Chef Himanshu Saini is one of the most recognized names in the world of contemporary Indian cuisine. His culinary philosophy blends tradition with innovation, creating dishes that honor the essence of Indian flavors while incorporating modern techniques. Through his restaurants, Chef Saini has redefined Indian fine dining and pushed the boundaries of traditional Indian cuisine. Below is an in-depth look at the different restaurants Chef Himanshu Saini has created, the unique cuisines they serve, and what makes them stand out in the culinary world.
1. Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE)
Cuisine: Modern Indian, Fine Dining, Experimental Indian
Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Overview:
Trèsind Studio is Chef Himanshu Saini’s flagship restaurant located on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. This restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a destination where innovative Indian cuisine is taken to the next level. Chef Saini’s focus on blending traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques is the hallmark of Trèsind Studio. In May 2025, Trèsind Studio made history by becoming the first-ever Indian restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, a monumental achievement in the culinary world.
The Experience:
The dining experience at Trèsind Studio is one of indulgence and awe. The restaurant offers an intimate and exclusive experience with a set tasting menu that focuses on presenting Indian cuisine in ways that have never been seen before. The ambiance is sleek and modern, with a focus on minimalist design that highlights the beauty of the food.
Signature Dishes:
- Gulab Jamun Sphere: A deconstructed version of the classic dessert, where the essence of gulab jamun is encapsulated in a delicate sphere, providing an explosion of flavors in each bite.
- Truffle Paratha: A luxurious take on the traditional Indian flatbread, enhanced with the rich aroma and flavor of truffles.
- Molecular Chaat: Traditional Indian street food reimagined with molecular gastronomy techniques, presenting familiar flavors in unexpected textures and forms.
Why It’s Unique:
The key to Trèsind Studio’s success lies in Chef Saini’s approach to modern Indian cooking. By using cutting-edge techniques such as molecular gastronomy and sous-vide cooking, he transforms traditional dishes into avant-garde culinary art. Each course at Trèsind Studio is a journey, combining the rich flavors of India with the artistry of fine dining.
2. Trèsind (Dubai, UAE)
Cuisine: Contemporary Indian, Modern Indian Cuisine, Indian Fusion
Location: Voco Hotel, Dubai (near Museum of the Future)
Overview:
The original Trèsind restaurant, located in the Voco Hotel near Dubai’s Museum of the Future, offers a more casual yet equally innovative take on Indian cuisine. While Trèsind Studio focuses on a more high-end fine dining experience, Trèsind serves as a bridge between traditional Indian flavors and modern culinary techniques, making it accessible to a broader audience.
The Experience:
Trèsind offers a vibrant atmosphere with a contemporary design that reflects Chef Saini’s approach to Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic unfold right in front of them. The use of modern plating techniques and presentation makes the dishes look as beautiful as they taste.
Signature Dishes:
- Butter Chicken with Smoked Butter: A reimagined version of the classic butter chicken, infused with the deep, smoky flavor of wood-fired butter, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
- Kachori Chaat: A contemporary take on the traditional Kachori, which is filled with spiced potatoes and served with tangy tamarind and yogurt sauce.
- Tandoori Prawns with a Sweet and Sour Glaze: Tender prawns marinated in a tandoori-style marinade and served with a sweet and sour glaze that adds a modern twist to a classic Indian preparation.
Why It’s Unique:
Trèsind stands out because it offers traditional Indian dishes with a fresh twist, balancing familiar flavors with innovation. The restaurant embraces both Indian and international culinary influences, creating fusion dishes that still maintain the authenticity of Indian cuisine. It is also known for its excellent service, which elevates the dining experience.
3. Carnival by Trèsind (Dubai, UAE)
Cuisine: Indian Street Food, Fusion Cuisine, Contemporary Indian
Location: Dubai, UAE
Overview:
Carnival by Trèsind is Chef Saini’s playful and fun restaurant concept that reimagines traditional Indian street food with a modern twist. The restaurant combines the flavors of Indian street food with contemporary plating and presentation, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the vibrancy and dynamism of Indian food culture.
The Experience:
The atmosphere at Carnival by Trèsind is lively and vibrant, with bold colors, an energetic vibe, and a creative layout. The restaurant’s concept is designed to bring the essence of India’s bustling street food scene to a fine dining level. The food is served in a variety of formats, including tapas-style dishes, allowing diners to explore multiple flavors in a single meal.
Signature Dishes:
- Pani Puri with a Twist: A reimagined version of the beloved street food, served in a modern format that allows diners to experience the burst of flavors in a new way.
- Bhel Puri Foam: A playful take on the traditional Bhel Puri, transformed into a foam that still retains the characteristic crunch and flavors.
- Chili Crab Samosa: A fusion dish that combines the beloved samosa with the intense flavors of chili crab, delivering a satisfying balance of spice and richness.
Why It’s Unique:
Carnival stands out because it brings the fun and vibrant spirit of India’s street food culture into the fine dining realm. The restaurant’s use of playful presentations and its ability to elevate street food into a fine dining experience make it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Indian cuisine in a novel and exciting way.
4. Avatara (Mumbai, India)
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Plant-Based Indian Cuisine, Modern Indian
Location: Mumbai, India
Overview:
Avatara is Chef Saini’s innovative vegetarian restaurant located in Mumbai, which focuses on plant-based Indian cuisine. The restaurant showcases his commitment to sustainable and healthy cooking, offering a unique dining experience that highlights the richness and variety of vegetarian Indian dishes. Avatara is the place to go for those seeking a modern, eco-friendly approach to Indian vegetarian cuisine.
The Experience:
The ambiance at Avatara is elegant and serene, offering a perfect setting for an intimate dining experience. The restaurant uses organic and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every dish is fresh and healthy. The menu is a creative reinterpretation of traditional Indian vegetarian dishes, presented in an artistic and sophisticated manner.
Signature Dishes:
- Kale Chaat: A modern take on the traditional chaat, where crispy kale chips are used in place of fried puris, topped with yogurt, tamarind, and fresh herbs.
- Stuffed Bhindi: A delicate dish featuring okra stuffed with a spiced mix and cooked to perfection, offering a rich and flavorful vegetarian option.
- Jackfruit Biryani: A plant-based biryani made with jackfruit, which mimics the texture and taste of meat, proving that vegetarian dishes can be as rich and satisfying as their non-vegetarian counterparts.
Why It’s Unique:
Avatara stands out because it proves that Indian vegetarian cuisine can be both innovative and sustainable. Chef Saini’s attention to detail and focus on fresh, organic ingredients create dishes that are both healthy and full of flavor. It also caters to those looking for plant-based options without sacrificing taste or indulgence.
5. Daawat by Chef Himanshu Saini
Cuisine: Indian, Gourmet Indian, Traditional Indian Dishes with Modern Twists
Location: Various locations (Collaborations)
Overview:
Chef Saini also collaborates with Daawat, a well-known brand for its basmati rice, to create a series of gourmet experiences through the “Gourmet Journey” series. This partnership allows Chef Saini to take traditional Indian dishes and elevate them to a new level of luxury and flavor. The focus is on crafting unique, flavorful dishes using Daawat’s premium rice.
The Experience:
The “Gourmet Journey” series is a special event where Chef Saini curates a menu that features classic Indian recipes, but with a sophisticated touch. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the quality of Daawat rice, with an emphasis on rich flavors and textures. These experiences are perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional dishes in a new and exciting format.
Signature Dishes:
- Khichdi of India: A refined and elevated version of the traditional khichdi, made with premium basmati rice and a rich blend of spices, served with a variety of accompaniments.
- Biryani with Daawat Rice: Chef Saini’s take on the classic biryani, where Daawat rice is used to create a fragrant and flavorful dish that showcases the quality of the rice.
Why It’s Unique:
Daawat by Chef Saini offers a unique opportunity to experience the classic flavors of India in a gourmet format. The collaboration emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients, particularly Daawat’s basmati rice, to create dishes that are not only flavorful but also luxurious.
Chef Himanshu Saini’s restaurants are a testament to his creativity and mastery of Indian cuisine. From the fine-dining elegance of Trèsind Studio to the playful street food twists at Carnival by Trèsind, Chef Saini has successfully introduced modern interpretations of Indian cuisine that captivate the global culinary scene. His focus on sustainability, innovation, and presentation has set new standards in the world of Indian gastronomy. Whether you are a fan of traditional Indian flavors or looking for a modern twist on familiar dishes, Chef Saini’s restaurants offer a dining experience that is both exciting and unforgettable.
