Ever since it opened early this year, Khalidiya’s Mikado Cafe has built a growing buzz for its delectable Japanese offerings and intimate ambience.
Those slow to catch on should check out the restaurant’s iftar special. At Dh195 for a four-course meal that could easily accommodate two people, it is a great introduction to this hidden gem.
Although labelled as an iftar, the meals are served from sunset until 11pm – which also makes it ideal for suhoor.
I recommend the latter because with the amount of food on offer, making the evening Taraweeh prayers could be a tall task.
After breaking the fast with dates, we dig into yasai gyoza, crispy-fried vegetables dumplings that got our taste buds ready for the giant sushi tray that followed: it came packed with tangy salmon nigiri, hearty California rolls and my favourite: a delicate, crunchy ebi tempura roll.
The main course includes two signature Mikado dishes: Wagyu hambago, a Wagyu hamburger patty with a serving of grilled onions. The last time I tried the dish, it was too dry. This time around, though, the patty was bursting with juices. I wished I had bread for the other dish – chicken teriyaki with a sublime brown sugar and ginger sauce.
Dessert fans should try the signature bread pudding (a Japanese Umm Ali) and the Matcha Roll, a green-coloured sponge that goes well fresh green tea.
End your meal with a fruity iced-tea. Those looking for a bit of kick should try the Nara, a combination of chilli-vanilla sugar, passion fruit juice, jasmine green tea and a dash of cinnamon.
• Iftar at Mikado Cafe costs Dh195. For more information, call 02 667 7557
