'Dubai AI chef creates 'Dinosaur tartare' and holograms, sparking both amazement and criticism'

A new dining spot has opened in Dubai, claiming to host the globe's first artificial intelligence chef, reflecting the city's ongoing fascination with futuristic technology. The Emirati metropolis has gained recognition for its expanding culinary landscape, ranging from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries serving authentic Middle Eastern and Asian street food.

At Woohoo, the menu is crafted not by a human, but by an AI system named Chef Aiman, which has been trained on thousands of recipes, decades of culinary research, and molecular gastronomy techniques. The AI can also refine menus and balance flavors according to the restaurant.

Despite this, the actual cooking and serving of dishes remain handled by humans. "AI might surpass human chefs in creating dishes in the future," said Ahmet Oytun Cakir, Woohoo's Turkish co-founder.

The menu mainly features international fusion cuisine, yet some dishes are uniquely AI-inspired, such as the "dinosaur tartare," designed to replicate the flavor of extinct reptiles. The recipe, developed through DNA mapping, is not publicly disclosed. Priced at approximately 50 euros ($58), the dish combines textures of raw meats and is served on a pulsating plate that mimics breathing. Customer Efe Urgunlu described it as "a total surprise" and "so delicious."

The neon-lit restaurant also incorporates AI-generated holograms and sci-fi animations. Its centerpiece is a large cylindrical computer, presented as the digital core controlling lighting and smoke effects.

Turkish chef Serhat Karanfil oversees the kitchen and final presentation, occasionally adjusting the AI's recommendations. "If a dish is too spicy, I discuss it with Chef Aiman to find the right balance," he explained.

Cakir envisions Chef Aiman eventually becoming "the next Gordon Ramsay but in AI form."

However, not everyone in Dubai's culinary scene shares the enthusiasm. Michelin-starred chef Mohamad Orfali is skeptical. "There is no such thing as an AI chef," he said, emphasizing that cooking requires "nafas," an Arabic concept referring to a chefs soul and personal flair. AI lacks emotions and memories, he argued, and cannot infuse dishes with nafas. Orfali uses AI only for administrative tasks like scheduling and research at his Orfali Bros restaurant.

Still, Woohoo has drawn attention in Dubai, a city known for its technological innovations and extravagant lifestyle, where even AI has a dedicated minister. "Everyone is supporting these ideas here in Dubai," Cakir noted.

The restaurant has also generated social media buzz, with an Instagram account showcasing Chef Aimans avatar sharing tips and recipes. Customer Dio commented, "It is such a creative concept, so I had to experience it myself."

Analysis: The Role of AI in the Future of Culinary Arts

Dubai's latest dining venture, Woohoo, is sparking debate over the intersection of technology and traditional cooking. The restaurant, which claims to feature the world's first artificial intelligence chef, is reflective of the city's ever-growing appetite for innovation. While AI, embodied by Chef Aiman, is responsible for curating menus and refining flavors, the actual cooking and presentation are still handled by human chefs. This blend of human skill and AI assistance challenges conventional views on what defines the art of cooking.

Woohoo's approach to culinary innovation, featuring futuristic elements like AI-generated holograms and sci-fi animations, sets it apart in a city already known for its bold technological advancements. The unique concept of a "dinosaur tartare," inspired by extinct reptiles and designed by AI through DNA mapping, exemplifies how AI can push the boundaries of traditional cuisine. However, the dish, which combines molecular gastronomy techniques with a dramatic presentation, also raises questions about the emotional and cultural aspects of cooking. Is an AI-driven dish truly capable of conveying the personal touch that many chefs argue is essential to food?

Not all chefs are convinced of AI's potential in the kitchen. Michelin-starred chef Mohamad Orfali, for example, critiques the notion of an AI chef, insisting that cooking requires "nafas" — a term that refers to the soul or spirit of a dish. For Orfali, a human touch is irreplaceable, and AI's lack of emotional connection to food means it cannot fully replicate the essence of a chef's culinary artistry. While AI may excel at streamlining operations and assisting with recipe development, it cannot capture the deep connection between a chef and their craft.

Despite these concerns, Woohoo has attracted considerable attention, especially in a city like Dubai, where the fusion of luxury, technology, and innovation is deeply ingrained in the culture. As the culinary landscape evolves, restaurants like Woohoo could serve as a testing ground for how AI might enhance or transform the dining experience. While the future of AI in gastronomy remains uncertain, Woohoo's success points to a growing trend of experimentation that may shape the future of dining, blending the digital and the human in unexpected ways.

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• 'Dinosaur tartare' and holograms: Dubai AI chef sparks awe and ire