London, I felt ready for a new chapter, and that’s when Dubai called. I’m so proud and grateful to call this city my home, with its rich blend of cultures and limitless possibilities, Dubai is beyond inspiring.At the heart of it all, my journey has always been driven by a passion to connect with people through food. Whether in a Michelin-starred kitchen or a family home, food has the power to evoke emotions and memories, and that’s what I strive to capture in every dish I create.
What were some key turning points or experiences that shaped your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve come to realize that every experience in life shapes who we are, both personally and professionally. Without doubt, moving to Dubai has been a truly transformative chapter in my career, offering unlimited opportunities and instilling the belief in my culinary vision. The city’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape inspired me to open my own restaurants, and not only grow as a chef but to also create experiences that resonate with such a diverse range of people.
I have had the incredible privilege of welcoming members of the UAE Royal Family to our restaurants. Such experiences remind me that every dish tells a story, and it’s these stories that connect us all. Each challenge and triumph has reinforced my belief in the power of food to bring people together and that really inspires my creativity in the kitchen.
Who or what inspires your culinary creations – are there specific chefs, cuisines, or cultures that have significantly influenced your style?
Every day, I find inspiration in the world around me, and travel has been one of the most significant influences in my career. Every destination offers something new to learn, whether it’s through different flavours, cooking techniques, or the connection between food and culture. My experiences in Tokyo, Japan, were particularly transformative. The philosophy behind their culture took my breath away, from their deep respect for people, ingredients, and the environment embodies a holistic approach to cooking.
I believe that as a chef, you’re never done learning, and that makes this career so exciting and evolving. Every day in the kitchen presents opportunities for growth and evolution, whilst weaving my own story and experiences into each dish.
How has the Dubai food scene evolved over the years, and what role have you played in shaping its growth and diversity?
The Dubai food scene has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years, transforming into a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape that reflects the city’s multicultural identity. I believe Dubai has affirmed itself as a unique and vibrant international hub for gastronomy. It is such a dynamic and ever-evolving city that inspires and oozes creativity, and the culinary excellence here is a direct representation of the city itself.
Being a part of that culinary growth and diversity is such a privilege and I am very proud of the homegrown dining concepts we have created that celebrate this, from the elegant Mediterranean ambiance of GAIA, authentic flavours of Shanghai Me, to quintessential French charm of Carine. My vision has always been to foster connections between cultures and food and curate exceptional dining experiences, and reinforcing that food is a universal language that unties people together.
Expanding our dining concepts globally showcases the growth and diversity of Dubai’s culinary landscape on an international stage. We have launched GAIA in London and Marbella, with Miami due to open early next year. LMA just recently opened in London, and I am really excited about the upcoming launch of Shanghai Me in London in early 2025. This expansion not only highlights the appeal of our unique dining concept but also reaffirms the global interest in the innovative and vibrant flavours that Dubai has to offer. It reflects the city’s ability to influence and inspire culinary trends around the world, proving that Dubai is not just a local hub but a significant player in the global gastronomy scene.
What inspired you to create Shanghai Me, and how did you balance the traditional Chinese elements with a modern twist?
Creating Shanghai Me was inspired by my deep admiration for the rich culinary heritage of East Asia, particularly the precision and practice behind the delicate dishes that have taken centuries to perfect, as well as the unique techniques. My vision has always been to honour these traditional elements while presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary diners.
To balance traditional Chinese elements with a modern twist, I carefully selected recipes that have been preserved from generation to generation and infused them with playful, innovative twists. For instance, I use locally sourced ingredients to enhance the authentic flavours while ensuring the essence of the original cuisine remains intact.
Can you share some of the challenges and rewards of developing the menu for Shanghai Me? How did you ensure that the dishes were both authentic and appealing to a diverse audience?
The beauty of life, much like the culinary journey, is found in the interplay of challenges and rewards. Every obstacle encountered in developing a menu invites reflection and growth, allowing us to embrace the unknown and innovate at the same time.
With any menu but especially with Shanghai ME, it was imperative that we honour the authenticity of East Asian cuisine and preserve the time-honoured techniques and flavours passed down through generations. Each dish tells a story, steeped in history and culture, and it’s essential to keep those narratives alive, but also ensuring that they resonate with today’s diverse and ever evolving audience.
Excitingly we are approaching the 5th anniversary of Shanghai Me on November 20th, and I am reminded of my journey as a chef and how it embodies the challenges and triumphs. My aim is always to curate menus that honour culinary heritage, whilst welcoming guests to savour and enjoy exquisite and flavourful experiences that we present. Embracing these challenges not only enriches my craft but also deepens my understanding my appreciation for the culinary traditions we uphold in every dish we create.
The decor at Shanghai Me is a beautiful blend of 1920s Shanghai and modern elements. How did you envision the overall aesthetic, and what role did it play in creating the restaurant’s atmosphere?
The decor at Shanghai Me is an intentional blend of 1920s Shanghai glamour and modern sensibilities, designed to create a captivating atmosphere that transports guests to a bygone era. We envisioned a space that really showcases the richness of Shanghai’s history, embodying a refined yet relaxed ambiance where every guest can immerse themselves in the essence of life under the dynasties, and Michele Bonan beautifully brought this vision to life.
From the stunning terrace, overflowing with bamboo & banana trees evokes the lush green jungles of Asia which creates an inviting and captivating outdoor oasis whilst the stunning lounge and private dining area pay homage to the clandestine gatherings of the golden age, offering an intimate setting that encourages connection and celebration.
Every design element plays a vital role in captivating the overall experience at Shanghai Me. The aesthetic not only reflects the depth of Shanghai’s cultural heritage but also complements the cuisine, providing guests with a taste of Asian tradition in a setting that feels both historical and contemporary.
What advice would you give to aspiring chefs who dream of opening their own restaurants?
When starting out, I encourage young chefs not to look at the prestige, position, or money. When you are at the beginning of your career, your job is to extract as much information as possible. Ask questions, investigate, learn everything, take everything in and experience it all. Looking with the eye of discovery leads you to the knowledge that helps you evolve.
Don’t focus on the recipes, focus on the ingredients. Study them, speak to them, understand them. Research everything you use. Explore techniques and flavours. Asking lots of questions, gives us lots of answers.
Having the freedom to create is important, it allows us to keep expanding and growing without the fear of stagnation. We must keep moving forwards, standing still kills creativity. To do something that you haven’t done before, and make something that people appreciate, you have to shake things up. Do something that puts you in a different realm and breathe in the craziness of life.
Our experiences shape us and make us who we are, teach us our values and allow us to share these with the next generation. Passing on our passions and our knowledge for a beautiful future.
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