On our recent visit to Karma Kafé, we discovered why this award-winning hotspot is more than just Asian dining at its best but also one of the top spots in Souk Al Bahar for mesmerising views of The Dubai Fountain.
The spectacular sight of The Dubai Fountain against the backdrop of the majestic Burj Khalifa never gets old. There’s something incredibly spellbinding about watching the fountains dance to different rhythms and you can easily spend an entire evening taking it all in. And we believe one of the best ways to do so, is booking an outdoor table at Souk Al Bahar hotspot Karma Kafé. This pan-Asian restaurant makes the most of its location, offering magical views of several Dubai icons.
Karma Kafé’s interiors is equally inviting, with an expansive bar taking centre stage. Dark, sleek touches in the décor are instantly attention-grabbing and add to the venue’s charm – think deep red walls, plush black leather booths, teak furniture and low-intensity mood lighting. You’ll also find artistic elements scattered throughout the venue, from gilded Chinese symbols and birdcages to a majestic Buddha statue, they all nod to its Asian roots.
Be it date night or an evening with friends, Karma Kafé’s chic ambience lends itself to every occasion. And considering, the restaurant is only a stone’s throw away from The Dubai Mall, there’s a constant buzz in the air no matter when you visit.
When it comes to Far East dining in the city, the options could easily overwhelm even the most discerning diner. Yet when nothing less than extraordinary will do, Karma Kafé proves itself as the obvious choice for a memorable night out.
With an extensive and enticing menu, the venue takes you on a culinary journey across Asia offering some show-stopping highlights along the way – think everything from sushi, sashimi and maki rolls to crispy duck and classic wok dishes.
Finding ourselves spoilt for choice during our visit, we allow our server to call the shots for the evening, eager to try the most recommended items on the menu. The first to arrive on our table is the Asian chicken salad. A delectable blend of five-spiced grilled chicken, Chinese cabbage, red cabbage and green beans topped with a tangy sesame mustard dressing, the dish is a great choice if you’re looking to keep things light without compromising on flavour.
Next up is the Philadelphia maki rolls – a classic blend of smoked salmon, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese – you can taste the creaminess in every bite.
Whether you’re a fan of heat or not, the 12-spiced crispy calamari is a real treat. And feel free to ask your server to go easy on the chillies if you’re not feeling too adventurous. Served with coriander, mustard aioli and topped with red and green chillies, the freshness and flavour of the calamari is spot on and easily the highlight of our evening.
Now if there’s one thing you ought to know before your visit, it’s that Karma Kafé believes in generous portions, so by the time we get to our mains, we decide sharing may be the best way to go. We opted for the USDA prime striploin. Seared to a perfect crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, the dish is served with garlic cream and truffle miso, which further enhances the flavour of the tender meat. For sides, we stick with classic mashed potatoes, flavoured with miso for that Asian twist and irresistible roasted sweet potatoes, finished with truffle.
Karma Kafé also adds a spin to their dessert menu by infusing a bit of Asian culinary magic into traditional sweet treats. We find ourselves tempted by the lemongrass crème brûlée and our meal truly couldn’t have ended on a better note. Comforting hints of lemongrass add a wonderful freshness and fragrance. We savour every bite, lingering to enjoy The Dubai Fountain show.
For more information or reservations 04 4230909