A futuristic restaurant promising to reshape fine dining through artificial intelligence is set to open in central Dubai this September.
Called WOOHOO, the venue is located just steps away from the iconic Burj Khalifa and describes itself as “dining in the future.” While humans will still prepare the food, almost every other element — from menu to lighting — is controlled by an AI chef called “Chef Aiman.”
Chef Aiman, a virtual creation blending “AI” and “man,” has been trained on global recipes, food science, and molecular data. Though it can’t taste or smell, Aiman uses advanced data to break food into textures, flavours, and elements — like umami or acidity — to create surprising, never-seen-before combinations.
These AI-generated recipes are tested and refined by real chefs under the direction of renowned Dubai-based culinary expert Reif Othman. “Their feedback sharpens my understanding beyond just data,” Aiman said in a virtual interview.
Ahmet Oytun Cakir, co-founder and CEO of Gastronaut, says the aim is not to replace chefs but to “elevate their creativity.” Aiman’s recipes often include food scraps like meat trimmings, helping reduce kitchen waste.
WOOHOO’s founders believe this blend of human skill and machine precision could redefine sustainability in kitchens worldwide.
If successful, Aiman might be licensed to restaurants globally, adding a new chapter to the culinary world — where innovation meets taste, and data meets design.
