A new milestone in a year marked by regional and international recognition
Dubai : Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, the visionary behind Dubai’s only dessert tasting menu experience, has been named Pastry Chef of the Year 2026 at the Gault&Millau UAE Awards Ceremony, held on 2 January 2026.
After refining her skills at renowned institutions such as The Fat Duck in the United Kingdom, and the legendary El Bulli in Spain, Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez brought her expertise to the UAE in 2019. Since then, she has transformed Dubai’s dessert culinary landscape with her inventive approach, redefining fine dining and elevating desserts to a central role.
This latest accolade adds to a growing list of international recognitions for Chef Carmen, who was previously named Best Pastry Chef MENA by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2025, and Best Pastry Chef Middle East by Tatler Dining Awards in the same year. Together, these honours reflect sustained excellence and highlights Chef Carmen’s lasting impact on the regional culinary scene.
Guests can experience Chef Carmen’s award-winning vision at BRIX Journey, currently presenting Voices of the Emirates – their latest experience inspired by the flavours, notes, and cultural nuances of the UAE. For those seeking a more relaxed visit, BRIX Journey also offers an à la carte menu – available Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00pm till 11:00pm, allowing diners to enjoy the experience at their own pace without committing to a set four-course journey.
