Partner Content: Follow Chef Giovanni Ledon as he reveals how Dubai’s top culinary talent selects ingredients and flavours.
Dubai’s dining scene is thriving, and behind every memorable dish is a chef who cares as much about sourcing as seasoning. In a city where premium produce is always within reach, one destination continues to stand out for chefs who take their ingredients seriously: Waterfront Market.
Located on the Deira Corniche, Waterfront Market is the UAE’s largest fresh food hub and a vital part of Dubai’s culinary landscape. Open 24 hours a day in a fully air-conditioned setting, it brings together an impressive line-up of seafood, meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables, dry goods, and spices under one roof. For many of the city’s leading chefs, it is where menus begin.
It is also the backdrop for FACT’s new video series, Behind the Plating. The series follows some of Dubai’s most exciting culinary talents as they move through the market, explore seasonal produce, and explain how the right ingredients can transform a dish from good to unforgettable.
The previous episodes spotlight Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, Chef Roberto Segura of La Barra, Chef Hadrien Villedieu of Chez Wam, Chef Sperxos of the Efzin group, and Chef JP Anglo of Kooya Filipino Eatery, who invite viewers to see the market through a chef’s eyes. FACT trails them as they weave through the seafood counters, negotiate with trusted vendors, and pause at stalls piled high with herbs, citrus, and spices. Each stop becomes a lesson in freshness, traceability, and taste.
And this time, it’s Chef Giovanni Ledon in the spotlight. Chef Giovanni Ledon is a Las Vegas-born culinary leader and the chef-de-cuisine at Akira Back Dubai, where he blends Japanese, Korean and global influences. Raised in the restaurant world by his Cuban-heritage parents and trained at The Culinary Institute of Las Vegas, he sharpened his skills under chefs like Raimund Hofmeister and Bobby Flay before joining Akira Back’s team in Las Vegas and eventually relocating to Dubai to open. Known for his creative menus, he has helped cement Akira Back’s reputation as one of the UAE’s top destinations for modern Asian fusion dining.
This collaboration between FACT, Waterfront Market, and Chef Giovanni Ledon shines a light on the decisions made long before a dish reaches the table. By celebrating responsible sourcing and chef-driven selection, Behind the Plating encourages viewers to think more about where their food comes from and why that matters. For Dubai’s food lovers, it is a delicious blend of education and entertainment that looks as good as it tastes.
GO: Visit www.waterfrontmarket.ae for more information.