i. Biography
The contemporary Balkan register in Dubai gained measurable trade recognition through the cooking of Serbian chef Milan Jurkovic, including a MICHELIN Guide Dubai Bib Gourmand in 2023 for the restaurant and a broader audience for Balkan heritage in a modern dining format.
Career Arc
Formal training at Culinary arts academy in Novi Sad, Serbia, gave the work its Serbian base before it moved into the Dubai restaurant context through Milan Jurkovic’s rise as Sous Chef at 21grams Urban Balkan Bistro. The same Balkan kitchen now operates under his role as Executive Chef of 21grams, with parallel culinary direction overseer responsibilities at Piehaus and etar.
Where They Are Now
Balkan cuisine in Dubai is treated here as a working restaurant language rather than a museum version of regional food. In Milan Jurkovic’s cooking at 21grams, technique, memory, and contemporary service demands are held in the same frame. Chocolate baklava carries the house’s modern reading of a regional sweet: beloved, flaky, nutty, rich, and finished with the signature 21grams touch. Culinary direction across more than one Dubai address extends the same discipline beyond a single pass. Alongside the restaurant, Milan Jurkovic oversees culinary direction at Piehaus in Dubai and at etar in Dubai, with the emphasis kept on culinary direction rather than a separate ownership or management claim. Recognition is treated as fuel for the next service, not a finish line. As Milan Jurkovic put it: “Being listed on the respected @menas50best for the first time among these amazing restaurants is not just an achievement,it's the motivation we need to grow even more and keep this Balkan cuisine fairy tale going.” The hospitality aim is stated just as plainly: “What really matters to us, is that @21grams has become a place that feeds people's souls.”
Signature
Milan Jurkovic is known for Chocolate hazelnut baklava and Chocolate baklava. His craft focus includes sustainable kitchen practice.
Peer Recognition
Milan's honors include MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants placement (2024), Michelin Bib Gourmand (2023), 50 Best Discovery inclusion (2022), GreatList Guide Award (2024), and Gault&Millau listing (2022).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Milan
What does Milan Jurkovic currently do?
Milan Jurkovic is Executive Chef.
Where did Milan Jurkovic train or study?
Milan Jurkovic trained at Culinary arts academy in Novi Sad, Serbia.
What recognition has Milan Jurkovic received?
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants placement (2024).
