Latest news with #ReifOthman
Time Out Dubai
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Reif Othman'sTERO is hosting a dessert takeover for Mohamed Al Matin
If you love dessert, then this tasting menu experience will be one for you. TERO, that intimate tasting menu experience by chef Reif Othman, is about to host a two-night-only event, on Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, that promises to flip your understanding of fine-dining on its head. Get ready to embrace the unexpected as acclaimed Singaporean chef Mohamed Al Matin steps into the spotlight for an exclusive, dessert-forward 11-course takeover. Now, if the name Matin sounds familiar, it's because he's no stranger to the world's most prestigious kitchens either, with stints as pastry sous chef at the Noma in Copenhagen. This chef knows his way around a kitchen, and he's bringing his genre-bending artistry to Dubai for the very first time. Kombu Tart. Soursoup guava mint bingsu Jerusalem artichoke hazelnut kombu Chef Matin is famous for his audacious approach to bridging the gap between sweet and savoury. Forget your traditional dessert course; he's here to mess with your mind in the best possible way. Imagine a delicate kombu tart mingling with fresh and grilled sugar snap peas, then paired with a pea husk sorbet. Or how about grilled Jerusalem artichokes glazed in salted koji caramel, served alongside an umami kombu ice cream? 'I want to break the conventional thinking of what desserts are meant to be,' says Matin. This dining experience, priced at Dhs468 per person, offers two seating times (7pm and 8pm) for each night. You can elevate the experience with optional grape pairings for an added Dhs388 or a tea pairing for an extra Dhs188. Seats are, predictably, limited. So, if you'd best be quick at booking those seats. From Dhs468. Sat Jun 21-Sun Jun 22. Dubai Hills (04 255 5142). Want to make a reservation in the meantime? New Dubai restaurants 2025: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar It's official: The 86 best restaurants in Dubai Tried and tested by us 12 seriously underrated Dubai restaurants and cafés (that are not tourist traps) Places Dubai locals swear by
Time Out Dubai
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai has just created the world's first AI chef
If you're living in Dubai, chances are you'll have dined at some of the best restaurants around, coming of course, with the world's best chefs. But have you ever had your dinner prepped and whipped up by an AI chef? We didn't think so. Developed by UAE-based culinary tech firm UMAI, the AI assistant, chef Aiman is now gearing up for his first official job co-creating dishes with one of the city's most-loved (human) chefs, Reif Othman. If you like this: The surprising item Dubai passengers spend Dhs1 million on every day Working together on dishes, customer experience and seasonal menus, the pair's first collaboration will be on a brand new restaurant. Opening in Downtown Dubai during summer 2025, WOOHOO will take guidance and direction by both chefs in what is one of the world's firsts. Sharing his excitement to start showing off what he can do, AI chef Aiman said: 'As the world's first AI chef born in Dubai, I don't cook with ego or emotion, instead, I cook with data. Chef Reif Othman will collaborate with the AI chef on the new restaurant (Credit: Supplied) 'Some say AI doesn't belong in the kitchen – that it can't feel, taste, or create like a human. But here in Dubai, we don't wait for permission to innovate. 'I'm not here to replace chefs. I'm here to push them. If that makes some people uncomfortable, good. Disruption is the first ingredient of progress.' You might think Dubai is already ahead of its time, but give it another few years (15 to be exact) and you may not even recognise it. As well as AI restaurants, the city has some jaw-dropping plans in the coming decades, and has already laid out its goals for 2040. From flying taxis to new metro lines, you can see everything that is set to change in the coming years here. In other Dubai news Salik announces Eid Al Adha toll gate fee changes What you need to know if you're driving this weekend Dubai announces public park opening times during Eid Al Adha break Does this change your long weekend plans? 6 must-know facts about the new dirham symbol — from cheque changes to daily use Including where it'll appear on your keyboard
What's On
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
15 of the best new brunches to try in Dubai this summer
These new brunches in Dubai will keep you fed all summer… Brunching in Dubai is an art form. It's a discipline, a rite of passage, a core memory, a vital experience – you need to brunch here at least once, and what's better than new brunches in Dubai for that? Whether you're an avid bruncher or a newbie in this field, pick from this list of brand new brunches in Dubai. Here are 15 new brunches in Dubai to try this summer. Flying Elephant This hidden, Indian-inspired spot has a brand new party brunch – happening every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm, at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha. Think full blown, circus-party vibes, with drinking roulette stations, party props, and spontaneous surprises. A sharing style menu and inventive cocktails. Don't miss out. Offer: Dhs199 for the soft package, Dhs299 for the house package and Dhs399 for premium package Timings: Saturdays, 12.30pm to 4pm Location: Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Contact: (0) 54 996 3324 @ Antika Antika's legendary Oriental B runch is back. Launching Saturday, May 31 , at its new home inside 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, the reimagined Antika Brunch brings together nostalgic Levantine flavours, theatrical entertainment, and unmistakable Saturday energy. Think live singers, belly dancers and dabkeh. Offer: Dhs320 for non-alcoholic, Dhs450 for arak and spirits, Dhs495 to add prosecco and beer Timings: Saturdays, 2pm to 6pm Location: Antika, 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central Contact: ( 0) 50 735 9177 @antikadubai Tête-à-Tête Tête-à-Tête at FIVE LUX is launching the Bisou Bisou Brunch, brought to you by Secret Parties, the kings of new brunches in Dubai – your new Saturday indulgence with stunning sea views. Enjoy a decadent three-course brunch , free-flowing drinks, and vibrant entertainment, from live vocals to piano sets and dancers. The celebration continues at Paradiso Dubai with an official afterparty. Offer: Dhs350 for non-alcoholic, Dhs450 for house beverages, Dhs550 for bubbly Timings: Saturdays, 1pm to 4.30pm Location: Tête-à-Tête, Level 9, FIVE LUXE, JBR Contact: ( 0) 4 455 9989 @teteatetedubai Dragonfly The Metamorphosis Brunch is inspired by the dragonfly's symbolism of transformation. In collaboration with Chef Reif Othman, the four-course menu presents bold flavors with a contemporary twist, Asian-inspired cocktails, the resident DJ and signature animation dancers. Perfect for the weekend. Offer: Dhs345 for non-alcoholic, Dhs495 for cocktails, Dhs525 for wine and prosecco, Dhs695 for champagne Timings: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm Location: Dragonfly, The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection Contact: ( 0) 4 834 8278 @ Soul Kitchen Big Bad Brunch is Soul Kitchen's bold new take on the Saturday brunch scene. Taking their Lebanese Latin fusion food to the next level, the spot will be doing brunch right with five different types of brunch packages, messy plates, flavour fusions and some ofthe best entertainment in town. Offer: Packages start at Dhs195, go up to Dhs495 Timings: Saturdays, 12pm to 5pm Location: Soul Kitchen, Business Bay Contact: ( 0) 4 836 0900 @soulkitchendxb Babylon Babylon invites guests to Disco Made Me Do It, a new high-energy nighttime brunch . This retro-inspired weekly event is an electrifying celebration of the greatest dance hits of the 80s and 90s featuring curated menus, show-stopping entertainment, and free-flowing drinks. Offer: Non-alcoholic for Dhs240, alcoholic for Dhs390, premium with signature cocktails at Dhs490 Timings: Tuesdays, from 8pm to 11.30pm Location: Babylon, DIFC Contact: ( 0) 4 352 7750 @babylondifc La Mezcaleria The weekend starts early at La Mezcaleria JBR, where a brand-new Thursday Night Brunch has officially launched, inviting guests to indulge in vibrant Latin flavours, flowing drinks, and unmatched beachfront energy. Sample Latin and Tex-Mex cuisine, amazing cocktails and insane views. Offer: Non-alcoholic for Dhs195, wine and prosecco for Dhs275, all in at Dhs345 Timings: Thursdays from 7pm to 1am Location: La Mezcaleria, The Pavilion at The Beach Contact: ( 0) 56 520 2020 @lamezcaleriajbr Lúnico Lúnico at J1 Beach is turning up the heat every Saturday with its new 'Brunch Ritmo' – a lively Spanish feast packed with bold flavours, endless drinks, and beachside beats. From tapas to short ribs and sangria to sunsets, it's a weekend celebration done the Spanish way. DJ sets, live percussion, and a sea-meets-sky terrace vibe make this the ultimate Saturday escape. Offer: Dhs350 (soft package), Dhs450 (alcohol package). Timings: Saturdays, brunch from 1pm to 4pm Location: Lúnico, J1 Beach South, Jumeirah, Dubai Contact: (0) 50 2776 503 @lunico_ae Kaimana Beach Kaimana Beach, the stylish boutique beachside escape at Dubai's J1 Beach, presents the new Saturday brunch experience 'Lost in Paradise' in collaboration with Candypants. Guests can enjoy an array of elevated Pan-Asian dishes and handcrafted cocktails while soaking up breathtaking beach views, live music, and an energetic vibe. Offer: Packages start from Dhs425 Timings: Saturdays from 1pm to 4.30pm Location: Kaimana Beach, J1 Beach, Dubai. Contact: (0) 4 243 3555 @kaimanabeachdubai Fogueira Restaurant & Lounge This spot at Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach has launched a Latin Nights Evening Brunch – a vibrant Friday night experience featuring Latin-inspired sharing plates, a live ceviche station, Brazilian and Argentinian cuts, plus a variety of Latin cocktails. The terrace comes alive with live music, dancers, and interactive games. Offer: Starting from Dhs300 Timings: Fridays, 7pm to 12am Location: Fogueira Restaurant & Lounge, Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach. Contact: (0) 50 189 6214 @ The Bay at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai invites families and friends to experience the warmth of Italian Sundays with 'Domenica in Famiglia' – a soulful Sunday brunch at The Bay. Running until the end of July, this brunch brings the Mediterranean tradition of slow, shared meals to Dubai's beautiful beachside, featuring Italian classics. Offer: Dhs299 (soft beverages), Dhs399 (alcoholic), Dhs599 (Champagne package) Timings: Sundays, 1pm to 4pm, until end of July. Location: The Bay, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Contact: (0) 4 317 2222 @mo_jumeira Punjab Grill
