In this Local Icon series, Chef Haddad shares his favourite restaurant, go-to takeaway order, and more!
Solemann Haddad, the visionary behind Moonrise in Dubai, is a Michelin-recognised chef who brings together Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours. His intimate 12-seat chef’s table, awarded a Michelin star and listed in the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, offers a dining experience rooted in the city’s culture.
Morning routine?
I wake up around 12:30 pm- chefs’ hours, obviously. The first thing I do is shower, sort my hair, and get dressed in freshly ironed clothes, always. It takes me about an hour to get fully ready. I like showing up to work feeling good and put together. For me, it’s not just about looking sharp- it’s about mentally preparing for service. That routine is my reset button.
Currently reading?
I only read cookbooks. I don’t have the attention span for fiction. Eleven Madison Park: Volume 1 is still my all-time favourite. It’s a beautiful book but also incredibly precise. That level of detail has always inspired me.
I love creating…
Pasta, especially when the sauce is the star. At Moonrise, we do a shiitake Alfredo that’s rich, umami-packed, and unapologetically indulgent.
Fridge staples?
Of course, I’d say the essentials are butter, olive oil and salt – but staples in my apartment, you’ll always find Maggi liquid MSG in a bottle, za’atar and Parmigiano; we’re all about maximum flavour.
Your favourite UAE hotspot?
I’ve been loving MANÃO – it’s got this beautiful balance of bold flavours and refined technique. It’s the kind of food that makes you stop and think for a second.
Drink Order?
A Double shot iced latte with Oatly.
Go-to takeaway?
Biryani. Always. If I’m ordering in, it’s Behrouz for that solid, reliable fix. But if I’ve got time to swing by Karama, it’s Pak Liyari or Malabar Tiffin House. Those places know what they’re doing.
If you could only dine on dishes from one series…
The dishes from Mise en Place by Eater on YouTube. Those behind-the-scenes glimpses into kitchens and processes – that’s my idea of delicious food and great storytelling.
Favourite dining experience?
Row on 45, Kitchen Table, and The Ledbury. All three are very different but share the same DNA: punchy flavours, incredible sauces, and top-tier ingredients. Kitchen Table reminds me of Moonrise in a way – there’s that bit of rock and roll in the atmosphere. But Row on 45 and The Ledbury? They’re just razor-sharp. So tight, so refined.
Most played artist on Spotify?
Daft Punk is an all-time favourite. Search ‘Moonrise Dining Room’ for a peek into what I like and what we play during service – think Nicolas Jaar, Quantic, L’Impératrice, Buena Vista Social Club; global influences with a chilled-out, moody yet sophisticated vibe.
Top culinary destination?
Japan, hands down. You can eat literally anywhere, and it’ll be amazing. One of my favourite things is going to Toyosu Market at 5 am and just diving into whatever’s fresh. The ingredients are taken care of with such respect – it’s something I’ll never get over.