DUBAI: Orestis Kotefas, global executive chef of Dubai’s GAIA and Sirene by GAIA, shares a watermelon salad recipe.
“This recipe was selected for its simplicity, reflecting GAIA’s approach to letting ingredients speak for themselves,” he said.
Born in Greece, Kotefas grew up among olive groves and farmland in a family deeply connected to food — his father a cheesemaker and his mother a cook. Early exposure to local producers and home cooking instilled a respect for quality ingredients, simplicity and bold flavours that continue to shape his culinary approach today.
Sharing meals is central to Greek culture, where families and communities come together over home-cooked food as part of everyday life. Kotefas seeks to bring that same spirit to GAIA, recreating the warmth and connection for every guest who walks through its doors.
Ingredients:
