عشق ISHQ للشيف بهاتيا 2026

ISHQ by Chef Bhatia in Dubai is an intimate Indian tasting menu for just 22 guests at Raffles Hotel in Wafi City, served nightly at 8pm from 10 November 2026 until 31 January 2027. Its full title, Love by the Course, says a lot about the idea: ISHQ means love, and every dish is built around memories, regional traditions and the stories behind them.

This is not a buffet or a quick dinner before a show. It is a single seating for 22 guests and a long evening of small courses led by Chef Nimish Bhatia. If you enjoy food that comes with a narrative, it is one to put on the list for the winter season.

About ISHQ by Chef Bhatia in Dubai

ISHQ is described by its organisers as an extraordinary sensory journey through India’s culinary heritage, where memories, regional traditions and contemporary gastronomy come together in a celebration of love. The journey runs from childhood memories through to royal Indian kitchens, and the promise is that every course tells a story.

Guests choose between two tasting menus: 13 courses or 19 courses. Both are offered in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, which is a thoughtful touch for mixed groups where not everyone eats meat.

The service is exclusive in the literal sense. There is one dinner a night, it starts at 8pm sharp, and only 22 seats are available. That keeps the room calm and lets the kitchen give each course proper attention.

Meet the Chef: Nimish Bhatia

Chef Nimish Bhatia is the host and storyteller of ISHQ. The menu he leads draws on India’s culinary heritage and its regional traditions, then presents them through contemporary gastronomy. The structure follows a thread of memory, from childhood dishes to the food of royal Indian kitchens, with each course carrying its own story.

That storytelling is the heart of the evening. Because the room holds only 22 guests, the presentations can happen close up, and the pace is set by the kitchen rather than by a rush of tables. The 19-course menu gives the fullest version of the journey, while the 13-course menu offers a shorter route through the same ideas for anyone who prefers a slightly lighter evening.

What to Expect at the Table

The evening is billed as a multisensory experience, and the details on the listing back that up.

Fragrance, smoke and texture

The organisers talk about an intimate culinary journey where fragrance, smoke, texture and storytelling awaken the senses. Expect courses that are as much about aroma and presentation as about flavour.

Scenography and tableside moments

ISHQ uses multisensory scenography and tableside presentations, so some of the theatre happens right in front of you. With only 22 guests, everyone has a good view.

Drinks pairings

A curated beverage pairing is available, with options for wine, mocktails or cocktails. That gives non-drinkers a pairing of their own rather than a single soft drink all evening.

The Venue: Raffles Hotel, Wafi City

Raffles Hotel is part of Wafi City in Dubai, and the dinner takes place within the hotel. The single 8pm seating and small room give the evening the feel of a private supper club rather than a busy restaurant. Transport is not included, so arrange a taxi or plan your drive in advance.

Who It Is For

ISHQ is aimed at diners who want an occasion rather than a casual meal. It suits:

• Couples marking an anniversary, birthday or special night out.
• Food lovers curious about regional Indian cooking beyond the usual restaurant menu.
• Small groups of friends who want to share a long, story-led dinner.
• Vegetarians, thanks to a dedicated vegetarian version of both menus.

Guests need to be aged 14 or over, so it is better kept for a grown-up evening than a family dinner with young children.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead: advance reservations are recommended, and with only 22 seats a night, popular dates will fill quickly.
• Share dietary needs early: let the team know about any dietary requirements when you book, not on the night.
• Arrive on time: the single service starts at 8pm sharp, and a tasting menu is hard to catch up on.
• Choose your length: decide between the 13-course and 19-course menus before you go, and think about whether you want a wine, mocktail or cocktail pairing.
• Know the cancellation terms: cancelling 96 hours or more before your dinner gets a full refund, 72 hours before gets a 50 per cent refund, and within 48 hours there is no refund.

Plan Your Evening

ISHQ runs nightly through to the end of January 2027, so there is time to pick a date that suits you, whether that is a quiet weeknight or a festive December evening. Browse more special dinners in our dinner and brunch section, find more things to do in Dubai, or see what else is happening this month in our things to do in November guide.

Ready for a dinner that tells a story? Pick your menu, choose your pairing and reserve one of the 22 seats at ISHQ by Chef Bhatia.