Reif Othman is the Singapore-born, Dubai-based chef and restaurateur behind Hotaru Holdings, spanning REIF Japanese Kushiyaki, TERO, SIO Ramen House, KO.NA Pizza House and his first bakery concept, CRISP.

Morning routine & non-negotiables

My mornings start early. Coffee first, then checking what’s happening across the restaurants and making sure the important things are moving. I like to have a clear idea of what I need to achieve that day. My biggest non-negotiation is probably good coffee and good energy.

Currently listening to…

Podcast. The Diary of a CEO by Steve Bartlett.

Drink order

Cortado or Piccolo with low-fat milk. I’m quite particular about my coffee, especially in the morning.

Your favourite restaurant in the UAE and elsewhere in the GCC

Oriental Fusion in JLT

If you could only dine on dishes from one TV series, which would you choose?

The Bear. It’s probably the obvious answer for a chef, but I love the way food, pressure, family and the restaurant world are all intertwined. And honestly, there are a lot of dishes in there I wouldn’t mind eating.

3 fridge staples

Eggs, pickles, and chilli. You can always create something with those three.

Favourite comfort food

Noodles. Whether it’s ramen, fried Asian noodles or something completely simple at home, noodles are probably my ultimate comfort food.

Top culinary destination – where to eat and what to order?

Tokyo. I could spend weeks there just eating. Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, ramen, soba, izakaya food — everything.