In a city overflowing with restaurants, Dubai’s discerning diners are seeking alternate experiences that stray away from shopping malls and the tourist-laden surrounds of five-star hotels. In response, restaurants are popping up in residential neighbourhoods, offering elevated dining experiences that prioritise authenticity and community.
Tansō opened its doors in Jumeirah 1 last month, presenting top-notch Japanese cuisine in a laid-back environment awash with neutral hues and natural light. Dubbed a “neo-Tokyo dining gallery” the expansive menu demonstrates quality ingredients, attention to detail and a mastery of modern techniques that touch on the traditional.
The menu unfolds with familiar favourites – robata-kissed skewers, stone-pot mains and an impressive selection of sushi – and unexpected flavours. Highlights include the “fish and chips” which, as it happens, is seabass sashimi with potato pavé; gochujang chicken with maple waffle, a Tokyo take on fried chicken; Marrow & Grain, miso marrow with pickled onion and a potato bun; and a playful interpretation of carbonara – Carbon-udon – that harmonises a kimchi base with parmesan and smoked beef bacon.
Alongside the core menu is Tansō’s first seasonal curation, Daichi Volume 01, which pays homage to the GCC with culture-clashing dishes created with local ingredients. Soil, for instance, is an umami-rich eggplant dish deepened with smoked miso and hazelnut; Gulf adorns Omani lobster with ashi mayo and charred lemon; and Coast bathes wild hammour in a yuzu miso beurre blanc.
Tansō is a chef-led concept that presents Japanese cuisine without gimmicks or clichés, where the dishes – generously seasoned with whimsy – bring the true character of Tokyo to life. Tuesday to Sunday, 12PM to 11PM. Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Learn more
