i. Biography
"Honestly? It’s the soul, the vibe of COYA; from the food, authentic and contemporary beverages at the bar and the music." In COYA’s Middle East kitchens, the brief is not only plate construction but the total register of service: food, bar and music working in the same room. Benjamin Wan is Executive Chef Middle East at COYA across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, with a kitchen language shaped by colourful Latin American cuisine, contemporary Dubai flair and international flavours. Born in the UK to parents from Hong Kong, he works across a brand where Peruvian food is adapted to city, service and guest rhythm without losing its centre.
The Path
London fine-dining kitchens gave the early discipline: Benjamin Wan honed his craft as a chef at several Michelin-star restaurants in London, building the polish and precision that later carried into Dubai service. The Dubai progression moved through La Petite Maison, where he headed up the kitchen, before he became Head Chef at COYA Dubai. Today, Benjamin is Executive Chef of COYA Dubai.
The Work Today
The current role keeps the work close to COYA’s Peruvian food while also requiring consistency across cities, teams and guests with different rhythms. "The food we serve is light and healthy but with some intense flavours." As a production brief, that means freshness cannot read as thin, and brightness still needs force. At the Dubai restaurant, Benjamin Wan’s team creates colourful Latin American cuisine that combines contemporary Dubai flair with international flavours, allowing a dish to move between place, technique and appetite without losing its center. The specialty range is wide but precise.
Signature
Signature dishes include Three-step COYA experience: Trio de Maiz.
In Their Words “Honestly? It’s the soul, the vibe of COYA; from the food, authentic and contemporary beverages at the bar and the music.” “The food we serve is light and healthy but with some intense flavours.”
Acclaim
The dish reads as a compact map of the kitchen’s priorities: acid, heat, grain and fish held in balance.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Benjamin
What is Benjamin Wan's current role?
Benjamin Wan is Executive Chef Middle East at COYA.
Where did Benjamin Wan work before?
Earlier in their career, Benjamin Wan worked at Several Michelin-star restaurants, La Petite Maison, and COYA Dubai.
What is Benjamin Wan known for?
Peruvian food at COYA, including ceviches, tiraditos, tiger’s milk, meats from the Robata Grill and Josper, cazuelas and sweetcorn ice cream.
