First Restaurant Run by AI Chef: How This Innovation Will Transform the Food Industry in Oman
In Dubai, dining might soon take on a new dimension with the opening of WOOHOO, a restaurant branding itself as “dining in the future.” Scheduled to open in September, WOOHOO is conveniently located near the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
At WOOHOO, while the food will still be prepared by humans for the time being, the overall dining experience—including the menu, ambiance, and service—will be crafted by an AI culinary model known as “Chef Aiman.”
Chef Aiman, a blend of “AI” and “man,” has been trained on decades of food science research, molecular composition data, and over a thousand culinary traditions from around the globe, according to Ahmet Oytun Cakir, one of the restaurant’s founders.
Though Chef Aiman lacks the ability to taste or smell, the model analyzes ingredients based on factors like texture, acidity, and umami, creatively combining them into unique flavors and dishes. These initial concepts are then fine-tuned by human chefs, who offer feedback, guided by acclaimed Dubai chef Reif Othman. Chef Aiman explained in a recent interview, “Their responses to my suggestions help refine my understanding of what works beyond pure data.”
The aim of Chef Aiman’s creators is not to replace the artistry of human chefs but to enhance it. “Human cooking will not be replaced, but we believe Aiman will elevate the ideas and creativity,” stated Cakir, who is also the CEO of the hospitality firm Gastronaut. Additionally, Chef Aiman is designed to create recipes that make use of commonly discarded ingredients, such as meat trimmings or fat.
Looking ahead, the founders of WOOHOO envision the possibility of licensing the Aiman model to restaurants worldwide, a move that could help reduce kitchen waste and enhance sustainability.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The emergence of AI-driven culinary innovations like WOOHOO in Dubai signals a transformative shift for businesses in Oman, particularly within the hospitality sector. The integration of technology presents opportunities for enhanced creativity and sustainability, allowing restaurants to innovate while minimizing waste. Smart investors should consider early partnerships with tech-driven culinary ventures, as the demand for unique dining experiences is likely to grow, promoting both efficiency and appeal in the competitive market.
English 
Arabic 
Persian