Manao, a modern Thai-inspired restaurant, is set to open its doors at Vita Wasl, offering a dining experience that blends the essence of Thai gastronomy with bold innovation and local talent. A homegrown concept brought to life by Chef Abhiraj Khatwani of Yellow Monkey and his mentor, Chef Mohamad Orfali of Orfali Bros, Manao reimagines Thai cuisine through the lens of Abhiraj’s personal journey and the team’s creative experimentation.
Key Highlights
Homegrown and Chef-driven: Dubai-born Chef Abhiraj Khatwani leads Manao with a focus on Thai-inspired cuisine, developed in collaboration with Chef Mohamad Orfali and a talented R&D team.
Personal Culinary Journey: Abhiraj left the fine-dining world to spend time in Udon Thani, learning from Thai locals and families and shaping his interpretation of Thai cuisine.
Innovative Use of Rice: Each dish incorporates different textures of rice – fermented, roasted, steamed, grilled, sticky, and crispy – celebrating the versatility of this Thai staple.
Chef’s Menu: A selection of bite-sized, sharing dishes and a special chef’s menu reflect the team’s creativity and techniques.
Collaborative R&D Team: Manao’s menu is developed by a team of passionate chefs under Abhiraj’s leadership, who share a love for Thai cuisine and its influence.
Borderless Dining: Guests can interact directly with the chefs, who blend roles of cooking for and serving the guests, in a warm and lively setting.
Innovative Drinks: Manao’s beverage offerings include non-alcoholic juice pairings in collaboration with Orfali Bros’ fermentation lab.
Follow @manao_dubai on Instagram for more information.
