Manao Review: A Thai Culinary Adventure by Orfali Bros’ Chef in Dubai

Manao, a fresh addition to Dubai’s vibrant food scene, offers a bold new take on Thai cuisine, reimagining it with a local twist. Since opening in December at Wasl Vita in Jumeirah 1, this restaurant has captured the attention of food enthusiasts with its one-of-a-kind 11-course tasting menu. The brainchild of Mohamad Orfali (founder of Orfali Bros) and head chef Abhiraj Khatwan, Manao promises to give diners a unique dining experience, blending authentic Thai flavors with influences that resonate with the Dubai food scene.

Location and Ambiance

Tucked away in Wasl Vita Mall, Manao isn’t the easiest to spot. The minimalist exterior hides a sophisticated yet homely interior that invites you in. Despite being in a mall, Manao provides a warm, intimate atmosphere – a rarity in such locations. The dim lighting, a central bar area, and an open-plan kitchen set the stage for a laid-back yet chic dining experience. The restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with smaller tables nestled around the room and more spacious ones available in the center.

On our visit, it was clear that Manao focuses on creating a memorable experience. The personal touch is evident as Orfali himself mingles with diners, ensuring everyone is enjoying their meals.

The Menu

Unlike many restaurants, Manao offers an exclusive 11-course tasting menu (priced at Dh450 per person). There’s no à la carte option, which may not be for everyone. If you’re seeking something less adventurous or need to pick and choose dishes, this may not be your best option. However, if you’re open to embracing new flavors and fully immersing yourself in the concept, Manao promises a culinary journey that is both exciting and rich in flavor.

The menu is designed to take diners through a culinary map of Thailand, moving from north to south as the evening progresses. Our dining experience was enhanced with an optional kombucha drink pairing for Dh100, a perfect way to complement each dish and cleanse the palate between courses.

A Taste of Thailand

The experience begins with miang – a dish of charred cabbage with sour relish and cashew nuts. The crunchiness of the cashew paired with the tangy relish creates an explosive start to the meal. Next, we indulged in Gillardeau oyster, enhanced with orange chili nam jim and crispy fried shallots. This dish blends classic elegance with a fiery Thai twist, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

One of the standout dishes is lobster khanom krok – grilled lobster tail served with fermented rice custard and coriander flowers. Beautifully presented and equally delicious, the rice custard adds a subtle richness without overpowering the delicate lobster flavor.

Following the lobster, we enjoyed pomelo salad with crispy fried Sakura ebi and young ginger, a fresh and zesty dish that serves as a delightful transition to the next course.

Next up, sticky rice roti with coconut-smoked short ribs and kaffir lime relish arrived, presented like rice-based tacos. This course was a perfect balance of savory and smoky, and one of the highlights of the meal. It’s a dish that requires no introduction – just dive right in and savor the unforgettable flavors.

As the meal continued, khanom jeen (fermented rice noodles with cashew nut sauce and Alaskan king crab) was another highlight, followed by the duck mochi, which featured rice dumplings with smoked duck in a hot-and-sour broth. The combination of flavors here was unforgettable.

The savory dishes concluded with gai yang – slow-grilled chicken on skewers served with a turmeric, soy, and tamarind dipping sauce. The balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness from the chicken made this a standout course.

The last savory dish was a sour curry of beef, a traditional rice-trader dish from southern Thailand, served with tamarind leaves, long pepper, and trader’s rice. Bold and rich, this curry sets the stage for the sweet finale.

Sweet Endings

Desserts at Manao don’t disappoint. First came sticky rice skewers served with palm sugar and coconut ice cream, a rich and very sweet treat that may not suit everyone but will certainly please those with a sweet tooth.

The grand finale was the Thai banoffee – banana ice cream with palm sugar caramel and cashew nuts. This dish is intended to be eaten in two bites, and it offers the perfect end to an exceptional meal: light, not overly sweet, and just the right balance of flavors.

To Order or Not to Order

Manao’s 11-course tasting menu is truly one of a kind. The dish that stood out the most for both me and my dining partner was the sticky rice roti with coconut-smoked short ribs. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish was exquisite – a brilliant interpretation of Thai flavors tailored for Dubai.

While the sticky rice dessert may not be for everyone due to its overwhelming sweetness, it’s certainly an interesting option for those who enjoy bold desserts.

A Conversation with the Chef

While Chef Abhiraj Khatwan was hard at work in the kitchen, I had the chance to speak with Mohamed Orfali, who shared the philosophy behind Manao’s unique approach to Thai cuisine. According to Orfali, the menu is designed to be inspired by traditional Thai ingredients but tailored to suit the tastes of the UAE. “Coconut and rice are the pillars of this menu,” he explains. “Every dish features these core ingredients, which are also staples in our kitchen.”

Orfali also highlighted Manao’s commitment to sustainability, explaining that the restaurant’s no-wastage structure ensures dishes are curated specifically for diners, minimizing the chance of ingredient excess.

The Verdict

Manao offers a truly unique Thai dining experience in Dubai. The food is a bold reimagining of classic Thai dishes, infused with local ingredients and influences to create something fresh, exciting, and completely different from what you may have encountered elsewhere. The intimate ambiance, attention to detail, and exceptional flavors make Manao a must-try for any food lover.

If you’re looking for an immersive culinary experience that transports you to Thailand, Manao is the place to be. Just remember, the tasting menu is fixed, so be prepared for an adventure. Whether you’re a Thai food aficionado or a newcomer, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Contact Information

Manao is located in Wasl Vita, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 7pm to 11pm. To make a reservation, call 04 272 2389.