A shorter, sharper way to experience one of Dubai’s best Thai kitchens
Manao, the Michelin-starred Thai-inspired restaurant in Al Wasl, has launched a new eight-course tasting menu, offering a more accessible way to experience one of Dubai’s most in-demand kitchens.
The new tasting menu, priced at Dhs350 per person, trims the original 12-course format into a more focused experience without losing the progression Manao is known for.
The experience opens with bold, flavour-forward bites that set the tone early. Dishes like the charred cabbage miang and lobster khanom krok deliver a balance of sweetness and heat, while the curry puff and sour tomato broth introduce a deeper, more savoury edge.
Midway, the menu moves into richer territory, where the kitchen’s style becomes more pronounced – deeply aromatic, slightly smoky, and lifted with acidity and fermentation. The highlight of which is the fermented sticky rice roti with coconut-smoked short beef ribs that’s a genuine show-stopper, followed by the coconut meat and pomelo salad that brings a fresh counterpoint.
For mains, diners choose between a southern-style spicy lamb curry or a yellow prawn curry, both showcasing the bold, expressive flavours that define the restaurant’s take on modern Thai cuisine. These are dishes that prioritise balance as much as intensity, delivering heat without overwhelming the palate.
Behind it is chef Abhiraj Khatwani, whose approach to Thai cooking draws on years of immersion in Thailand, working alongside co-founder Mohamad Orfali. Together, they bring a style that balances tradition with a more contemporary, personal edge.
Optional supplements, including crab shoulder and curry puff with beef, allow for some customisation, while dessert keeps things light with a rosella granita and white rose custard – a clean, aromatic finish.
The non-alcoholic drinks programme is also worth your attention, and remains one of the more thoughtful and creative in the city. Using techniques like fermentation and clarification, the pairings are designed to work seamlessly with the menu.
Service is polished but relaxed, letting the food take centre stage. If Manao has been on your list, this format makes it easier to try. It’s a confident, distilled showcase of one of Dubai’s most consistent Michelin-starred restaurants.
Manao’s new tasting menu is part of a wider wave of dining offers rolling out across Dubai, as restaurants look to bring diners back through the doors.
Images: Supplied
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