Johnny Depp Enjoys Gourmet Meal Prepared by Israeli Chef in Shanghai

Hollywood actor Johnny Depp was recently hosted for an exclusive gourmet meal in Shanghai by acclaimed Israeli chef Shahaf Shabtai. Shabtai, known locally as the chef of the Tel Aviv restaurant Pop & Pop and head chef for Arkia Airlines, prepared a special menu for Depp at the Mess Restaurant, located within the Mam Shanghai Museum. Depp was in the Chinese city for his private art exhibition.

The elaborate meal featured creative dishes such as crispy Brazilian bread with parmesan, rich pea soup with coconut foam, a "tiramisu" of Yellow Tail fish with pineapple salsa, and a main course of tender filet mignon with root vegetable puree, port reduction, and miso.

Depp was reportedly highly impressed with the meal, requesting to meet Shabtai at the end of the dinner. The actor lavished praise on the chef for the unique flavors and even extended an invitation for Shabtai to cook for him at future events.

This encounter adds to Shabtai's international successes, representing Israeli cuisine to prestigious global audiences. The article also notes Depp's ongoing Hollywood comeback, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming in August 2026 that talks are underway for Depp's return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film.