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Manao Restaurant Review: Orfali Brothers’ Latest Venture
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Manao Restaurant: An Orfali Brother Thai Adventure
If you’re a foodie in Dubai, you’ve probably heard of the Orfali Brothers! These three Syrian chefs have been making waves with their bold, creative dishes, earning a Michelin Star in 2024 and a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Now, the eldest brother, Chef Mohammad Orfali, has joined forces with Chef Abhiraj Khatwani to launch Manao—a fresh, fun take on Thai cuisine that’s already got people talking! (Manao, by the way, means “Lime” in Thai.)
Manao Restaurant: Finding the Entrance!
My husband and I decided to see what all the fuss was about. Finding Manao turned into a mini-adventure—the front entrance is still under construction (yes, it’s that new), so we had to take the scenic route through the mall. Thankfully, a security guard pointed us in the right direction.
Inside, the restaurant had a cosy feel, with warm lighting, an open kitchen, and wooden tables. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between casual and stylish—inviting enough to relax but still chic enough to feel like a special night out.
Manao 11-Course Tasting Menu
Manao offers a chef’s tasting menu (AED 450 per person) with an optional kombucha pairing (AED 100).
Our Manao Dining Experience
- Cabbage Roll: Smoky, tender cabbage wrapped around a tasty filling of sour relish and cashew nuts. Simple yet bursting with flavour—a great start to the meal.
- Fresh Oyster: A clean, elegant dish that let the oyster’s natural flavour shine. My husband was a big fan of this one.
- Lobster Krok: A standout dish! Traditionally a Thai dessert, this krok has been given a savoury twist. The creamy fermented rice custard was rich and indulgent, while the lobster itself was cooked to perfection. It was so delicious, we couldn’t stop raving about it!
- Pomelo Salad: Refreshing, tangy, and just what we needed to cleanse our palates.
- Roti with Short Ribs: Pure comfort food. The buttery roti soaked up the sticky, coconut-infused sauce beautifully, while the short ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender. We both agreed this was one of the best dishes.
- Khanom Jeen with Alaskan Crab: This was where the heat started to kick in. The delicate rice noodles were paired with a bold, spicy sauce, and the sweetness of the crab balanced everything perfectly.
- Duck Mochi and Spicy Broth: Chef Mohammad Orfali himself brought this to our table and explained the perfect way to enjoy it: sip the broth, take a bite of the mochi, then sip again. The duck filling was rich and satisfying, while the spicy, comforting broth was so addictive—I could have easily drunk a whole bowl of it!
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Chicken Skewer: Inspired by Thai street food, this was a flavour explosion. The juicy chicken came with a tangy tamarind dipping sauce that, once poured over, tied everything together beautifully.
My Favourite Dish
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Sour Curry Beef: This was the final savoury dish—and, without a doubt, our favourite. Chef Orfali shared the fascinating three-day process behind creating this masterpiece. As a result, the beef was so tender it practically fell apart, while the bold, tangy curry sauce was incredible!
Dessert
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Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice Cream: A perfect balance of flavours. The warm sticky rice had a subtle saltiness that perfectly complemented the rich, creamy coconut ice cream. My husband couldn’t get enough of it—he described it as pure heaven on a plate!
- Banoffee Bite: A sweet, bite-sized finish with just the right balance of banana and toffee.
Service with a Smile (and a Story)
The service at Manao was impeccable. Each dish came with an explanation of its flavours and origins. Many courses were one-bite dishes eaten with our hands, and the staff kept wet wipes and tissues ready for us at all times.
Chef Mohammad Orfali was a highlight of the night. He was present throughout, stopping by tables to chat and personally delivering some dishes. His passion and pride in the menu were evident, and it added a warm, personal touch to the whole experience.
Manao Restaurant. A Unique Dining Experience
Manao effortlessly combines fine dining with a laid-back, fun atmosphere. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs in action, while the upbeat 80s and 90s music adds a playful vibe. Together, it makes for a truly unforgettable dining experience!
Our Verdict
If you’re a fan of Thai food—or simply love creative, thoughtful cooking—Manao is a must-visit. The menu takes you on a journey of flavours, with each dish telling its own unique story. Be prepared for the spice to gradually build towards the end, but don’t worry, it’s manageable even for those not into spice!
Pro Tip: Reservations can be tricky, so keep an eye out for cancellations! You can easily book through their website.
Timings:
- Mondays: Closed
- Tuesdays – Sundays: 7pm – 11pm
Location:
- Wasl Vista, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Have you been to Manao yet? We’d love to hear what you thought!
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