Kokoro Review: Casual Hand Roll Bar in Dubai Destined for Greatness

Alserkal Avenue, known for its contemporary art galleries, home-grown businesses, and cultural spaces, is one of the trendiest districts in Dubai. Adding to its vibrant appeal, Kokoro, a casual hand roll bar, has quickly garnered attention and is well on its way to becoming a go-to spot for sushi lovers across the emirate.

A Unique Dining Experience in Alserkal Avenue

Kokoro has a clean and minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of hand roll bars in inner-city Tokyo. Its fast-casual dining concept gives it a street food vibe, with limited seating and a no-reservations policy that perfectly suits the fast-paced nature of the venue. Despite its simplicity, the polished wooden sushi bar that circles around the chefs gives it a sleek and inviting feel.

One of Kokoro’s central concepts is freshness, a claim that's immediately evident as you step in. The bar is lined with vibrant, fresh ingredients like tuna, salmon, scallops, and A5 Wagyu beef, all artfully displayed. These ingredients are flown in multiple times a week to ensure quality, and the open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the overall experience.

With limited seating, my dining companion and I were lucky to find a spot at the sushi bar, where we could watch the kitchen staff masterfully prepare each dish. A quirky addition to the setup was the rubber duck placed next to my chopsticks, adding a touch of playful whimsy to the otherwise polished atmosphere.

The Menu: From Light Starters to the Best Hand Rolls in Town

We began our meal with two light starters: the sunomono (pickled cucumber salad) and hijiki (seaweed salad). Both dishes were refreshing, crisp, and light, setting a delicate tone for the meal to come.

For crudo, we opted for the maguro and hotate. The maguro, featuring bluefin tuna sashimi served with pickled cucumber and ponzu sauce, was a testament to Kokoro’s commitment to freshness, with the chef slicing the fish right in front of us. However, the real highlight was the hotate (scallops). Paired with orange zest and ponzu, the dish brought a unique fusion of citrus and spice that perfectly complemented the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Kokoro's true star, however, is its hand rolls. These hand rolls, possibly the best in Dubai, come lightly toasted, offering a satisfying crunch that enhances the flavors of the fresh seafood inside. My personal favorite was the spicy tuna hand roll, but the hamachi was equally excellent. Hand rolls are available in sets of three, four, or five, making it an ideal spot for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Chatting with the Chefs

Kokoro is helmed by co-owner chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee. Chef Pham, hailing from Houston, is focused on blending traditional sushi techniques with modern fusion flavors. Chef Lee, originally trained in French culinary techniques, has since embraced Japanese cuisine and is known for his creativity in blending traditional methods with innovative presentations.

Seafood, unsurprisingly, is their favorite ingredient to work with, given its variety and versatility. Both chefs emphasize their love for the "art of sushi," with Chef Pham noting that it takes a lifetime to perfect. The menu reflects this, focusing on hand rolls, nigiri, and crudo, each dish designed to highlight the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

For vegetarians, the chefs recommend the avocado hand roll, while meat lovers can indulge in the A5 nigiri. Seafood enthusiasts, on the other hand, should not miss the spicy tuna hand roll with crispy nori.

Final Thoughts

Kokoro’s affordable price points make it a welcoming spot for casual dining. Hand rolls range from Dh25 to Dh50, crudo dishes from Dh55 to Dh75, and nigiri and sashimi options from Dh20 to Dh85. If you’re looking for a fast, delicious sushi experience in Dubai, Kokoro should be at the top of your list.

Kokoro’s focus on freshness, its playful yet sophisticated ambiance, and a menu brimming with high-quality sushi creations make it a standout in Dubai’s ever-evolving dining scene. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, Kokoro is destined for greatness in Dubai’s culinary landscape.