Chef’s Tasting Menu and Beverage Pairings Experience at Birch Dubai

Birch is a chef-owned gastronomic restaurant led by Chef Arslan Berdiev, located in the heart of Dubai at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC. Having trained in some of Europe’s most revered kitchens, including the three-Michelin-starred ABaC in Barcelona and Arzak in San Sebastián, Arslan draws on his Central Asian roots and Turkmen heritage to craft a cuisine that seamlessly weaves contemporary European, Asian, and other extraordinary influences.

At the heart of Birch is the Behind the Scenes project, a commitment to honoring the people whose work makes gastronomy possible: the farmers, fishermen, and artisans whose dedication often remains unseen. Each course in the tasting menu is accompanied by a card: on the front, the story of the dish; on the back, portraits of those behind it. Through these images and words, the journey of every ingredient is traced back to its true origin—human hands and honest craft.

Rooted in sustainability and human connection, Birch prioritizes local and ethical sourcing, including vegetables and honey from nearby farms. A whole-product philosophy guides the kitchen’s approach, transforming by-products into thoughtful uses across cuisine, design, and service. 

The Chef’s multi-course tasting menu unfolds as a carefully composed narrative, with each course offering moments of contrast, balance, and surprise. One course is prepared in the culinary laboratory, offering guests a glimpse into the restaurant’s experimental process. Curated beverage pairings, from elegant wines to inventive non-alcoholic selections, are thoughtfully designed to echo and elevate the flavors on the plate.