99 Sushi, Dubai

Pioneers of Japanese cuisine in Spain, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant opened its doors outside of Spain for the first time in the UAE in Abu Dhabi in 2017 at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and now extends the portfolio to Dubai. Already revered in the region for its Abu Dhabi location success, the restaurant has created a loyal fan base of VVIPs, celebrities and elite socialites who return time after time to indulge and relish in fresh Japanese culinary customs. Having officially opened its doors just last month we made our way to 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant’s new location at the opulent Address Hotel, Downtown. Already having dined at their Abu Dhabi restaurant we are eager to see if 99 Sushi is able to replicate its success in Dubai.

Once you arrive at the Address Hotel, Downtown you can either opt for valet service or self-parking. Getting to 99 Sushi is straight forward, from the hotel entrance take a short walk down the stairway which will lead you to the restaurant.

The restaurants décor is in keeping with the brand standards, luxurious golds and black, with touches of red velvet. The restaurant is partitioned into four areas, a small bar for pre-dinner drinks, a private dining room, the main dining room, where you will also find the sushi bar and the outdoor terrace, which boasts uninterrupted views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. With temperatures still cooling and conscious that we will be eating a few raw dishes we opt for a seat in the main dining area. We begin with the CapuMiso Soup, Fermented Soy Seaweed, Truffle, Leek and Tofu Foam. The thick and creamy foam is delightful and an ingenious twist on this classic dish, we enjoy the foam before reaching the Miso Soup. Staying within the starters we share the King Crab Au Gratin with Wasabi, Tobiko and Yuzu Mayonnaise. Perhaps everyone’s favourite crustacean its refreshing to see the use of King Crab, as a protein it is much lighter in texture and flavour making the Gratin not as heavy as traditional versions.

From the tartar options we select the Spicy Tuna Tartar, a bestseller the team inform us. The Spicy Tuna Tartar is served with Wakame Seaweed and Shoestring Chips in Kimuchi Sauce. Upon our first bite it becomes obvious why this dish is a bestseller; it is bursting with flavour. The contrast of the fatty Tuna with the slight sourness of the Kimuchi Sauce and the crispiness of the Shoestring Chips is remarkable. On that note let me state that 99 Sushi undoubtedly serves the best Bluefin Tuna in the UAE, think I’m over exaggerating? Try it for yourself.

We take a break and decide to go outside and admire the terrace. The terrace, in the cooler months will be ideal for a few beverages and some light bites from the menu. Plus, we are sure that the uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa will attract residents and visitors alike.

Returning to our table, just in time for our next course to arrive. Presented before us is the Lobster Maki and the Soft Shell Crab Roll, each portion is served as 8 pieces. The Lobster Maki doesn’t shy away from its generous helping of Lobster, a slight smoky taste, this dish is made to be shared. Alternatively, the Soft Shell Crab is much lighter in taste and texture, we enjoy the crispy Crab beside the fresh Avocado.

To conclude we select the Salmon Flambe with Lime and Spicy Mayonnaise and the Toro Flambe with Tomato Puree from the warm nigiri sushi options, ideal if you would like something a little bit different than the traditional raw sushi.

In our opinion 99 Sushi is the best Japanese in Abu Dhabi and quite possibly in Dubai, time will tell. 99 Sushi exudes style and sophistication and makes for the perfect date night destination. Enjoy a divine dining experience, and conclude your evening with beverages on the terrace, under the twinkling lights of the Burj Khalifa.

CapuMiso Soup, AED 35 King Crab Au Gratin, AED 140 Spicy Tuna Tartar, AED 180 Lobster Maki, AED 169 Soft Shell Crab Roll, AED 105 Salmon Flambe, AED 50 Toro Flambe, AED 69

99 Sushi, Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 547 2241

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has reopened the renowned and award-winning TV celebrity chef Kunal Kapur restaurant, Namak by Kunal Kapur. Having served the world with his delicious delicacies, Chef Kunal Kapur is revered by every Indian food connoisseur. An all-in-one Indian celebrity chef, restaurateur, and media personality, he has been recognized amongst the Best Chefs in India.

The décor boasts large carved wooden doors, bold textiles and vibrant colours, bringing of splash of India to Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is split into three areas, a large private dining area, the main restaurant and a second dining area which looks onto the glass fronted kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy the theatre as the culinary team meticulously prepare each dish.

Tonight, we are visiting Namak by Kunal Kapur to try the a la carte menu and the limited time, Chef’s Table menu, which promises to infuse Indian cuisine with local elements. Chef’s Table – From Dunes To Oceans menu is available until 15th October 2020 and is priced at AED 350 per person for 5 courses, the menu offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. We take a seat at the table next to the glass fronted kitchen. Before we begin our meal chef comes to our table to introduce himself and talks us through the dishes we will be tasting this evening, all part of the elaborate Chef’s Table experience.

To begin from the Chef’s Table vegetarian menu, we enjoy an Amuse Bouche along with the Soup. The Soup consists of Adas and Almond Shobat, Lemon Espuma and Chilli Oil, a great blend of Indian and local elements and a superb start to our dining experience.

The team insist we try the ‘Oops I Dropped My Chaat’ dish, which is presented on a bed of dry ice and consists of Crispy Potatoes, Chutney Gel, Almond Soil, Yogurt Splatter, all centred around a giant Kachori. This dish is exceptional, the flavours, the textures, and the presentation are breathtaking. You cannot visit Namak without ordering this dish. The Chaat Hummus is a great twist on a local favourite, offering a blast of flavour the humble Hummus is paired with Crispy Sev and Kachumber.

Next, from the Chef’s Table menu I enjoy the Grilled Halloumi Tacos with Crispy Potato Salli and Masala Toum. This combination is fantastic, presented in a Steamed Boa Bun, the transition of Crispy Potato Salli to the spicy Masala is a treat for my senses. My dining companion (who is not vegetarian) opts

for the Butter Prawns, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Malai Foam in a Black Garlic Sauce. The Garlic Prawns have a subtle smoky taste, accentuated further by the Black Garlic Sauce.

The team at Namak are eager to recommend dishes and so far, we have enjoyed their suggestions. Moving onto the mains my dining companion opts for the Black Cod, the grilled fish comes with Laksa Pulao and Malvani Kokum Curry. Flaking perfectly off the fork, this is another must order dish.

I have a choice of two dishes from the Chef’s Table menu, either the Paneer Kibbeh Koftas in a robust Masala Curry or the Sumac Dal Makhani with Picked Onion, both are served with Berry Pilau, with Arabic Raisins, Brown Onion and Pine Nuts. My waitress suggests she reduces the portion size so I can try both dishes, I happily oblige. The Dal is enjoyable, but I am so happy the waitress convinced me to try both as I would not have ordered the Paneer Kibbeh Koftas, and it turns out to be my preferred dish of the evening. We share the Berry Pilau and the three types of bread between us. Chef has done extremely well to fuse Indian and Arabic cuisine to create a unique Chef’s Table dining experience, even the bread (Harissa and Garlic Naan) has been reinvented. For dessert we again opt to share my Chef’s Table course, the Roohafza Lukma with Saffron Cream and Pistachio Crumble. Namak celebrates the flavours of Indian cuisine paired with bold plating, tasteful gourmet combinations and diverse cooking techniques from around the world. Guests are invited to enjoy bespoke Indian food with global footprints at an inspired kitchen by the celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur. Portions are more than generous, and the price is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food being served.

I enjoyed the Chef’s Table menu which consists of 5 courses and is priced at AED 350 per person.

Chaat Hummus, AED 32 Butter Prawns, AED 115 Black Cod, AED 129