Dubai’s growing appetite for clean and conscious food is set to get a new champion. Shivani Sharma, founder of Maison Gourmestan, is preparing to introduce her millet-focused gourmet brand to the Middle East, beginning with Dubai. Known for her ability to reimagine traditional grains with a global touch, Sharma has already built a strong following in India among celebrity clients and health-conscious urban consumers.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu London, Sharma first gained traction with a cloud kitchen before formally launching Maison Gourmestan. Her philosophy has been simple yet powerful: spotlight locally grown ingredients sourced from mindful farmers and elevate them with refined culinary techniques. This approach has made millets, once considered niche, into coveted staples for a new generation of consumers seeking both nutrition and taste.
In Dubai, Maison Gourmestan plans to experiment with multiple formats, including quick-service restaurants, food trucks, and a fresh line of FMCG products. Sharma says the intent is to transform packaged foods by removing the dependence on preservatives and delivering freshness without sacrificing convenience. The brand will debut with a millet batter, followed by a series of new launches designed to position millet-based products as everyday kitchen essentials.
The expansion comes at a time when the UAE’s health and wellness food market is booming. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the segment was valued at USD 16.51 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 11.74 percent through 2032. Globally, the whole millet market is estimated at USD 38.9 billion, while packaged millet foods account for around USD 42 million. Rising demand for nutrient-dense and sustainable foods provides a strong tailwind for Maison Gourmestan’s entry.
“Dubai is ready for a new kind of gourmet that blends indulgence with responsibility,” Sharma said, expressing confidence that her millet-first vision will resonate with Middle Eastern consumers.
