Chef Bishal, Brand Chef at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori shares who influenced his journey in Dubai the most in this edition of 5 minutes with
Born in 1987 in a village near Mount Everest, Chef Bishal’s culinary journey spans multiple countries and prestigious establishments. Having relocated to the UAE in 2008, he has since held key positions at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi and Hilton Capital Gran to name a few.
Now serving as Brand Chef at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Chef Bishal’s expertise in Japanese cuisine shines through. Come spend 5 minutes with the culinary stalwart.
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I was born in 1987 in a village near Mount Everest in Nepal. After completing my culinary education in 2006, I began my career as a commis chef at the Everest Hotel in Kathmandu. I then moved to Qatar to work with Qatar Airways before relocating to the UAE in 2008.
In Abu Dhabi, I held positions at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort & Spa at Sontaya Restaurant and Hilton Capital Grand at Noche Restaurant. Later, I moved to Dubai as a sous chef for the pre-opening of Fuchsia Restaurant, and subsequently worked at Buddha-Bar Dubai and led Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar in Ras Al Khaimah. Now, as the Brand Chef at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, I’m excited to bring my experience to Japanese cuisine.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I moved to Dubai in 2008. I was drawn to the city’s vibrant culinary scene and the chance to work alongside talented chefs. When I joined Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori in May 2024, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take my career to the next level. Working with Michelin-starred Chef Akmal Anuar, I’ve become part of a team that values creativity and innovation, which makes every day inspiring and fulfilling.
How has living in Dubai shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Dubai’s diverse and welcoming atmosphere has made it easy to feel at home. The city’s blend of cultures and high standard of living create a supportive and inclusive community. This environment has allowed me to better connect with people from around the world and feel a strong sense of belonging.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Dubai who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
Among the many chefs who have influenced my career in Dubai, Michelin-starred Chef Akmal Anuar stands out. His mentorship has truly shaped my growth as a chef, thanks to his innovative approach and dedication to creativity.
Although I joined Goldfish just four months ago, I’ve been deeply inspired by its achievements since opening in 2021, including awards like the Michelin Bib Gourmand and recognition from Gault&Millau. Chef Akmal’s guidance had a significant impact on my journey, and I’m excited to contribute to Goldfish’s ongoing success, especially with our new location in Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
What I love most about Dubai is its vibrant food scene. The city’s energy and ever-changing culinary landscape keep things exciting. I’m particularly inspired by how different cuisines and techniques blend together, offering endless opportunities for creativity and unique dining experiences. Dubai truly feels like a melting pot, where I can continuously explore new flavours.
A myth about Dubai that you would like to bust
A common myth about Dubai is that it’s all about the city, but that’s not true. While the city is known for its modern skyline, the UAE also offers stunning views, from Hatta’s mountains to the beaches of Al Fujairah and the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah. These areas provide a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, showing that there’s much more to Dubai and the UAE than just city life.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Dubai community in your own life?
A particularly memorable moment that showed me the warmth of Dubai’s community was after the earthquake in Nepal. The support and kindness I received during that difficult time were deeply touching and showed the true spirit of compassion and hospitality that defines this city.
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