MEET THE CHEF: Eka Mochamad of At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa, the World’s Tallest Skyscraper, in Dubai, UAE
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5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Eka Mochamad of At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rising nearly 500 feet from the ground, At.mosphere sits on 122nd floor of the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa — complimenting an exquisite array of gastronomical wonders with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
The world’s highest restaurant from ground level, this exclusive, award-winning fine dining restaurant boasts a critically acclaimed menu of exclusive creations, delighting visitors with its ambience, delectable food and impeccable service.
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I grew up in Indonesia, and traveling back home always inspired me and shaped my culinary philosophy, in Asia, the food is cultural, it is very dynamic and harmonious in taste. I always add a hint of it to the rich French cuisine that I have learned over the last 15 years.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.
I don’t cook to impress, I cook to please anyone who eats my food. This is why I am carefully choosing the ingredients we are using in At.Mosphere, thinking thoroughly to make the food combination come into our senses.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
I love hamachi, it is so delicate, silky and very smooth in texture. It is very flexible as well to be applied to any cuisines of your liking.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Fleur de sel, chocolate and cream.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
Your eyes will tell your brain what to eat and what not. I do believe the presentation of the dish is significantly important, as much as the taste of the dish. The one thing I like about plating and designing a dish is that it showcases the chefs’ behind the restaurant as an unspoken message on how we took our profession seriously, and we are committing to pleasing those who came to enjoy the food.
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
Hamachi with compressed chocolate seeds. It is not something you will see regularly everywhere.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
What is one of your greatest accomplishments and/or recent awards you've earned?
2022 Gault-Millau, 2 Toques 14/20
Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant 2023
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
Classical cooking in a more avant-garde and modernized design.
At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?
I don’t drink, but fresh orange juice will just do fine by me.
What do you love about being the Executive Chef of At.mosphere Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates?
In At.Mosphere, it’s a very dynamic environment—is not every day you visit the highest restaurant in the world, for this reason, we are always striving to deliver memorable dining experiences. Being a chef in such an iconic restaurant is a very attractive challenge I have found on a daily basis.
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