JOALI BEING announces an exclusive culinary partnership with acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung, the award-winning pioneer of Third Culture cuisine recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Taking place from 18 to 22 February, the collaboration invites guests to come together to celebrate renewal, connection, and togetherness through a thoughtfully curated culinary journey.
Born in Canada, raised in Chicago, and now based in Dubai, Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary philosophy is shaped by a life lived across cultures. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and classical French training, his cuisine reflects a deeply personal narrative rooted in memory, movement, and meaning. His instinctive and balanced approach aligns seamlessly with the spirit of Lunar New Year and JOALI BEING’s philosophy of well-living through intentional and conscious experiences.
The collaboration unfolds across JOALI BEING’s signature dining spaces, offering a curated programme of shared dining experiences, immersive workshops at the Culinary Learning Centre, and interactive culinary moments. Guests are invited to experience food as both nourishment and a meaningful expression of creativity, presence, and joy. Rooted in sustainability, the partnership highlights thoughtfully sourced local and global ingredients, crafted with respect for nature and shared moments around the table.
Programme highlights include exclusive dinners featuring Chef Kelvin’s signature Third Culture creations, where flavours transcend borders and traditions. Hands-on cooking classes allow guests to explore his culinary perspective through interactive learning, while a dedicated kids-only cooking class encourages young guests to reimagine familiar dishes through playful experimentation—an experience inspired by Chef Kelvin’s own journey cooking with his son.
Chef Kelvin Cheung’s residency forms part of JOALI BEING’s wider Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring festive dining, hot pot gatherings, masterclasses, tea rituals, and celebratory culinary moments over a two-week period. Designed for guests of all ages, the celebrations extend beyond dining to include wellbeing rituals, marine adventures, recreational sports, interactive workshops, and sunset gatherings—creating a holistic island-wide experience rooted in joy and connection.
Guests travelling as families or groups can further enhance their stay with JOALI BEING’s Residence Escape Offer, designed for extended stays in the island’s three- and four-bedroom residences, offering unhurried living and meaningful shared moments throughout the season.
