Japanese food has come to Dubai in a big way. You can enjoy simple staples like sushi at humble local eateries now, or sit down to eat Japanese cuisine in fine dining restaurants.
One such example of the latter is Birds Restaurant, a Eurasian/Japanese restaurant located on the 63rd floor of Downtown Address in the heart of Dubai.
Birds believes in the theater of food: impeccable plating meets eye-catching decor and views. But it also believes in the primacy of Japanese cooking: presenting flavors in their natural form with little to no additives.
Japanese cuisine is characterized by several important factors.
Popular Japanese staples include:
- Rice. A great many Japanese dishes come with rice as standard. You’ll typically be served short-grain rice, which is known for its stickiness.
- Seafood. Japan is the birthplace of sushi and sashimi, both of which are made using raw fish. The difference? Sushi also includes rice, whereas sashimi does not. As an island nation, Japan relies on seafood heavily.
- Noodles. Whether it’s soba (buckwheat noodles), udon (thick wheat noodles), or ramen (wheat noodles served in broth), noodles are a core staple of Japanese cooking.
- Miso paste and soy sauce. Both of these flavorings are made from fermented soy beans, though the fermentation process is slightly different between the two. Miso paste and soy sauce are rich and deeply flavorful, and a characteristic component of Japanese cuisine.
Birds is one of the newest offerings on the Dubai culinary scene, and under the guidance of head chef Dmitry Lim, you can expect pan-Asian cuisine with a particular emphasis on Japanese-inspired seafood dishes.
Whether it’s sushi or sashimi, bluefin tuna tartar with lashings of caviar, or Japanese wagyu tenderloin beef tartar, there’s something for every discerning diner to enjoy.
Here are a few standout reasons to visit:
Birds places a strong emphasis on highly seasonal Japanese and Asian ingredients. What’s more, every dish is carefully plated for maximum satisfaction.
Order 24 pieces of sashimi or 16 pieces of sushi and enjoy the subtle flavors and delicate textures on your plate. Alternatively, the restaurant also offers caviar, rolls and more. In short, if you’re looking for high quality seafood, there’s no better place to be.
Head chef Dmitry Lim heads up an experienced, dedicated team of perfectionists. On an operational level, Birds is co-founded by restaurant extraordinaire Alexey Vasilchuk. In short, expect a high level of excellence and professionalism.
In the tradition of Japanese cooking, Birds only uses the finest, freshest ingredients. The aim at all times is to present the individual textures and flavors in their purest possible form.
The avian-inspired dinner show is always a highlight, and is designed to complement your dining experience. In short, you’re getting the very best of Japanese cuisine with a unique, theatrical twist.
For Japanese flavors with Burj Khalifa views, Birds is your go-to destination.
However, Dubai is also home to excellent French restaurants, Indian fare and of course Arabic staples like hummus and shawarma.
Shawarma, in particular, is a delicious street food that you can find in most parts of the city.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re truly spoiled for choice.
Birds, a new addition to the Dubai culinary scene, is receiving strong reviews for its authentic flavors and delicious Japanese flavors. And that’s the beauty of Japanese cuisine: it’s truly unique, with a delicate mix of flavors and textures on the plate, and fastidious attention to detail.
Looking for a memorable night out in Dubai, or a decadent dining experience? Birds promises the best in Japanese cooking alongside an exciting live show.