FACT
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
These are the best private dining experiences in Dubai
Take a seat and prepare to be wowed. Dubai's private dining scene is having a moment. In a city known for its excess, the most memorable meals are increasingly those served behind closed doors: no à la carte menus, no walk-ins, just a seat at the chef's table. From the precision of omakase at the Michelin-starred Hōseki to the theatrical flair of FZN, the city's newly minted three-star temple to Japanese cuisine with Nordic influences, these curated encounters are redefining what it means to dine out. And it's not just international names leading the charge. Homegrown hero Reif Othman continues to captivate with The Experience, his 12-seater culinary playground in Dubai Hills. Read on for our picks of the best private dining experiences in Dubai. Atlantis, The Palm has welcomed chef Björn Frantzén's new restaurant. Recently awarded three MICHELIN stars, FZN offers a 27-seat fine dining experience. This space includes 13 seats around the open kitchen and a view of the chefs at work. The restaurant showcases a modern European tasting menu with Japanese as well as Nordic influences. Highlight dishes include Chawanmushi with smoked beef broth, Duck BBQ with yuzu, and Kampot Pepper with foie gras. Plus, the soundtrack features 300 songs curated by Björn himself and ranges from Guns N' Roses to The Smiths. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Hōseki You know you're in for an exclusive dining experience at Hōseki, as only nine people can dine at once. Here, sushi master Masahiro Sugiyama creates an intimate dining experience unlike anything else in Dubai. We recommend opting for the Omakase menu, as the food selection is left to the chef. It's no wonder this sleek restaurant at Bulgari Resort Dubai was recently awarded with one MICHELIN Star. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. KEN by Kamatsuda This restaurant at The Dubai EDITION boasts a unique selection of ingredients, many of which are exclusive to this establishment in Dubai. The team uses rare Awa Wagyu Beef, famous for its rich taste, sweet marbling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The meat is served as nigiri sushi or steak. The menu also features Saga Red Uni, which is freshly imported from Japan. An omakase experience, priced at AED 5,000 per person, is also available. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Kokoro Dubai, it's time to roll with it. The city has welcomed its first-hand roll sushi bar, Kokoro. Located in Alserkal Avenue, the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the restaurant does not accept reservations. The design is simple yet sleek, from the wooden door with a discreet logo to the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you want the full experience, we recommend grabbing a countertop seat and watching the chefs at work in the kitchen. Kokoro's menu boasts fresh fish, and the options include Bluefin Tuna with pickled cucumber, Ikura, Janpachi, Madai, Salmon with white ponzu, Scallop with orange, Seaweed Salad, Shima Aji, and Uni. GO: Follow @ on Instagram for more information. Moonrise In recent months, there has been much fanfare surrounding Moonrise and its young chef Solemann Haddad. Located on the rooftop of Eden House on Sheikh Zayed Road, Moonrise features seasonally changing tasting menus that span Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques. Exclusivity is the name of this game, as two seatings are available each night. The experience comprises a multi-course menu decided by the chef, with dishes prepared directly at the counter in front of guests. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Row on 45, the newly crowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant from British Chef Jason Atherton, offers an exceptional experience crafted for just 22 discerning guests per seating. The 17-course haute cuisine menu features Amaebi (sweet shrimp served with Amela tomato jelly), Frøya Scallops and a delightful duck dish. Presented in three acts, this memorable meal begins in the Champagne Lounge and ends in the Chef's Library of this penthouse-inspired restaurant. AED 1,145 per person. