Darren Andow Recognized in Hozpitality’s Best 30 Powerlist of Chefs in the Middle East 2025

Darren Andow, the esteemed Culinary Director of Fairmont The Palm, has been recognized in Hozpitality’s Best 30 Powerlist of Chefs in the Middle East for 2025. With over 15 years of experience leading kitchen brigades across luxury brands in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Darren has established himself as a maestro of the culinary arts, orchestrating flavors and experiences that leave a lasting impression.  

Darren’s culinary journey began in 2007 with Rotana Hotels, where he oversaw the pre-opening of seven properties. His expertise in kitchen design, team recruitment, menu engineering, and conceptualizing departmental plans has been instrumental in transforming culinary visions into thriving realities. In 2013, Darren was head-hunted to lead the opening of Langham Place in Ningbo, China, where his leadership resulted in the Ming Court restaurant achieving over RMB 1M/month in revenue within its first three months—a reflecting his strategic brilliance and culinary mastery.  

Currently, as the Culinary Director at Fairmont The Palm in Dubai, Darren oversees culinary operations across 12 restaurants and bars, including events and catering operations. His leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the highest brand standards while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Under his guidance, Fairmont The Palm has achieved a remarkable 97% Employee Engagement Score (EES) and introduced innovative food-delivery concepts, such as the Michelin-acclaimed Little Miss India.  

Darren’s tenure at Fairmont The Palm has been marked by numerous accolades and recognitions. Mashrabiya won the Best Afternoon Tea 2023 award from BBC Good Food Dubai, while Little Miss India earned a spot in the Michelin Guide 2023. BA Boldly Asian was nominated for Pan Asian Restaurant 2023 by BBC Good Food Dubai, and Frevo was ranked among the Top 5 Experiential Restaurants in 2023 by the same publication. Little Miss India also secured a Top 5 spot for Indian Restaurant 2023 by BBC Good Food Dubai, and BA Boldly Asian was nominated for Casual Dining Brunch 2023.  

Additionally, Little Miss India was nominated for Indian Restaurant 2023 at the FACT Awards Dubai, and BA Boldly Asian was nominated for Fusion Restaurant 2023 at the same awards. BA Boldly Asian was also nominated for Best Evening Brunch 2023 by What’s On Dubai, while Little Miss India was Highly Commended at the Zomato Restaurant Awards Dubai in 2023.  

In 2024, Mashrabiya Lounge was recognized for Favourite Afternoon Tea by BBC Good Food and What’s On, and BA Boldly Asian was Highly Commended as an Asian Restaurant by What’s On. Frevo received recognition at the World Culinary Awards, and Mashrabiya Lounge won Favourite Afternoon Tea at the What’s On Awards 2024. Little Miss India was again featured in the Michelin Guide 2024, while BA Boldly Asian was Highly Commended as the Favorite Asian Restaurant at the What’s On Awards 2024. Little Miss India was also Highly Commended as Favorite Indian Restaurant (Above AED 400) at the same awards.  

At the Hozpitality Awards 2024, Little Miss India won Gold for Restaurant of the Year (Fine Dining), and BA Boldly Asian was Highly Commended for Best Evening Brunch at the What’s On Awards.  

Darren’s innovative culinary strategies, commitment to excellence, and exceptional leadership have not only elevated the dining experiences at Fairmont The Palm but have also significantly enhanced the reputation of the outlets he oversees. Hozpitality Group is pleased to recognize Darren Andow’s achievements as part of the HozpitalitysBest30 initiative, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the culinary arts and the hospitality industry.