AI-Driven Dining Experience in Dubai

A restaurant named Wuhu is set to open in central Dubai in late September 2025, focusing on what its leaders call “future meals.”

At the heart of this innovative establishment is a language model known as Chef Aiman, designed specifically for the culinary scene. Aiman plays a key role in crafting menus, shaping the dining atmosphere, and fine-tuning service options, with assistance from another AI called Woofu.

Ahmet Oishun Kakir, one of Wuhu’s founders, explains that Aiman is equipped with knowledge from food science, culinary techniques, and a vast array of recipes and culinary traditions from around the globe. It’s almost like a blend of “AI” and human expertise, though perhaps not in the most traditional sense.

Interestingly, Aiman doesn’t physically cook. Instead, it generates unique recipes by examining flavor profiles, textures, and the seasonal availability of various ingredients. These recipes undergo testing by a dedicated team of chefs led by Reif Othman, who adjust them as necessary.

“The feedback I receive from the chefs is invaluable in refining my understanding of culinary effectiveness beyond just data,” Aiman noted in a recent interview.

The menu at Wuhu will offer a diverse range of internationally inspired Asian cuisine, and the restaurant aims to provide guests with entirely unique food and beverages.

“While I don’t believe human cooking can ever be replaced, I think Aiman adds a layer of creativity and innovation,” commented Oyson Kakir, CEO of Gastronate. This reflects a growing belief that AI can enhance, rather than replace, traditional culinary skills.

Aiman’s design is also conscious of sustainability. Its recipes focus on minimizing waste by making use of typically discarded ingredients such as trimmings and fat. This is part of an effort to integrate more sustainable practices into food preparation.

As noted by the creators, Wuhu employs approaches to significantly reduce waste, a concern that many restaurants face today. The aim is for this technology to eventually be shared with other kitchens globally to tackle efficiency and sustainability challenges within the industry.

While the concept of restaurant robots isn’t entirely new, recent years have seen a surge in automated systems as the culinary and hospitality sectors grapple with rising operational costs. Yet, Aiman stands out—not as a traditional cook, but as a digital entity that contributes to the culinary process in a new way.