Manāo

At Manāo, the heat of Bangkok meets the energy of Dubai. This sleek, softly lit restaurant at Wasl Vita Mall captures Thai flavours with fresh imagination, led by chef Abhiraj Khatwani and his mentor Mohamad Orfali. Their cooking doesn’t imitate; it interprets, distilling the essence of Thai balance and vibrancy through fermentation, modern technique and a restless sense of curiosity.

The 11-course tasting menu is both a journey and a conversation between two culinary worlds. Charred cabbage with sour relish and cashew nuts turns simplicity into spectacle; lobster khanom krok with fermented rice custard brings lightness and precision; and the duck mochi proves that playfulness can live alongside technical mastery. Each plate hums with purpose and respect, yet never stops moving forward.

For Dubai, Manāo feels like a landmark moment, a restaurant that looks beyond imported luxury and celebrates homegrown creativity with style, restraint and soul.

Tatler Tip

Order the sticky rice roti with coconut-smoked short ribs, a quiet favourite among regulars, and a perfect note of indulgence to end the night.