Aka Dubai is known for being edgy and opulent. The Palm Jumeirah's hidden gem masters in the art of chic Japanese dining with a spectacular live show. We visited the amazing fuchsia-Esque lounge and this is what we found out.
THE VIBE:
Adorned in true glamour, this Japanese restaurant in the Palm was drenched head to toe in the most intoxicating hue of Fuschia. Stunning cherry blossoms arrangements hang beautifully above us as we bathe in the luxurious deep red lighting that filled the Palm Jumeirah restaurant. Mixed with the ultra-cool and mesmerizing art of Japanese women around the restaurant, the 'Cyberpunk' energy was very much alive. We sat comfortably on the deep red, velvet cushioned couches and took it all in. The space was stunning.
The best seat in the house: Right at the back, the booth under the cherry blossoms, giving you the best view of the house)
THE DRINKS that you need to sip on:
Our host, Jess, recommended we start off our AKA journey with the cocktails: The Geisha (A Roku Gin number infused with Sake, Lime and Elderflower) as well as the Pisang Martini (A spiced Rum with wild green banana and egg whites).
Cocktail lovers in Dubai, hear us out! These chic-looking drinks are the ones you are looking for.
THE SHOWS THAT TRANSCENDS:
The moves that will blow your mind, AKA put on 3 shows per sitting. The first show captured the true opulence and intoxication of AKA's fantasy world. The free-flowing yet structured choreography combined with the Japanese fans were hypnotizing at the second act. The third set, our favourite. The metallic costumes, the 'abstract' masked dancers, the flexibility and show-stopping moves... what a performance. The music transported us and the other AKA diners to a different dimension, the one only AKA can manage to pull off.
DIVINE DISHES, the must-try:
The chef made his way to our table with the Unagi Sando, a black pepper teriyaki sauce and chipotle mayo toasted sandwich that encased a Panko breaded Japanese freshwater eel. What an opener that was!
For all the Ramen fanatics out there (us included!) the Shrimp Miso Ramen at AKA was a true delight. Break into Grilled tiger prawns, boiled egg, bean sprouts, dried wakame, tofu soaked in the flavourful shrimp-miso broth! The night looked good already. The Chilean Sea Bass almost melted on our tastebuds. The seafood dish at AKA was finished with a ginger-jalapeño infused dressing and marinated generously in black pepper teriyaki sauce
The ones that stole our hearts at AKA were the Ishiyaki Kobe: A5 Kobe wagyu beef slices that were cooked and prepared on a hot stone at your table served with 3 sauces for every tastebud. Truffle mayo was our favourite.
Sushi lovers, brace yourselves! Don't forget to tuck into the Seared Wagyu Nigiri, the A5 Kobe Nigiri and the A5 Kobe Maki. *mouth-waters* Guys, these sushi selections were absolutely divine. The combination of the fresh truffle and black caviar, the kick of the Jalapeño peppers and balsamic pearls, the Maki finished with sesame seeds and topped with succulent Wagyu... chefs kiss. A must try at this chic Japanese restaurant in Dubai.
Last but not least. The gorgeously presented Barbecue Short Rib dish was the ultimate finisher of our AKA Dubai culinary journey. The tender slow-cooked short rib was dressed with the chef’s secret (shhh!) BBQ sauce and drizzled with crispy glutinous rice crumbs and shichimi powder. The plate was wiped clean. A 10/10 recommend.
Attire: Dress to impress.
Must try: Ishiyaki Kobe, Barbecue Short Rib, Unagi Sando and the A5 Kobe Nigiri. Guys, don't miss this.
Timing: 6 PM to 3 AM
Contact: +971 4 578 0555 | +971 55 934 20 93
Location: The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah