Our Story
A Journey of Sizzlers, Sweetness & Staying Power
Founded by Santhan Alva | Since 2004
Long before “Winny’s” became a beloved name in Dubai for sizzlers and plum cakes, a young man from Mangalore, Karnataka set out to support his morning college classes by working in Bombay’s bustling restaurant scene. That young man was Santhan Alva — a man who never intended to become a restaurateur, but whose passion for flavor, hospitality, and community would eventually lead to the creation of one of Dubai’s most enduring local favorites.
Santhan’s culinary journey began at Touché the Sizzler in Bombay — one of the original homes of the sizzler dish. What started as a student job turned into a lifelong love affair with food. He took his skills to Caesars in Kuwait, where he played a key role in launching their bakery division, a rare combination that would eventually define his unique business model: pairing a full-fledged bakery with a dine-in restaurant.
After arriving in Dubai in 1988, Santhan helped establish two joint ventures — Ginny’s and Pumpy’s — before founding Winny’s on July 25, 2004. For the first time in his life, he had a place that was entirely his own — a kitchen and storefront where he could express his creativity, serve the community, and build something lasting.
The name “Winny’s” is a tribute to his wife, Veronica — lovingly known as Winny — whose support has always been the quiet strength behind the scenes.
Built by Grit, Sustained by Love
While Winny’s had a strong following from Day 1 (thanks to loyal customers who followed Santhan from every step of his journey), it wasn’t without challenges. From hiring and training an entirely new team himself, to maintaining consistent quality year after year, Santhan has always gone the extra mile.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he personally implemented strict hygiene protocols and invested in state-of-the-art dishwashing equipment to ensure safety at every level. Most recently, Winny’s achieved the prestigious HACCP certification — a globally recognized food safety standard that very few restaurants in Dubai currently hold. As one of the early adopters of HACCP in the city, Santhan continues to lead by example, setting new benchmarks for safety and excellence.
“I want Winny’s to feel like home — where people come for the food and stay for the warmth.”
— Santhan Alva
A Slice of Home
Santhan’s love for Christmas plum cakes and nougat cakes continues to shape many of our signature offerings. Classics like Plum Cake, Nougat Cake, and Mango Cake remain all-time customer favorites — the kind of cakes people request year after year, and even carry with them to Canada, the U.S., and beyond.
At the same time, Santhan never stops innovating. The Pista Kunafa Cake, inspired by Dubai’s vibrant local flavors, is a perfect example of how we stay current with trends while preserving the heart of what makes Winny’s special.
More than anything, Santhan wants Winny’s to feel like home. A place where regulars walk in without a menu, where new faces feel like old friends, and where each dish carries the warmth of tradition with a touch of creative flair.
Always Just a Call Away
Ask any of our regulars, and they’ll tell you — Santhan still picks up the phone himself. Whether it’s a catering request, a special cake order, or just a hello, his phone never stops ringing.
And every call begins the same way —
“Good morning/afternoon/evening, Winny’s!”
Even when he’s talking to family.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand Winny’s to new locations by 2026, the future is full of flavor. But one thing will never change: Santhan’s belief that great food, made with care and served with love, will always bring people together.
Come hungry. Leave happy. Come back as family. That’s the Winny’s promise.