Speakers

Born in Poland, Pawel started his culinary journey in London at the renowned traditional Japanese restaurant "Yoshino" where he honed his skills and expertise under the guidance of their skilled Japanese chef. Pawel further expanded his culinary talent by exploring French cooking techniques at "Mju Restaurant" with Chef Tom Tomsen and learning the art of sushi at "Sushi World" under the influence of Chef Shunji Mamiya.

In 2006, Pawel became an integral part of the Zuma family, starting at their Knightsbridge venue in London. He moved to Dubai in 2008, where he played a pivotal role in the grand opening of Zuma's flagship establishment, a global powerhouse in the culinary scene.

In 2013, Pawel assumed the role of Head Chef, spearheading the launch of Zuma in Abu Dhabi and transforming it into a highly successful venue in the UAE capital. Demonstrating his culinary talent on a global scale, he took on the position of Group Development Chef in 2015-2016. In this capacity, he was responsible for creating innovative dishes and providing support for the opening of Zuma branches worldwide, including those in Las Vegas, Rome, New York, Miami, and London. His commitment to culinary excellence helped shape the unique and diverse offerings of Zuma across the globe.

Returning to Dubai in 2016 as the Executive Chef for the Middle East and Turkey, Pawel oversaw all culinary operations in the region and managed the company's seasonal and pop-up locations in Europe. Pawel recently left Zuma and he is now gearing up for his next chapter.

UAE Impact

Pawel's journey with Zuma Dubai began in 2008 marking the beginning of a new era for the brand as he played an important role in establishing Zuma as a distinguished name, both locally and internationally. This was reinforced by the numerous recognitions and awards granted for Zuma and the team, such as the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to UAE F&B Industry Time Out Award in 2019.

The knowledge and experience he gained across Europe, Asia, and USA helped him leave his mark on the dining scene of Dubai. He was behind several innovative products and flavours that boomed and served as an inspiration for numerous restaurants in the city.

During this time, Pawel implemented a comprehensive training system focused on supporting and developing a team of young chefs who then ventured in various Zuma branches worldwide, from New York and Hong Kong to Istanbul and London, and served as proud ambassadors of Dubai's culinary excellence across the globe.

Pawel worked closely with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in addition to JETRO (Japanese External Trade Organisation). He often visited Japan to meet producers, visit factories and farmers which provided him with extensive knowledge and helped him bring new and exciting products to Dubai. He supported Japanese companies to introduce innovative products to the market through Gulfood, the world's largest food and hospitality show.

Sourcing premium products and introducing creative alternatives elevated the F&B offerings in the region, contributing significantly to its gastronomic evolution. Pawel’s dedication redefined the Japanese cuisine and influenced the broader Asian culinary landscape in Dubai.