A new way to experience Indian food
Dubai is about to gain an exciting new Indian dining destination. Rooh by Priya, a modern Indian restaurant and tapas bar by acclaimed Singapore-based chef Priya Joseph, is set to open this February at Jewel of the Creek.
Designed around shared plates and sociable evenings, Rooh reimagines Indian cuisine through a contemporary lens. Expect familiar flavours presented with finesse, in a setting that encourages lingering meals and spontaneous gatherings rather than formal fine dining. Positioned along the waterfront promenade at Jewel of the Creek, the restaurant promises sweeping views and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from daytime dining to sunset drinks.
Spice-Forward Philosophy
At the heart of Rooh is Chef Priya’s modern spice philosophy. Her cooking focuses on clarity and balance, layering spices with intention so flavours build gradually without overpowering the palate.
Signature techniques include slow-developed masalas, delicate smoking and finishing spices added at the table to heighten aroma. The result is Indian food that feels comforting yet current, blending tradition with a global culinary perspective shaped by Chef Priya’s experience across Indian, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean and European kitchens.
The menu is complemented by a vibrant tapas bar serving pan-Indian bites with global influences, alongside a curated cocktail programme designed for pairing and sharing. Interactive touches, including a roaming chai and dessert trolley, add an element of theatre and encourage guests to stay a little longer.
Rooh’s location at Jewel of the Creek places it within one of Dubai’s most ambitious waterfront developments, where Old Dubai’s heritage meets contemporary design. Warm, modern interiors and flexible indoor-outdoor spaces make it suitable for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.
As daylight fades, soft lighting transforms the space into an inviting evening venue suited to family gatherings, intimate catch-ups and extended nights by the water.
Proudly Female-Led
Rooh by Priya also stands out as a woman-led venture, backed by an all-women investor group. This collaborative spirit shapes an experience that feels inclusive and welcoming, adding a distinctive voice to Dubai’s premium dining landscape.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Chef Priya Joseph says Rooh is about creating food that feels both familiar and exciting — a place where flavours spark curiosity and bring people together.
Set to open in February 2026, Rooh by Priya aims to become a go-to meeting place where shared plates, easy conversation and waterfront views turn everyday dining into memorable moments.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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