Turning Japanese: The Best of Japanese Dining in Dubai
In recent years Japanese dining and restaurants has finally come into its own with sushi and sashimi bars sprouting up everywhere and there are few better places to sample the delights of authentic Japanese food than Dubai. From budget sushi outlets to the finest of fine dining experiences, Dubai offers it all.
Japanese cuisine has taken off big time, worldwide, over the last few years. From sushi chosen from the revolving bars in your local shopping mall to the high end restaurants which provide a superior restaurant experience in amazing surroundings, Dubai offers a taste experience to suit every pocket. Although sushi and sashimi are the culinary styles most people associate with Japanese food, the range is far wider and includes tempura, teppanyaki, robatayaki and more. In addition to restaurants offering authentic Japanese fare, a plethora of Japanese fusion restaurants throughout the city are presenting a distinctly modern take on traditional Japanese dishes.
Where better to start than with the elegant Armani Hashi, situated on the ground floor of the world famous Burj Khalifa? Here you can revel in the delights of the finest food Japan has to offer, while sitting in the shadow of the tallest building in the world. From a table on the restaurant’s panoramic terrace, you will also have the best seat in the house to enjoy the magical spectacle that is the Dubai fountain, while savouring some of the most beautifully presented, freshest Japanese dishes that you are likely to find anywhere. The fish used is flown in daily from various parts of the world and many of the choices on the menu, such as its legendary foie gras spring rolls, are unique to Hashi.
For the more traditional at heart, or for those who want to enjoy a real Japanese dining experience, look no further than Miyako, housed on the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency. Here, you can savour authentic fare in the traditional Tatami Room but be warned. Your shoes stay at the entrance! This is a bare-foot experience and great for those who enjoy dining, while sitting on the floor. Alternatives at Miyako are the communal Teppanyaki tables or the sushi and sashimi bar. If you are looking for authenticity, this is an excellent option.
A more economical choice is Benihana where entertainment comes as a side dish to your main course. While not offering the most exciting dishes from the land of the rising sun, the food is reliably good and the chefs put on a great performance.
However, for those of you whose curiosity cuisine-wise for dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun goes no further than sushi, you could do worse than the look at the well-known chains, such as Yo!Sushi, where the food is familiar, pretty predictable and is unlikely to break the bank.
Bon appetit or rather itadakimasu!
