Meet Neha Mishra: The Indian-born ramen queen behind UAE’s Best Restaurant 2026

Ramen is among the most popular dishes, making its way into people’s hearts and minds and often onto café tables, especially among the young, who have been trying all sorts of flavours, from carbonara to classic miso and shoyu.Though slurping ramen in Dubai's buzzing food scene feels worlds away from fine-dining flash, one cosy spot has just stolen the spotlight, where an Indian-born chef is serving world-class ramen.

Who is Neha Mishra?

Neha Mishra is an unconventional chef, an Indian-born innovator serving exceptional ramen in Dubai and attracting attention from diners across the UAE.She left a film production role to pursue her passion for noodle perfection.

According to an NDTV report, her restaurant, Kinoya, a Japanese izakaya, has been named the Best Restaurant in the UAE for 2026 by the esteemed 50 Best rankings, setting an example that dedication can surpass formal credentials.Raised in Dubai with Indian roots, Neha is entirely self-taught. She blends cultures while preserving authenticity and did not pursue formal education in culinary school.Today, with locations from The Greens to Harrods in London, she is serving Japanese cuisine to a global audience.

Supper clubs that sparked the fire

In the mid-2010s, Mishra hosted invite-only ramen nights at home as 'A Story of Food.' Small at first, word spread, serving thousands over the years in a low-pressure setup perfect for tweaking recipes. Kinoya opened its doors in 2021, keeping that intimate ramen core.

Ramen rules the menu

As an izakaya with an open kitchen and chef's counter, Kinoya focuses on select broths for balance and depth. Informal seating pairs with comforting options.

It expanded to a London Harrods ramen bar in 2023, boosting its profile.

Neha has reputed accolades to her name

Since 2021, Kinoya has snagged a Michelin Bib Gourmand in Dubai and consistent MENA 50 Best placements leading up to 2026.Kinoya upholds the core values from its early days. Chef Neha stays deeply involved in the kitchen, ensuring steady consistency and precise execution over quick changes or flashy overdoes.