Wakame is one of those restaurants that effortlessly merges sophistication with modern Asian flair. From the moment you step in you appreciate the space, the dim golden lighting, polished interiors, and it turned out to be a stylish dining experience. Our recent visit was a culinary journey across textures and tastes, each dish carefully crafted to delight both the eyes and the palate.
Starters
We began light with the Wakame salad, a refreshing combination of marinated seaweed and Asian mixed leaves. The dressing had the perfect balance bringing the greens to life. Lobster Taco was light and creamy. Each bite was a burst of creamy lobster neatly tucked inside a delicate shell. It’s one of those dishes you wished it came in a larger portion. Wakame Ceviche on the other hand is a stunning medley of tuna, salmon, and hamachi. Each piece glistening with freshness and a melt in the mouth. The first bite is a burst of tanginess but the sweetness of the fish gives it a natural balance. It’s refreshing with textures and flavors of each seafood shining through. The tapioca crackers on the side adds a delightful crunch.
chicken Sando – AED 145
Hot Starters
The chicken sando was pure comfort in each bite. The flavors were bold with smoky heat of the chipotle mayo complimenting the crunch perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-bite just to savor how good it is. The Wagyu short rib bao was slow cooked to perfection, melting apart with the slightest touch. The truffle teriyaki glaze added a luxury umami depth. There’s something undeniably satisfying about that first crunch of a perfectly fried chicken and when it’s Korean-style, you know it’s going to be a flavor-packed experience. Korean fried chicken with a glossy, deep-red coating that balanced sweetness, spice in the most addictive way. Each bite had that signature Korean kick and you just wanted more of it. A must order starter.
Sushi
These were not your average rolls, it was an experience, a moment of gourmet artistry that blended Japanese precision with rich, modern flair. Rainbow reloaded is a vibrant roll layered with prawn, avocado, salmon, tuna, spring onion and a delicate teriyaki drizzle This sushi was full of sensory experience but beyond the looks, the flavors were beautifully balanced. The salmon and tuna layers were tasting superior, giving the roll that luxurious texture sushi lovers crave. Kairuki Flame Maki Wagyu is a roll that’s as indulgent as it sounds. Tender slices of wagyu beef gently flame-torched, wrapped around a roll filled with tempura prawn, cream cheese, asparagus, and finished with a drizzle of truffle teriyaki. A pure decadence in every bite. Firecracker Roses at Wakame look almost too pretty to eat. Delicate salmon roses shaped with precision, each petal glistening and teasing, tempura crumbs on top bring texture and contrast to the soft, buttery fish. The Firecracker Roses is the kind of dish that perfectly embodies Wakame’s balance between sophistication and creativity.
HOTPOT
Karubi beef hotpot is pure indulgence. A hearty embrace of rich flavors and delicate textures that feels both soulful and refined. The karubi beef is tender beyond words, thinly sliced, marbled beautifully and simmered to perfection in a broth that’s deep, savory and subtly sweet. Each bite practically carrying with it the warmth of the hotpot and the essence of the broth. Butter rice is silky and aromatic. The Karubi Beef Hotpot feels like a moment of calm luxury.
The dark chocolate fondant arrives warm, its molten center waiting to spill out in a slow, irresistible cascade. The first spoonful releases a deep, velvety chocolate aroma — intense, bitter and luxuriously smooth. But then comes the surprise, a green tea centre that cuts through the richness with aromatic notes of matcha. It’s a beautiful contrast Japan’s calm tea ritual meeting the allure of pure chocolate decadence. The ice cream on the side elevates the experience which was a great contrast to the hot chocolate matcha fondant. Click here to visit the official website. Click pictures below to see them in full screenview: