Tamoka at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai proudly announces the promotion of Chef Ze Sergio Hernandez Ruiz to the esteemed position of Chef de Cuisine. With this new role, Chef Sergio will continue to work closely with Executive Chef Tobias Pfister to further elevate Tamoka’s sustainable offerings and the rich culture and vibrant flavours of Latin American gastronomy.
With his passion for pushing boundaries in culinary creativity, Chef Sergio as Chef de Cuisine will prioritise the advancement of the hotel’s in-house vertical farming and the farm-to-table approach in dish curation, spotlighting his love for growing crops and farming.
Since joining the Tamoka tribe from its first opening in 2021 as Junior Sous Chef, Chef Sergio has played an integral role in the restaurant’s inception and growth. “From the beginning, I have been very excited to be part of this project and learn from each chef in the kitchen. I often say that I am a chef made from many chefs and being part of the Tamoka family fuels that.”
Chef Sergio began his culinary career in Mexico, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Gastronomy. Working as a Commis I at W Punta de Mita, he then served as Chef De Partie at Sobe Dubai Rooftop Lounge before joining the Tamoka tribe, providing leadership to kitchen staff, creating innovative dishes, and crafting special moments that elevate unique dining experiences for the Tamoka community.
Since joining Tamoka, his leadership, creativity, and dedication to presenting the highest food quality to guests have been instrumental in the kitchen and beyond, has earned Tamoka a variety of prestigious awards, including “Best Beach Bar Cana Beach” (Time Out 2023), “Tamoka’s Favourite North American & Caribbean Restaurant in Dubai” (Fact Dining Awards 2023), “Highly Commended Latin American Restaurant: Tamoka” (What’s On 2024) and “Winner For Best Luxury Outdoor Bar: Caña by Tamoka” (Hotel & Catering Middle East 2024).
Sergio Hernandez Ruiz comments: “Cooking allows me to express myself. It means a lot to me and it’s an avenue for me to tell my story, more than just a mix of ingredients! Cooking helps me to share a small part of me with others in the most authentic way so I am honoured to continue this journey at Tamoka. In my new role, I look forward to continuing our work in the kitchen, creating and offering something unique for our guests, and I can’t wait to develop all the sustainability initiatives we are implementing and encourage the whole Tamoka community to share the journey with us too.” Sergio Hernandez Ruiz adds.
Looking ahead to September, Chef Sergio hints at what is next for Tamoka. He plans to reimagine the menu with new dishes influenced by Latin American and Mexican flavours, utilise the vertical farm extensively for farm-to-table creations and enhance the grill and outdoor dining experiences. A traveller at heart, Chef Sergio seeks out hidden spots to discover authentic flavours and historical dishes, enriching Tamoka’s culinary offerings with his explorations.
Tamoka is not just a dining destination; it’s a journey through the cultures and flavours of the Caribbean’s Antillean islands. Join the Tamokan Tribe and immerse yourself in a culinary carnival brought to life with live music, al fresco dining and sublime beach vibes. Whether you’re enjoying a family gathering, a romantic date, or a night out with friends, Tamoka offers a unique and unforgettable experience to enjoy this summer.
Open daily from 12pm – 1am. For more information call 04 318 6099 or email reservations@tamokadubai.com or visit www.tamokadubai.com.
