Jun’s Dubai: Our Second First Impression

Ok, I need to be really honest. The first time I went to Jun’s was after I had seen a reel about their gluten-free pancake covered in chocolate chips that looked delicious; I decided to try it for brunch on a random Sunday.

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Don’t get me wrong, the pancake was soft, with a particularly nice texture for a gluten-free rendition of this breakfast favorite; but deep down I thought to myself: that couldn't be what was getting everyone raving about Jun's, could it?

By Cynthia Jreige

Jun’s is Dubai’s home for bold, boundary-breaking flavours. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, and Gault & Millau, the restaurant redefines modern fine dining with a spirit of playfulness and innovation. Located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, with sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, Jun’s serves inventive, borderless cuisine that surprises, delights, and connects people through flavour.

Hailing from Canada by way of India, Singapore, and Hong Kong, Chef Kelvin Cheung is a Chinese-Canadian who grew up in the kitchen. A third-generation chef, he spent most of his childhood training for a life of cooking around the world — a life that’s reflected in every dish he creates. His style draws inspiration from his Chinese heritage, his North American upbringing, and his French training, all while sourcing the freshest ingredients from local farms. His menu is deeply personal, built on his own adventures and stories, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and entirely new.

We were slightly intimidated by the 13 courses ahead of us — but oh, so ready to dive in. From the first pani puri with butter-poached lobster, achari, tamarind, and agua, we understood we were in for a real treat. How can a one-bite delicacy hold so much flavor? Ok gluten-free pancake, you have some serious competition here, and quite frankly, you’re kind of already forgotten.

From there, it just kept getting better.
Chef Kelvin came to introduce each dish with a little backstory each time, which truly added to the experience. We felt transported to the four corners of the world he’s lived in with a few words and a mouthful. Delicate, experimental yet traditional, by dish six we felt like everything we were served was our favourite. By the time we reached dish seven, feeling our stomachs starting to flirt with the waistband of our pants, the verdict was already clear: this is perhaps the best tasting menu in town. How dared we not give Jun’s the chance it clearly deserves?

Even for someone who usually doesn’t love dessert, I could probably now be considered a sweet tooth after I left no crumbs devouring that ube brûlée tart we were served as an extra. Because yes, the note I had mentioning my husband was celebrating a milestone that night was actually taken into account — which I don’t find to be the case very often.
That goes to say, the impeccable service and attention to detail are also very much part of the experience at Jun’s. The immersion into the world of Chef Kelvin is evident from the moment you pass through the doors: a mix of cultures, styles, and eras that somehow blend wonderfully well together — but also a feeling of being warmly welcomed into his home. A Dubai home he’s shaped over the past few years and that has now expanded to a new venture, 382, a bakery nestled in the heart of the city that you can bet we’ll be rushing to the minute we get a chance.

Chef Kelvin’s larger-than-life personality shines through every interaction, matched only by his down-to-earth approach and genuine passion for connection — qualities that have earned him a devoted following across the region. Having cooked for everyone from NBA players at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he remains deeply rooted in community and sustainability, often participating in initiatives like the Soneva Maldives regenerative dining program.

As for Jun’s, the restaurant has just introduced a brand-new tasting menu, teasing us to come back sooner rather than later. And this time, we won’t wait another year and a half.

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More info on JunsDubai.com