REVIEW: MUST-TRY DISHES AT TABU, THE INSTAGRAMMABLE JAPANESE RESTAURANT IN DUBAI
Get your cameras ready, intriguing characters lurk from every shadow...
Looking back at all the restaurants that have opened this year, this Downtown restaurant, TABŪ, is one of the most mind-blowing. Walking onto St. Regis Downtown's 23rd floor, time stood still. The stunning entrance at TABŪ was adorned with a ceiling-high display of multi-coloured Japanese ornaments that forces you to pull your cameras out. The theatrics have already begun...
As you are seated at TABŪ, you will be given a shot of mixed apple juice, agave syrup and yuzu juice to cleanse the palate, readying your senses for the feast to arrive.
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THE INTERIOR
Insta-worthy elements: The large, ceiling-high LED screens that dawn ultra-stylised Japanese visuals.
We got comfortable in the seats right by the large LED screens that displayed stunning stylised art, which positioned us perfectly with the catwalk stage that hinted at the intriguing performances to come. Blood red lights bathe the restaurant all night, transporting us to the back-alley Tokyo scene, the ambience at TABŪ silently screamed mystical, underground Japan and we could not get enough of its ultra-modern Japanese aesthetic. As you dine, mesmerise your senses with the stunning
THE FINE-DINING MENU
Get your cameras out for the cocktails...
The go-to cocktail for gin lovers is as theatrical as its tastes: Go for the 'YOHIRO' the Japanese gin mixed with lychee liqueur, sakura Mancino and elderflower cordial arrives at your table in a glass casing, sitting on a bed of moss and flowers, enveloped in smoke. Insta-worthy? I think so. The fine-dining menu was laced with theatre, drama and fine ingredients, each dish at TABŪ tells a story better than the last one. Foodies in Dubai, expect a creative twist on Japanese cuisine from the mastermind himself, Chef Roberto Segura. With the help of our knowledgable hosts at TABŪ, these are the best that this Japanese restaurant in Downtown Dubai has to offer.
MUST-TRY BITES
If you are in the mood for light bites with a few drinks, glance at TABŪ's Bites selection and order this! Crispy rice avocado/Wagyu and Black Cod Croquettes. The best of the bites however was the beautiful Black pillow pita, Wagyu beef tartar, caviar and topped with glittering gold dust. This dish literally melts in your mouth.
MUST-TRY NIGIRI & MAKI
Japanese cuisine enthusiasts will delight in TABŪ's Nigiri and Maki Roll selections. Try this out! We absolutely loved the Salmon, Hamachi, Wagyu Beed and Otoro nigiri paired with a generous portion of ginger, soy sauce and wasabi. The Maki to remember were the delicious Crispy soft-shell crab and Red volcano for those that can take the heat!
MUST-TRY COLD & HOT STARTERS
At first glance, the presentation is definitely note-worthy... but the flavours were the most memorable aspect of this culinary journey in Dubai. For the cold starters at TABŪ, opt for the delicious Hamachi usuzukuri style, truffle cream, and black truffle slices. Follow this with the stunningly presented Seabass ceviche with aji, tiger’s milk, and crispy corn. Add the Bluefin tuna ceviche with soy-ginger sauce, yuzu and kyuri to round up. If hot starters are more your style, TABŪ has got just the dishes for you! Get your hands on the Black tempura calamari and yuzu garlic aioli, as well as the Prawn tempura in the spicy sticky sauce!
MUST-TRY YAKIMONO & MAINS
The best of the Hibachi Grill -Yakimono at TABŪ was the Beef Kushiyaki foie grass in Japanese BBQ sauce, chives and crispy garlic. Trust us, this is it! Rich, flavourful, and satiating. From the TABŪ's Ishiyaki - Stone Bowl selections, the way to go was definitely the tender and flavourful Slow-braised Wagyu beef short rib with Japanese rice and shiitake mushroom! For the main courses, TABŪ is not afraid to show off its culinary style! The artistic black splatter effect of the ‘Black’ black cod in black miso-some sauce, quinoa and caviar was a sight to behold! The dramatic flair of revealing the Patagonian toothfish dish from its leafy casing was an interactive opener to its delicious flavour. Carnivores, there is something for you too. The tender and rich 48hr Wagyu beef short ribs drenched in Japanese BBQ sauce and Negi is the ideal option to order for you!
MUST-TRY DESSERT
We ended our culinary journey at TABŪ with the instagrammable Japanese pear and Vegan tres leches. The dishes speak for themselves! If Japanese food is your go-to for a night out, TABŪ is one of the coolest places in town to check out. Be careful, sultry characters are always in the shadows.
Location: 23 rd floor at St. Regis Hotel, Business Bay
Opening hours: daily, 6 pm to 2 am
Reservations: +971 52 950 1309 | [email protected]