A former cabin crew member of Emirates has successfully transformed her love for Asian cuisine and baking into one of Dubai’s most popular Korean-inspired café brands. Jennifer Hsu, the founder of Gato, began her journey during the Covid-19 pandemic by baking from her home kitchen and sharing her creations with friends and customers across the city. What started as a small passion project soon grew into a thriving café business, leading to the launch of her first physical outlet in 2021.
Originally born in Jakarta and later trained in professional baking in Sydney, Jennifer’s career with Emirates allowed her to travel extensively throughout Asia, where she explored a wide variety of culinary traditions and emerging food trends. Inspired by flavours and café cultures from South Korea, Japan, and China, she introduced unique menu items that quickly attracted food lovers in Dubai. Her café has since gained popularity for its signature Korean salt bread, fresh strawberry cakes, speciality desserts, and creative all-day dining options that combine comfort food with modern Asian influences.
Jennifer shared that Dubai played a major role in helping her turn her vision into reality, offering the support and multicultural environment needed to build a successful food brand. She wanted to create a welcoming café experience that reflects both Asian food culture and contemporary café aesthetics, giving customers a unique dining atmosphere. Over the years, Gato has grown into a favourite destination for residents and visitors alike, with many praising its innovative menu, cosy ambiance, and distinctive flavours inspired by Jennifer’s travels and personal experiences.
