Shefali Singh, Bar Manager at Tresind Dubai
Follow her journey @sheffydrinks.
“No matter the culture, taking the time to listen, understand their preferences and craft an experience for them makes all the difference. Every bartender should remember that.”
Q? Let’s start from the beginning, what first pulled you behind the bar, and what kept you there?
SS. I was first drawn to the bar by my curiosity for flavours and the creativity involved in crafting drinks. What kept me there is the joy of creating memorable experiences for guests and the constant opportunity to learn and innovate. I started my journey back in 2011 with international quick service restaurants, after a couple of years I got the opportunity to work with a pub as a GRE (Guest Relationship Executive). That was the first time I saw the bar. I used to stand at the gate and keep watching bartenders doing magic behind the bar. That’s when I know that this is where I belong. Fun fact I got to know later that I was born on the “World Cocktail Day” which is 13th May.
Q? What was your journey from your home country to Dubai like, and what were the biggest surprises working in this market?
SS. My journey from India to Dubai has been incredibly rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to grow in a more diverse and dynamic hospitality environment. The biggest surprise was how vibrant and fast-evolving the Dubai bar scene is, with guests who truly appreciate creativity, presentation and storytelling behind every cocktail. And of course the pay is attractive.
Q? How would you describe the Dubai bar scene right now, and what makes it different from other cities you’ve worked in or visited?
SS. The Dubai bar scene is evolving rapidly, blending global techniques with regional flavours and storytelling. What makes it stand out is its diversity; bartenders from all over the world bring their own influences, while the guests are open-minded and curious, making it a truly international and experimental bar culture.
Q. What kind of bartenders thrive in Dubai, and what advice would you give someone from India aiming to work there?
SS. Bartenders who are passionate, adaptable and culturally aware thrive in Dubai. It’s a place that values professionalism, creativity and guest engagement. For someone from India aiming to work here, I’d advise being open to learning international standards, focusing on consistency and presentation and most importantly maintaining humility while showcasing your unique style.
Q. Has working in a multicultural environment changed your approach to hospitality or flavour?
SS. Yes, absolutely. Working in a multicultural environment has broadened my perspective on both hospitality and flavour. It taught me to understand diverse palates, respect different cultures and create drinks that connect with people from around the world while still keeping my own identity and roots in the glass.
Q. Can you share one skill or mindset that helped you stand out and grow your career internationally?
SS. One mindset that’s been key is curiosity. Always being eager to learn, experiment and
adapt. Coupled with consistency and attention to detail, it helped me stand out and grow in an international setting while staying true to my craft.
Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned from working with guests from so many cultures that every bartender should know?
SS. I’ve learned that every guest values a personal connection and thoughtful storytelling
behind a drink. No matter the culture, taking the time to listen, understand their preferences and craft an experience for them makes all the difference. Every bartender should remember that.
Q. What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about bartending in Dubai?
SS. One common misconception is that bartending in Dubai is all glamour and easy tips. In reality, it requires high levels of professionalism and leaving a mark. Some people think bartending in Dubai is all about high-end spirits and luxury, but much of the work is about precision, consistency and balancing flavours. Many believe that it’s easy to impress guests with expensive ingredients, but the reality is that skill, presentation and storytelling matter far more than price.
Q. Which cocktail, moment, or guest interaction best represents your journey so far?
SS. Crafting a cocktail inspired by Indian local spirits for an international guest and seeing their surprise and delight, perfectly represents my journey - bringing my roots into a global setting.
Q. And finally, what’s next for you, and what do you hope to see more of in the Dubai (and global) bar community?
SS. Next for me is continuing to push the boundaries of creativity and flavour, while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of bartenders. In Dubai and globally, I hope to see more innovation that blends local culture with international techniques, as well as a greater emphasis on sustainability and thoughtful guest-centred hospitality. World Class Studios are always a great source of inspiration on trends and techniques, I’m excited about the upcoming ones!
