Chef Abhijit Saha – rated among India’s top ten chefs, has revealed Abu Dhabi could be the setting for his first signature restaurant outside of his home country.

Chef Saha, who owns and operates two critically acclaimed premium restaurants in Bangalore – ‘Caperberry’ and ‘Fava’ – and is Founding Director and Chef of bespoke catering outlet Avant Garde Hospitality, is an expert in regional Indian cuisine and classical and modern European cuisine.

“Here in India the profile of Abu Dhabi is currently very high with constant news about the investment being made into establishing the UAE capital as a premium luxury destination,” explained the Chef who’s also known for introducing molecular gastronomy technique into his traditional dishes.

“With the opening of so many beautiful hotels and visitor attractions, it is my belief that the UAE capital could be the ideal place for my first signature restaurant outside of India and I’ll be looking into opportunities as a priority while I’m there.”

Chef Saha will make his UAE capital debut during next month’s Gourmet Abu Dhabiculinary festival when he will be guest chef at the award-winning Ushna restaurant in Abu Dhabi’s Souk Qaryat Al Beri from February 11-14.

“I’m really looking forward to having the chance to rub shoulders with some of the world’s greatest chefs during Gourmet Abu Dhabi and take an in-depth look into the emirate’s flourishing hospitality industry that we hear so much about.”

Business, though, won’t be the only thing on Chef Saha’s agenda during his Gourmet Abu Dhabi stint – he’s excited about the chance to explore the city gastronomically.

“Whether it’s local street cuisine or fine dining, I really want the chance to soak up all the flavours for inspiration. Indian cuisine has been a strong influence on Emirati cuisine for many decades and I’d like to see if there are local elements and twists to recipes that I can perhaps take back to India with me to feature on my menus.”

A dedicated F1 aficiando, Chef Saha hopes to return to the UAE capital for the 2013 F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “In the meantime, I’ll settle for a spin on the rollercoasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,” he said.