Chefs are part of the soul of any restaurant, and are known for their role in creating the perfect dishes to serve diners, while also helping to maintain high dining standards. One of the people setting the benchmark is Chef Mohammed Zeeshan, Executive Chef at Trèsind Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, where the restaurant has been listed in the Michelin Guide for two years in a row as one of the places to try in Dubai.
Chef Mohammed Zeeshan was brought up in India, where he was born into a family with a background in the culinary industry, inspiring him to follow a similar path and trailblazing his journey in food.
Having worked in India at Vivanta by Taj Lucknow and The Leela Palace in Bangalore, Chef Mohammed Zeeshan joined the pre-opening team of Trèsind Dubai in 2014. Starting out as a Junior Sous Chef, Chef Mohammed Zeeshan worked his way up the ranks, now working as the Executive Chef at the restaurant.
In this feature, Chef Mohammed Zeeshan shares with Connector how he started out in the culinary industry to his favourite dishes to try out while dining at Trèsind Dubai.
How did you get started in the food industry?
My family has been a huge inspiration for me, especially when it comes to cooking. Both my brother and grandfather are incredible in the kitchen and have done amazing things in the food industry. Seeing them create delicious dishes and culinary masterpieces has left a lasting impact on me. My Mum and the environment I grew up in also played a big role in fuelling my passion to become a chef. The experiences and atmosphere of my upbringing always motivate and inspire me to strive for greatness in the culinary world.
What is your earliest cooking memory?
One of my first memories of cooking goes back to the time when I was in the kitchen with my Mum, making pickle together. It was amazing to watch her teach me the process of pickling. I remember how excited I was to choose the right ingredients, slice the cucumbers, and mix them with the perfect combination of flavours. That moment was really special to me. It made me fall in love with cooking and sparked a lifelong passion for creating delicious dishes.
What is your favourite dish from your country?
Growing up in Lucknow, a city known for its rich culinary traditions in India, has greatly influenced my taste in food. When it comes to my favourite dishes from my country, I have a special love for Lucknow's famous biryani and kebabs. The flavours and cooking techniques used in preparing these dishes are truly amazing. Lucknowi Biryani, in particular, stands out for its delightful mix of fragrant spices and tender meat, creating a burst of flavours that are hard to beat. The kebabs, on the other hand, are incredibly juicy and infused with a blend of aromatic spices, showcasing the city's exceptional culinary expertise.
What is the one go-to and easy snack you love making for midnight cravings?
When it comes to satisfying those midnight cravings, my go-to snack has to be sandwiches or bhelpuri. They are easy to whip up and absolutely delicious. Sandwiches offer endless possibilities with different fillings and spreads, allowing me to get creative and tailor them to my mood. Whether it is a classic grilled cheese or a loaded veggie sandwich, they never disappoint. On the other hand, bhelpuri, with its tangy and spicy flavours, is a burst of culinary delight. Mixing together puffed rice, crunchy sev, chutneys and veggies, creates a tantalising snack that hits the spot every time. So, whether I am in the mood for something warm and comforting or a burst of flavour, sandwiches and bhelpuri never let me down.
What is the one raw ingredient you cannot cook without from your country?
When it comes to cooking from my country, there is one ingredient that I absolutely cannot cook without, and it is garam masala. It is a special mix of Indian spices that adds incredible flavour to my dishes. It is like a secret ingredient that makes everything taste better. Whether I am making a curry, a biryani, or even a simple lentil soup, garam masala gives it that extra oomph. It is made up of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, which together create a fantastic blend of flavours. So, whenever I want to make a dish taste really good, garam masala is my go-to ingredient.
What is the best dish to try at your restaurant?
When it comes to dining at Trèsind Dubai, you will be spoiled for choice with amazing dishes. But if I had to recommend a couple, I would say you should start with our Modernist chaat. It is a fun and fancy version of popular Indian street food. You will love the mix of flavours, textures and how it is presented, it is a real feast for the eyes.
For the main course, you absolutely must try our Khichdi of India. It is a special dish that we are really proud of, and it has gained quite a reputation. We have carefully crafted this khichdi using a whopping 20 different ingredients, each chosen to add unique flavours and create a truly unforgettable experience.
Chef Mohammed Zeeshan
Executive Chef
Trèsind Dubai