The new restaurant opens in Wasl Vita.
Dubai is home to world-class restaurants, from celebrity chefs to MICHELIN-starred venues. Now, it is set to welcome a new Thai restaurant, Manāo. Located in Wasl Vita, Juemeira 1, the opening date has not yet been confirmed, but here’s what we do know.
So far, we know that Manāo’s will showcase Thai food, although the full menu has not yet been unveiled. In Thailand, the word manao refers to a lime or lemon, so we are expecting an added zest of freshness to the dishes and décor.
The homegrown concept is brought to life by Chef Abhiraj Khatwani of Yellow Monkey and his mentor, Chef Mohamad Orfali of the FACT award-winning Orfali Bros. The restaurant reimagines Thai cuisine through the lens of Abhiraj’s personal journey. After leaving the fine-dining world, the chef spent time in Udon Thani, learning from Thai locals and shaping his interpretation of Thai cuisine.
At MANĀO, the menu is a tribute to Thailand’s way of life. It features dishes inspired by lesser-known recipes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage. Every element is crafted to highlight the vibrant textures, bold seasonings, and diverse cooking techniques that define Thai cuisine, including traditional methods like grilling, roasting, and fermentation.
The menu offers two distinct dining experiences: an à la carte selection and a special chef’s menu that showcases the team’s creative flair. Guests are invited to begin their journey with One Bite dishes that deliver unapologetically bold flavours, such as Savoury Khanom Krok, Miang of Charred Cabbage, and Fermented Sticky Rice Roti with Smoked Short Ribs—each bite a perfect balance of smoke, protein, and salt.
For sharing, the menu features standout dishes like the Salad of Pomelo and Fried Fish and the Sour Curry of Beef. Rice, a cornerstone of Thai food, takes the spotlight throughout the menu, prepared in various forms—fermented, roasted, steamed, grilled, sticky, and crispy—to showcase its diversity. Desserts continue the innovation, with creations like Sticky Rice Skewers glazed with coconut sauce and paired with coconut and palm sugar ice cream.
Manāo is able to count a range of cafés and restaurants as its culinary neighbours. Wasl Vita Mall is home to a range of cafés and restaurants, too. The concepts include the pizza place, Brick Overy Eatery; dessert spot, Chocolate Molecule; charming café, Jewels; Japanese spot, Kobeya; dessert café, Molten Me; healthy hotspot, Protein House; and Japanese eatery, Rayu Japanese Restaurant.
Plus, on Al Wasl Road, you can find Around the Block, Brunch & Cake, Dishtrict, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, La Fabrica Italiana Focacceria, and the FACT award-winning Orfali Bros and YAVA Restaurant.
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GO: Follow @manao_dubai on Instagram for more information.
