Japanese cuisine offers an array of delectable dishes. However, one dish that always tops the list and is a treat for our taste buds is sushi. International Sushi Day, celebrated on 18 June, is a tribute to this iconic dish. While the global celebration emerged through social media activism by sushi fans, it is a much-deserved appreciation of this ancient culinary art form.
The dish, which originated in Asia as a method to ferment fish in rice, has gone through several transformations over the years. It is now typically made with vinegared rice and ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits. In fact, in the 8th century Japan, sushi served as a unique form of currency for the people. Offering a burst of subtle flavours, Connector rounds up ten places in Dubai to relish these 'shrimply' adorable rolls.
CLAP Dubai
CLAP Dubai, a sophisticated Japanese restaurant on Level 9, Gate Village 11, DIFC, offers a refined dining experience. With captivating city views and a skilled chef display in the open kitchen, you can indulge in a gastronomic journey with burst of Japanese flavours. The menu boasts exquisite sushi rolls like corn shrimp tempura, spicy tuna maki, lobster tempura, smoked salmon belly, among other options. Expect a price of approximately Dhs 600 for two.
www.claprestaurant.com
Karma Kafé
Nestled at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa, Karma Kafé offers a culinary experience featuring delightful Pan-Asian flavours and great views of Downtown Dubai. Kickstart your meal at Karma Kafé with edamame, followed by a sushi feast with options like salmon-sake nigiri, spicy tuna maki, truffle bluefin tuna maki, sea bass sashimi, and more. For a lavish treat, indulge in the Karma Kafé mixed platter priced at Dhs 575, offering around 38 mixed pieces of sashimi, nigiri, and maki. The average cost for two is Dhs 480.
www.karma-kafe.com
3Fils
Situated at the waterfront of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour in Jumeirah 2, 3Fils presents a modern Asian cuisine experience with a sumptuous selection of sushi. Infused with inspiration from Tokyo and the Far East, each dish offers a unique touch of the culinary team. Relish some offerings like salmon handroll, crispy eel, shroom tempura, otoro nigiri, and asparagus tempura, promising a delightful burst of flavours. The approximate cost for two is Dhs 200.
www.3fils.com
Mimi Kakushi
Step into the roaring 1920s reimagined through a Japanese lens at Mimi Kakushi, where Osaka’s jazz age glamour meets Dubai’s luxury dining scene. Located at Four Seasons Resort in Jumeirah 2, the retro interiors of the restaurant set the mood, but it’s the food that steals the show. With playful takes on Japanese staples, the sushi menu delivers bold creativity, from spicy tuna maki and prawn tempura rolls to rich nigiri featuring Japanese unagi and taraba, and more. A symphony of sour, spicy, and sweet flavours awaits. Expect to spend around Dhs 650 for two.
www.mimikakushi.ae
OKKU Dubai
Elegance meets precision at OKKU Dubai, a sleek Japanese dining spot at Marriott Resort, Palm Jumeirah, where expertly crafted sushi takes centre stage. The menu is a visual and culinary delight, offering standout sushi selections like wagyu, spicy salmon, king crab, and scallop. Sushi lovers can savour premium nigiri and sashimi rolls, including uni, hamachi, and taraba, alongside creative maki and temaki rolls like dynamite hotate, soft shell crab, and salmon avocado. With refined ambiance and flawless presentation, it’s a memorable experience. Approximate cost for two is Dhs 415.
www.okku.com
Zuma
In the realm of Japanese cuisine in Dubai, Zuma's sushi menu is known for its high quality and variety, offering a range of fresh sashimi and nigiri options. Enticing taste buds for over a decade, Zuma promises high-quality fare served in a vibrant setting. Opt for a seat near the sushi counter for a view of the skilled chefs at work. Located in Gate Village 06, DIFC, Zuma's menu is both comprehensive and alluring. Sushi lovers should try offerings like Zuma nigiri, chu toro sashimi, unagi nigiri, hirame sashimi, mixed sashimi chef’s selection, among others. The average cost is around Dhs 550 for two.
www.zumarestaurant.com
SUSHISAMBA
Perched on the 51st floor of The St. Regis Dubai The Palm, SUSHISAMBA presents breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, Ain Dubai, and the Dubai skyline. Combining Japanese tempura, sushi, Brazilian churrasco, moqueca, and Peruvian anticuchos, the menu caters to diverse palates. Sushi enthusiasts can relish options like akami sashimi, kanpachi nigiri, double toro sushi, and A5 Japanese wagyu beef sushi. The average cost for two is approximately Dhs 430.
www.sushisamba.com
Asia Asia
Asia Asia, located across Dubai in Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, offers a vibrant selection of sushi and Pan-Asian delights. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Spice Route, Asia Asia's sushi options include yellow tail nigiri, a mixed platter with 38 sushi pieces, duck and dragon maki roll, and vegetable maki roll, among other delectable options. The average cost for two is Dhs 150.
www.asia-asia.com
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Explore uniquely unconventional Japanese cuisine at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant helmed by the legendary Chef Reif Othman. With locations in Dar Wasl, Dubai Hills, and Time Out Market, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki offers a fresh and affordable twist on kushiyaki, the traditional Japanese skewered meats. Not just a restaurant, it's an experience. Indulge in soft shell crab maki rolls, hamachi sashimi, spicy salmon maki roll, and akami nigiri. Expect to pay around Dhs 185 to Dhs 220 for two people.
www.reifkushiyaki.com
Kanpai
Nestled in Souk Al Bahar, Kanpai is a Japanese restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, just steps away from Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. Kanpai promises a culinary adventure of traditional Japanese dishes in a contemporary yet inviting atmosphere. The menu features various sushi options, including must-tries like prawn tempura maki, lava maki, and spicy maguro sake maki. Sushi enthusiasts can indulge in sharing platters including chef's specials, nigiri platter, vegan maki platter and more. Average cost for two is around Dhs 480.
www.kanpaime.com