Forget about Pad Thai – MANĀO is about to change what you know about Thai food, one dish at a time
MANĀO, a chef-driven, Thai-inspired restaurant set to open its doors at the backyard of Vita Wasl, bringing a fresh perspective to Dubai’s culinary scene. Founded by Chef Abhiraj Khatwani, known for his pop-up The Yellow Monkey, alongside his mentor Chef Mohamad Orfali, MANĀO is a homegrown concept that blends the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine with local ingredients and innovative techniques. Rooted in Thai cooking, it’s about creating the food the chefs love to eat.
For Abhiraj, the heart of MANĀO lies in the team. “We’re a group of chefs who love Thai food,” he says. “It’s about connecting with the food that inspires us and making it accessible in a way that feels personal and dynamic.”
“Thai food has a deep connection to my Indian roots,” Abhiraj explains. “The origins of many Thai flavours are similar to those I grew up with, which made it easier for me to understand the core of Thai cuisine while still being creative with it.” This is reflected in MANĀO’s menu, which is both personal and representative of his journey through Thailand, from the South to the North, and his deep appreciation for the traditions that define Thai cooking.
At MANĀO, guests can experience a tailored menu featuring a one-of-a-kind dining experience unlike any other, with dishes drawn from lesser-known recipes that emphasise the way of life of Thailand. The menu at MANĀO is a celebration of textures, seasonings and a variety of techniques, such as Thai grilling, roasting and fermentation.
The menu is divided into à la carte offerings and a special chef’s menu, which features a selection of dishes showcasing the team’s creativity. Guests can begin their experience with One Bite dishes packed with unapologetic flavours, including Savoury Khanom Krok, Miang of Charred Cabbage, and Fermented Sticky Rice Roti with Smoked Short Ribs, setting the tone for what’s to come with smoke, protein, and salt at the heart of each bite. Sharing dishes include a Salad of Pomelo and Fried Fish, and Sour Curry of Beef and Coconut Rice cooked in banana leaf. The desserts are just as innovative, with Sticky Rice Skewers coated with a rich coconut sauce and served with coconut and palm sugar ice cream, thereby making use of the entire coconut. Rice, the staple food of Thai cuisine, takes centre stage on the menu, highlighting fermented, roasted, steamed, grilled, sticky, crispy textures.
MANĀO also embraces the spirit of Dubai’s growing culinary innovation, collaborating with Orfali Bros’ fermentation lab to introduce sustainable techniques that enhance flavours while staying true to the essence of Thai cuisine. Guests can enjoy non-alcoholic juice pairings featuring fermented drinks like jackfruit and strawberry with prickly ash, using indigenous spices for a unique twist.
The restaurant’s warm, open kitchen concept invites guests to interact directly with the chefs, creating a welcoming, interactive atmosphere. “We want MANĀO to feel like home, where every chef comes to the table to serve each dish, bringing warmth and a distinctive touch to the dining experience,” Abhiraj shares.
“Nothing like MANĀO exists in Dubai,” adds Chef Mohamad Orfali, mentor and culinary partner in this venture. “It’s a homegrown concept driven by passion, collaboration, and a love for food. It’s not about recreating Thai cuisine – it’s about reinventing it in a way that feels personal, dynamic, and deeply connected to our journey.”
