Spanish chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez wins Gault & Millau UAE’s Pastry Chef of the Year 2026

Spanish chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez has today been named Pastry Chef of the Year 2026 by Gault & Millau UAE at a ceremony in Dubai. The award recognises Rueda Hernandez’s ongoing contributions to the region’s culinary scene, particularly through her work at BRIX Journey, a Dubai-based dessert bar known for its innovative approach to pastry. The chef’s achievements are expected to influence further innovation in the region’s dessert scene and encourage more female chefs to pursue leadership roles in gastronomy. 

Rueda Hernandez, originally from Spain, has become a prominent figure in the Middle Eastern fine dining sector. Her approach is unique and innovative, blending technical skill with emotional and cultural storytelling. At BRIX Journey, where she places desserts at the forefront of the dining experience, she is credited with redefining the traditional role of pastry in high-end restaurants.

The award is regarded as a significant marker of achievement within the region’s hospitality industry. The organisation cited Rueda Hernandez’s “sustained excellence” and “growing regional impact” as key reasons for her selection. Her work is seen as influential in shaping contemporary dessert trends and elevating the profile of female chefs in a traditionally male-dominated field. The team at BRIX Journey highlighted Rueda Hernandez’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of her craft, saying, “Chef Carmen continues to redefine the role of pastry through a bold, narrative-driven approach that challenges traditional formats”.

This latest accolade adds to a year of significant recognition for Rueda Hernandez and marks her third recent major accolade, following honours from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Tatler Dining. This has further cemented her reputation as a leader in her field, and industry observers note that her influence extends beyond the kitchen, as she continues to mentor young chefs and advocate for greater diversity in the culinary sector.

Food Desk

For further information about Carmen Rueda Hernandez, visit the chef’s Instagram here.

For further information about the Gault & Millau UAE awards, visit the organisation’s website here.

For further information about BRIX Journey, visit the restaurant’s website here.