A new matcha menu, a Thai food festival: Things to sample this April in Dubai

Matcha menu

Calling all matcha fans, there’s a new experience in town that you are going to want to try. Kayto at Jumeirah Al Naseem is launching Matcha Fridays, a celebration of the famous stuff.

Starting on April 4, every Friday you can enjoy a four-course set menu where each dish is paired with a matcha drink. The starters, for example, feature crispy rice topped with salmon tartare, paired with Matcha Kyoto Cloud, and yellowtail nigiri with a touch of kizami wasabi, complemented by the vibrant Matcha Kyoto Bloom.

For the main course, there is the saikyo miso black cod, served with yuzu miso and truffle mashed potatoes, accompanied by the bold Matcha Kyoto Ember. To round off the journey, dessert features Matcha Blanc Cherie, paired with creamy matcha ice cream and served alongside the indulgent Matcha Kayto Blossom Latte.

Dh195 (set menu on Fridays). April 4-June, 12.30pm-3.30pm. To book a spot, email or restaurants@jumeirah.com call 800 323232.

The best mix

Mantu Sichuan Wonton

This is one crossover we are here for. This April, Kishmish, Ugly Noodles, and Ugly Burger are partnering up to deliver an explosion of flavours. The special menu, available on April 19-20 from noon to midnight at Kishmish branches in Dar Wasl and Mirdif, will take firm favourites and give them an unexpected (and hopefully delicious) twist. From the Ugly Bun Kebab (Dh38), a reimagined version of the classic Afghan burger with Ugly’s signature flair, to the Shorwa Noodles (Dh58), a bowl blending Afghan and Sichuan influences, there’s much to try out. Other highlights of the menu are mantu dumplings, Mantu Sichuan Wonton (Dh38), and the Dandan Kofta Noodles (Dh48) fuses Ugly’s famous dan dan noodles with Kishmish’s rich, spiced kofta. Rounding out the menu, diners can snack on Crispy Scallion Pakoras (Dh28) and Ugly-style Masala Chips (Dh28), before ending on a sweet note with Kishmish’s Sheer Yakh. Afghan cuisine has evolved over centuries, shaped by influences from Mongolian, Iranian, and Indian traditions. One of its strongest connections, however, lies with Chinese cooking. For Chef-founder Eric Lee of Ugly Noodles, this collaboration is more than just a fusion of flavours – it’s a full-circle moment. "When we first started, Ugly Noodles was right next to Kishmish in Dar Wasl Mall. It feels surreal to be coming back together for this collab, especially in a way that brings both of our unique identities onto one plate." Call 050 426 1663 to reserve your spot.

Thai festival in Dubai

It’s a time to cheer and to celebrate, and pan-Asian restaurant Toshi is onboard with the idea. It’s playing host and home to the Thai festival of Songkran on April 13. From 6.30pm to 11pm, the festival will see guests indulging in an authentic Thai culinary journey with a special Thai buffet and à la carte menu. The spread will also have a live cooking station serving up street food favorites such as Tom Yum soup, Papaya Salad, Pad Thai noodles, and traditional Thai desserts. There are also raffles to be won during the festivities. Call 04 423 4100 to save a spot.

Exploring a new way to work

Chef Fabrice Monperrus.

So you think you can cook? Are you ready to be schooled in the art and science of creating a perfectly risen soufflé? Dubai’s Huom Culinary Canvas is teaming up with Le Cordon Bleu to bring a series of learning experiences to the UAE. On April 11 and 12, the group with hold hands-on workshops, live demos, and a special open house.

The two-day event kicks off with an immersive workshop led by Le Cordon Bleu Master Chef Fabrice Monperrus. He will explain the artistry of “Poulet Reine Elizabeth” (Coronation Chicken), originally created by Le Cordon Bleu London institute for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

On April 12, Huom Culinary Canvas will give aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts a look at their facility and culinary courses at Le Cordon Bleu. The event will feature demonstrations and an in-depth look at Le Cordon Bleu’s renowned programmes, including their Higher Education degree offerings. If you want a spot, book soon via huom.me – the seats are limited.