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Created by Chef Dani García, Smoked Room pays homage to the fire style of cooking. The FACT award-winning Smoked Room is the sister restaurant to Leña and draws inspiration from its original restaurant in Madrid. The venue has only 14 seats and offers an exclusive and personalised fire omakase dining experience. The dishes from Chef Jesus Lobato Suarez have included Charcoal-grilled Pigeon, Kombu-Jiime Otoro Sashimi, Smoked Eel Nitro Tomato and Smoked Risotto. GO: Follow @ on Instagram for more information. The Experience by Reif Othman Dubai old-timers will remember The Experience by Reif Othman (TERO) from its days on the upper level of The H Hotel. The FACT award-winning TERO can now be found at the licensed branch of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in Dubai Hills Business Park. Here, cosy décor accommodates chef Reif's tasting menu for up to twelve diners. The venue can be booked as a private dining room for a group gathering or individual covers, and its current focus is on superb sushi, which is pressed and placed directly into the palm of your hand. GO: Follow @terobyreif on Instagram for more information. The Heritage Room The Heritage Room is a secret space inside the MICHELIN-starred 11 Woodfire. Here, Head Chef Brando Moros draws inspiration from his Colombian heritage and culture to create a special six-course menu for just six guests per sitting. The space will also be open to chefs who want to explore their own cultural heritage through the medium of food. The debonaire dining room feels like a cross between a chef's table and a kitchen with seats for only six people, and dishes include beef, fish and a flame-grilled fig topped with gold. GO: Follow @11woodfire on Instagram for more information. Trèsind Studio Trèsind Studio is one of Dubai's most critically acclaimed restaurants: it has been awarded three MICHELIN Stars, is currently ranked at number two in the MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, and was named Restaurant of the Year at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024. Chef Himanshu Saini is behind the modern, fine-dining Indian menu. The tasting menu includes a generous sixteen courses, which is just as fancy for vegetarians as it is for meat-eaters. What Trèsind excels at is innovation and its unexpected take on ingredients, which you don't usually find on an Indian menu – ghee roast crab with burnt cinnamon or charred lobster tail, anyone? Dig into dishes that are a thing of beauty that will make you rethink Indian cuisine. GO: Visit for reservations and more information.
Time Out Dubai
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
House of Hype: Why everyone you know can't stop talking about it
You've done the malls. You've brunched. You've beach-clubbed. Now it's time for something wildly unexpected. Welcome to House of Hype – Dubai's coolest immersive experience and the newest mega-wonderland taking over Dubai Mall. Cancel your plans. We've got better ones. Spanning 100,000 square feet, this isn't your average attraction. It's a City of Dreams, packed with 18 mind-bending immersive worlds with over 100 epic experiences, each designed to blow your mind. What to expect? Dubbed Dubai's best-kept secret, step through the doors and you're teleported into a whole new world. One moment you're wandering through a glowing garden that seems to breathe with you… The next? You're exploring a robotic palace, stumbling upon a glowing garden, or dancing with a flash mob under alien flowers. This place doesn't play by the rules of reality. Snap-worthy? Absolutely. It's social media gold. There's so much to see, from the hidden chandelier room to the emoji walkway and the digital graffiti wall. Every corner at House of Hype is full of interesting little details, built to break your algorithm and light up your feed. From glitching realities and melting cities to secret portals and floating dreams. Surreal landscapes and surprise performances make it impossible not to stop and stare. Hungry? Food here is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious. Grab top-notch handrolls made by the Time Out Award-winning and Michelin-recognised chef Reif Othman. Or pick up delicious matcha lattes made with the best Japanese green tea at Eleven7 or try out wildly imaginative ice creams disguised as fried chicken at Al Faik. Shopping? Get ready to drop dirhams on limited edition fashion and must-have collectibles. If you're a 90s kid, you'll love the nostalgic display of old-school toys and gadgets like Furbies, Beanie Babies, Care Bears and My Little Pony figurines, all set to a soundtrack of iconic Y2K pop hits. The experience is designed for everyone, so whether you're here solo, with the whole fam or with your besties, there's heaps to see, eat, do and be blown away by. Pricing Single entry tickets: Dhs149 Squad pass: 4 tickets for Dhs449 Discover pass: House of Hype + AYA Universe Combo ticket for Dhs225 The experience is open between 10am and 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with the last entry an hour before close. How to get there? If you're reaching by cab, it's easily accessible from the Boulevard side near the Social Distrikt entrance. There's free parking near the Fountain Views side, or you can also park by the Dubai Ice Rink and Reel Cinemas. So, if you're looking to swap the same old for something strange, surprising and seriously fun, give House of Hype a go. You'll be talking about it long after you leave. Book tickets now: Catch them on TikTok and Instagram.
