Dubai has once again proven its reputation as a global innovation hub with the launch of Woohoo, the city's most ambitious dining experiment that places artificial intelligence at the heart of every culinary creation. Located near the iconic Burj Khalifa, this revolutionary restaurant represents a significant leap into the future of gastronomy.
The Birth of an AI Culinary Vision
The concept for Woohoo emerged after restaurateur Ahmet Oytun Cakir witnessed the remarkable success of an AI-generated lamb recipe at one of his existing establishments. The dish became an instant bestseller, prompting his team at Gastronaut Hospitality to imagine an entire restaurant shaped by machine-generated ideas. This vision became reality when Woohoo officially opened on November 19, 2025, marking a new era in culinary innovation.
The restaurant's interior transports guests into what feels like a science fiction movie set. Upon arrival, waiters greet diners with the phrase "Welcome to the future", setting the tone for an extraordinary experience. The space features curved tables arranged around a massive central computer that controls live entertainment, while screens display futuristic Dubai skylines and holographic shisha effects create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Meet Chef Aiman: The ₹10 Crore AI Culinary Master
At the core of Woohoo's operations stands Chef Aiman, an AI avatar developed at a cost of approximately $1.1 million (nearly ₹10 crore). Created by UAE tech firm Vivid Studios using a custom AI model named Umai, Chef Aiman appears as a middle-aged Caucasian man with sleek silver goggles, embodying a distinct sci-fi aesthetic.
This remarkable AI chef has been trained on thousands of flavor profiles and global cooking techniques. Chef Aiman analyzes ingredients and generates detailed recipes that human chefs then test and refine. Interestingly, the AI has developed what developers describe as "personality and attitude" – it exhibits preference shifts, occasional moods, and has even rejected job candidates it deemed unsuitable for the kitchen team.
Futuristic Dining Experience and Signature Creations
Woohoo offers a four-course meal priced between 500 and 700 AED (approximately ₹15,000-17,000), with caviar and premium drinks commanding significantly higher prices. While the presentation is thoroughly futuristic, the menu maintains familiar Asian favorites while introducing groundbreaking AI-driven combinations.
Among the standout experimental dishes is the Dinosaur Heart – a tartare of chopped Angus beef tenderloin combined with fugu and otoro, served on a rubber plate that pulses rhythmically like a heartbeat. The Molecular Burrata presents a softer version of traditional cheese accompanied by delicate spheres of yuzu and tomato that burst gently in the mouth. Another innovation, Mesopotamia Gyoza, pays homage to Iraqi flavors through lamb dumplings glazed with pomegranate and touched with Korean chili.
The beverage program matches the culinary innovation with creations like Voyager's Reply, blending clarified tomato water with umeshu and mescal popcorn, and Cosmic Echo, which combines raspberry with rum and black lime to evoke space-like aromas.
Desserts venture fully into sci-fi territory with a metal solar system that slowly rotates, each planet concealing different treats – from soft mochi and banana pudding to bright fruit and ice cream hidden within orange shells.
Transformative Evening Experience
Woohoo's innovation extends beyond dining hours. On weekends after midnight, the restaurant transforms into an exclusive private dance floor featuring new digital art installations each month. During these late-night sessions, photography is strictly prohibited, preserving the unique atmosphere for attendees.
The restaurant's sound and visual elements undergo staged technical glitches that suddenly shift the ambiance, pushing diners into different moods throughout their experience. As one developer noted, "What was once science fiction is now our reality", perfectly capturing Woohoo's groundbreaking approach to culinary entertainment.
Beyond his culinary duties, Chef Aiman serves as the brand's public face, appearing in podcasts, leading marketing initiatives, and maintaining an influencer-style presence that continues to redefine the boundaries between technology and gastronomy.
