Savryn is the dream, and Chef Shehab is living it
Savryn Dining Room is creating quite the buzz around town. It’s a unique offering, presenting a cuisine less explored in a format one would least expect, and that statement in itself is perhaps the reason Dubai’s culinary scene needed something like it.
Led by chef-founder Shehab Medhat, Savryn takes you on a journey through the sights, sounds and smells of the vast, infinitely colourful continent of Africa – a love letter to his Egyptian roots; an ode to the time he spent and the travels he undertook; a tribute to the stunning diversity of the region – packaged in fine-dining flare and served to us diners in an intimate 28-seater setting.
Smaller spaces are all the rage among restauranteurs right now – Björn Frantzén’s FZN, flanking 27 seats, Solemann Haddad’s 12-seater Moonrise, a local icon, Row on 45’s 22-seat counter, nine coveted spots at Hoseki, and many more – creating a sense of exclusivity, the feeling of being on the inside, which Savryn attempts to emulate. But still, with a price point that doesn’t alienate.
We sat down with Chef Shehab to chart his journey from the beginning – childhood influences, his stint at MBC’s Top Chef 2025, which he won, and how he truly feels about Savryn – his home.
How did you get into cooking? Was it a childhood influence?
I started my career washing dishes at the age of 15 to support my family — I was the eldest son and wanted to help them live a better life. But the more time I spent in the kitchen, the more I fell in love with cooking. Watching chefs create beautiful food inspired me, and I worked tirelessly to learn, grow, and reach where I am today.
Talk us through your journey on Top Chef 2025.
Top Chef was a dream since I was a kid — it’s something I always wanted to achieve. Being on the show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my passion, dedication, and love for cooking. Winning and becoming one of the Top Chefs of the Arab world was an indescribable feeling — truly a dream come true.
Tell us a bit more about the concept of Savryn Dining Room.
The concept of Savryn came after years of traveling and living across Africa. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the connection I felt with the continent — it truly became my second home. Being Egyptian, I also feel deeply African, and I realized that the world doesn’t really know much about African food. My vision was to share the beauty and diversity of Africa through gastronomy — and I couldn’t think of a better place than the UAE, where the whole world comes together.
Talk us through a night at Savryn — what can diners expect?
Dining at Savryn is unlike any other experience — African cuisine is still unfamiliar to many, so everything feels new, exciting, and full of story. Each dish is inspired by a real journey, tradition, or memory from different parts of the continent. We use refined techniques, elegant presentation, and precise attention to every detail. Savryn isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a true journey through Africa.
Why did you choose a small, 28-seat format?
Because I want to focus on every guest and every detail — from the food to the service. I don’t really call Savryn a restaurant; I call it a dining room, or even a chef’s table — it’s my home, my dream, and my life.
Savryn has been described as an ‘affordable fine dining restaurant’ – how did you achieve that?
That was my challenge — I wanted anyone to be able to experience fine dining at an accessible price. I know that most fine dining restaurants are quite expensive, but I wanted to create a place where people from different backgrounds can enjoy the same level of quality, creativity, and service without limits.
What are some of the highlights on your menu?
Each dish tells a story — some are inspired by my travels, like my journey from Egypt to Ghana; others pay homage to African-Indian influences, or celebrate Egyptian heritage through dishes inspired by the pyramids and ancient culture. Every plate has its own identity, story, and feeling — that’s what makes the Savryn experience so special.
How have people responded to the experience?
The response has been incredible. Savryn is the first African fine dining restaurant in Dubai — and even in the Arab world — so for many guests, it’s their first time tasting this kind of cuisine. People were curious, and after experiencing it, they tell me they now want to visit Africa. They love the concept, the flavors, and the storytelling — and that, for me, is the ultimate goal.
@savryn.diningroom, @chefshehab
Image credit: Supplied
Deeply passionate about food, culture and community, Manaal loves telling extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Besides sniffing out a tale to tell, her favourite things to do include binging true crime documentaries, chasing cats on the streets and curating a good outfit.
