Chef Reif Othman’s celebrated omakase tasting menu returns to his newly revamped restaurant, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

The Experience by Reif Othman, the renowned Singaporean chef-owner’s ‘omakase’ tasting menu, returns to Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in Dar Wasl Mall this April in a new and revamped space.

Omakase refers to the Japanese dining tradition of respectfully leaving the selection of your order (and meal) to the chef. The Experience is chef Reif’s innovation playground where he personally cooks a refined twist to his unconventional Japanese food, for up to four guests, at the restaurant’s kitchen counter.

Each month boasts a different culinary theme. For the first launch month of April, the tasting menu is themed around Japan’s cherry blossom season.

In May, the culinary theme is inspired by the Japanese Golden Week holiday period.

With International Sushi Day falling on the June 18, the month pays homage to Reif’s unconventional twist on all thing sushi. Further new and exciting themes will be revealed on social media, so stay tuned!

How does it work? Two tasting menus are available, with a choice of having eight dishes, or go big with 12 dishes. The dinner also includes a special wooden chopstick gift set. These can be booked seven days a week for lunch or dinner over a three-hour period, for a minimum of two people and a maximum of four. Do note that reservations are required five working days in advance to ensure chef Reif’s availability and the sourcing of exclusive produce.

The newly renovated restaurant boasts both terrace and indoor seating, while a striking wall panel with a 3D chopstick design and hanging Japanese lanterns make for new design features.

Additionally, here’s more great news. A new six-course set menu will be available for dine-in during the holy month of Ramadan. Diners can enjoy Reif’s trademark unique take on food with a miso lentil soup and dates to break the fast, followed by kibbeh nayyeh with miso hummus and flatbread, ‘RFC’ Reif Fried Chicken and grilled sea bass with rice. The meal ends on a sweet note with two desserts – matcha Umm Ali and yuzu mouhalabiya. If you prefer to stay home and order in, the same menu is available online through Deliveroo.

Daily from 12-11pm. The Experience: AED350 per person (inclusive of eight dishes) and AED550 per person (inclusive of 12 dishes). Ramadan menu: AED220 for two persons (inclusive of six-course set menu). Call +9714 3450761 or email reservations@reifkushiyaki.com. Visit the website and Instagram.