New Japanese eateries are popping up all over Dubai these days but sometimes the old is gold adage is a good one as far as food is concerned. Lunch last Thursday at the Miyako in Dubaiโs Hyatt Regency, one of Dubaiโs oldest hotels, was well worth the long journey.
Originally the hotel was at the centre of where it was all happening and indeed Miyakoย means Centre of the City, but Dubai grew and grew so now coming out to Deira is an adventure in itself. Why not try a new way of getting there and catch the metro, get the green line and get off at the Palm Deiraย ย (donโt try and find this yet!) and walk across the road for a modern take on yesteryear glamour.
We had lunch in a private teppanyaki room but there was a nice buzz in the main dining area. There is nothing ostentatious about this restaurant, in fact I โd say it had more of a cozy feel without ever making diners feel cramped.ย The superiority of the head sushi chef was immediately reassuring and made a distinct contrast to the equally talented but alternative teppanyaki chef. We ordered extensively from both classic Japanese and Teppanyakiย cuisines and I found no fault with either. For connoisseurs who like their tuna that extra bit fatty theyโll be happy to find Oh Toro sushi served here but I really liked the California rolls too. Itโs unusual to find sushi ginger without its characteristic pink colouring but there is nothing artificial about Miyakoโs offerrings .
You can customize your protein at the teppanyaki grill and opt to have your fresh fish, succulent prawns or chicken and beef with or without mirinย wineย marinade but do try the house style soya, lime and butter sauces. It was refreshing to learn the hotel is big on organic food and takes an active stand on using sustainable ingredients, itโs part of their new Food Philosophy programme and has inspired the head chef of the hotel to cultivate a real live allotment in the extensive grounds. DoinDubai will report on that when itโs in full bloom !
But in the meantime if you like your sushi fresh and your teppanyaki spicyย then head to Miyakoย and if youโre not driving indulge in one of the nine varieties of sake or special shochuย wine made from potato but apparently quite potent. Happy Eating ! Monica.
