The Best Spots for Asian Food in Dubai

Daikan is a relaxed ramen spot tucked away in the back of a residential tower in Dubai. People often say it serves some of the tastiest ramen around. It’s a welcoming place to drop by for a comforting meal in a casual setting.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A low-key, casual ramen spot in the back of a residential tower. Daikan cooks some of Dubai’s best ramen in my opinion particularly the spicy chef’s special and a rich, creamy shoyu ramen. Other dishes like the miso aubergine and the chicken katsu bao with kimchi are worth ordering. I have to limit myself to eating here no more than once a week!

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Din Tai Fung - Mall of Emirates is known for its friendly service, fair pricing, and consistently good food. It offers a comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy a meal at any time. Located in Dubai, it’s a reliable choice whenever you’re looking for a welcoming dining spot.

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Pallavi Sangtani

Foodie

They may not serve Pork XLB here - But the Din Tai Fung in Dubai still has impeccable service, great pricing and good food.

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Hawkerboi – The Park JLT in Dubai brings a lively street-food vibe to a comfortable setting, complete with an open kitchen and a fully licensed bar. Neon signs, upbeat music, and outdoor terraces make it an inviting spot to enjoy fresh, bold flavors inspired by the Far East.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

All the Asian favorites on the menu This restaurant is very close to my heart because I spent many years living in the Far East. Five of these years were in Singapore where the hawker stall culture rules. Looking at the menu took me back to those years. The restaurant is beautiful and is fully licensed which is a rarity for a free standing structure in Dubai. The staff is awesome as is the ambiance. They went with mood lighting and music as opposed to Instagram friendly lighting. I took the photos at the kitchen counter (the pass). The food was / is excellent! We were 4 at dinner and had many dishes and loved them all with the exception of the chicken which we found on the bland side. The duck was excellent as were the prawn satay skewers, the calamari, the chicken wings, the beef noodles, the spicy beef salad and the dim sum including the duck gyozas. This restaurant is a winner and I can't wait to go back.

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Mimi Kakushi brings a welcoming taste of 1930s Japan to Dubai’s Four Seasons Jumeirah, blending glossy woods, warm lighting, and stylish décor. Created in collaboration with the La Cantine team and local chef Reif Othman, it offers a fresh spin on Asian-inspired cuisine in a popular dining spot. Bookings are recommended, as it’s quickly becoming a favorite among those looking for something new in the city.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Mimi Kakushi is a brand new opening in Dubai Jumeirah’s Four Seasons hotel combining the best of the La Cantine restaurant group in consultation with local talent, Reif Othman. The stunning decor channels early 1930s Japan with glossy woods, portraits, palm leaves and warm lighting. Mimi Kakushi injects much needed innovation into Dubai’s Asian food scene evolving now stalwart classics with twists. Menu highlights included the wagyu foie gras gyozas with refreshing pickled cucumber and truffle soy butter. A delicious Kagoshima wagyu maki roll with sukiyaki sauce in an onsen egg dip. Lighter dishes included a smashed hamachi with yuzu guacamole, crispy nori and yuzu soy and the generously portions king crab with mizuna, crisp baby potatoes and wasabi dressing. As with many restaurants that focus on small plate dining in Dubai, The bill can add up quickly as you collect a number of small plates to eat. However many dishes stay impressively below 100 dhs. Bookings are absolutely essential as this brand-new restaurant is very popular in an already popular cul de sac of high-end restaurants in Dubai.

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Nama Yoso is a casual Japanese spot in a neighborhood mall, led by the renowned Chef Reif Othman. The restaurant has a comfortable, welcoming feel, with raw, natural accents and an ocean-inspired color palette. Its contemporary approach to traditional recipes makes it a relaxed place for get-togethers in the heart of Dubai.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

A casual, unlicensed Japanese restaurant under the helm of one of the region’s most lauded chefs placed inside of a neighbourhood mall where you would not typically expect seafood gyozas, fatty otoro or wagyu, aburi nigiri and fresh crab salads, but nonetheless this and more is available in spades.

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Nine Squares Restaurant (Jumeirah Branch) in Dubai offers a friendly atmosphere with attentive staff. The new location is easy to reach, making it a convenient place for casual get-togethers. It’s a relaxed spot to enjoy a meal without any fuss.

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Pallavi Sangtani

Foodie

The best hotpot in Dubai! Loved the buns with condensed milk. The staff is great and this new location is easily accessible. We ordered the dual hot pot - One spicy and one mushroom based, really enjoyed both!

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Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills is a casual, licensed spot that puts a modern spin on Japanese dining. The menu takes inspiration from Chef Reif Othman’s inventive approach and often sees new creations. It’s a relaxed, neighborhood setting where you can drop by and enjoy something different each time.

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Liam Collens

Writer @itsliamcollens

Casual, elevated Japanese dining with a modern twist - and licensed! Reif expands his reach with a new kushiyaki in residential Dubai Hills offering a licensed casual restaurant (rare in Dubai) turning out the sublime like their seared prawn toast, cauliflower black sesame kushi, chicken or wagyu sandos and duck ramen with a broth so thick, you could walk across it. It’s a run don’t walk situation. I’ve been every week since its opened.

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Streetery JLT is a relaxed Asian spot in Dubai offering street-style food inspired by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Visitors appreciate the variety of dishes that keeps things interesting on each visit. It’s a comfortable place to explore different flavors in a casual setting.

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Pallavi Sangtani

Foodie

Fav casual Asian spot in Dubai. Authentic and true street style food from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and more. You will not get tired of sampling their menu options!

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TÀN CHÁ Restaurant in Dubai provides a cozy yet stylish setting for enjoying modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. The warm interior extends to a terrace with a canal view, paired with a relaxed musical backdrop. Whether you’re gathering with friends or marking a special occasion, the inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it an appealing choice.

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Zoe Bowker

Food Consultant

If you’re looking for great dim sum in Dubai, make this your next stop. Newly opened Tan Cha is delivering divine dim sum and creative cocktails in a stylish, yet cosy setting. Don’t miss their wagyu bumblebee buns, cordyceps dumplings and mushroom cheung fun. There’s a lovely terrace up top with a canal view, and the DJ has got the tunes (and volume) spot on. Be prepared to drown everything in their house made XO, it’s sensational.

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TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant in Dubai is recognized in the 2023 Michelin Guide and is known for using premium ingredients brought in directly from Japan. Led by experienced chefs specializing in omakase and top-grade wagyu, the restaurant highlights a refined yet welcoming vibe. Guests can expect attentive service and a focus on fresh, high-quality produce.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

High end Japanese sushi and wagyu restaurant. They use the highest quality produce flown in from Japan.

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