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Reif Kushiyaki

Dubai

Simple, slick Japanese bites from a beloved chef

On the Pass

Reif Othman (pictured) with Jun Tomioka

Dubai via Singapore: Chef-founder Reif Othman – winner of the Chefs’ Choice Award 2022 – finally put his own name to a restaurant in 2019 and the city’s foodies reacted with glee. The well-known Singaporean, who has called Dubai home for over a decade, forged his reputation at spots like Zuma, Play and Billionaire Mansion but now has artistic licence to experiment in his own relaxed space.

Kushiyaki? Othman puts a spotlight on the Japanese snack-like street food skewers cooked over the robata grill, with crispy chicken skin featuring alongside teriyaki-slathered chicken thighs and Angus beef strip loin with truffle mayo.

Standout dishes: From 18-hour slow-cooked silky beef ramen to sushi rolls and sashimi, the seabass claypot and the chicken rice – created as a hat-tip to Othman’s Singaporean background – every dish on the extensive menu is a knock-out. There are also brunch, while vegetarians are fully catered to with inventive plates packed with flavour.

On the radar: Fans have ensured Reif Kushiyaki was so full since its opening that the unlicensed restaurant has spilled over and taken in an adjoining unit at its Dar Wasl Mall location, as well as opening two more UAE outposts in Dubai Hills and the Time Out Market. Recent openings in Egypt suggest a global footprint is on the horizon.

Best seats in the house: Opt for one of the coveted counter stools and let Othman take you on a personal culinary journey at his chef’s table. Expect regularly evolving menus and improvisation as the charismatic restaurateur shows off his skill during the multi-course degustation.

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