Chef Kelvin Cheung is set to debut in Dubai

Jun’s will open its doors in Downtown Dubai later this month.

Kelvin Cheung’s debut in Dubai feels destined – the award-winning chef is of Chinese origin, was born in Canada, was raised in Chicago, and is now based in Dubai. It’s no surprise then that he grew up in the kitchen, spending the better part of his childhood training for his life of travelling the world and cooking in kitchens in unfamiliar places. As for what he’s cooking up in Dubai? Meet Jun’s.

Described as a progressive dining destination, the restaurant will capture the nostalgic flavours of Asian and North American cuisines to reflect Cheung’s Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and French training. It will open its doors later this month in Downtown Dubai. Welcoming guests to a sleek, contemporary venue with a rough edge, Jun’s will offer a warm environment that invites visitors to connect over food. With community at its heart, the concept was created with the intention to celebrate coming together, a place where guests can gather to commemorate the big wins in life as well as the everyday joys.

The carefully crafted menu sublimely showcases Cheung’s signature culinary style, featuring a variety of Asian and North American dishes interpreted in a unique way. Each dish is driven by memories and carries a personal story behind it, essentially resulting in a culinary journey through Cheung’s life to date.

“I’ve pushed my own culinary boundaries while creating a modern, approachable experience inspired by my time in Hong Kong, India and Canada. At Jun’s, you can expect regular menu changes that highlight seasonal ingredients to ensure our frequent guests have something new to experience while enjoying their tried and tested favourites,” explained Cheung.

The menu comprises carefully crafted dishes such as Lamb Neck with Sechuan Chili and Mantou, Gluten-Free Tempura Zataar and Sweet Potato Chaat, Baby Carrots with Smoked Labneh and Furikake Bagel, Jjampong Khichidi with Butter Garlic Prawn Tadka and Kimchi, as well as Tartar with Agua de Chili and Robata Avocado. The dessert selection is equally distinctive, featuring popular favourites with a unique twist, such as the Boba Crème Brulee. We’re told that it pays homage to Cheung’s very first venture, a bubble tea shop that he opened in Chicago. Elsewhere, the Matcha Sponge with Pistachio Mousse and Miso Crumble come highly recommended. And over at the bar, patrons can expect drinks designed by the award-winning mixology team behind Tesouro, which currently ranks as the #4 best bar in Asia by World’s 50 Best.

Named with the intention of embracing the spirit of a steed (which is what ‘Jun’ translates to in Mandarin Chinese), the restaurant is bold and modern, with distinctive design elements that draw inspiration from steed stables. The interiors feature a sand colour palette with natural materials and various textures used throughout – timber, marble and white bricks included. They all come together to create an ambience that’s as chic as it is welcoming. For those looking for a more intimate setting, Jun’s offers an elevated seating area with a timber-styled floor and ceiling, with full views of the entire restaurant. A series of intricate suspended installations, made of a unique mesh material, cast shadows over the restaurant’s walls, adding an extra layer of dimension to the interiors. A spacious outdoor patio area, meanwhile, promises stunning views of Burj Khalifa.

GO: Call 04 457 6035 or follow @junsdubai on Instagram for more information.