BysairaFOOD & DRINKSAugust, 2023

AN UNCONVENTIONAL JAPANESE BRUNCH AT DUBAI HILLS

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki offers an unconventional Japanese brunch.

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki the homegrown Japanese food spot that is the brainchild of award-winning Singaporean chef Reif Othman has opened their newest outlet in Dubai Hills. We needed no convincing when an invitation to review their Sunday brunch otherwise known as ‘Buranchi’ landed in our inbox.

A fun concept where the food is all brought out to the table and trust us when we say it’s quite the feast! We began with freshly baked moist monkey bread that we dipped in the kaya jam. The platter also included an assortment of charcoal croissants with sweet and savory fillings. From bacon jam to veal ham and honey with cheese, these were just as delicious but we knew we had to pace ourselves so resisted wiping the platter clean!

The steamed edamame with citrus salt served as a good palette cleanser before we moved onto the raw seabass with yuzu say and raw salmon with negi miso. Each of these dishes had complex flavors and textures and were also beautifully presented. This course also included a green salad with a luscious avocado dressing.

The multilevel chef’s selection platter of sushi, nigiri and maki was simple, fresh and we slowly but we joyfully ate our way through the entire dish.

Next was Otsumami or the finger food course that we were really preparing our appetites for finally arrived. The chicken gyozas were packed with savory goodness, bursting with delicious flavor in every bite. We adored the fried wings that were dipped in a spicy lemon dressing. The Angus beef kushiyaki with black pepper teriyaki and the chicken kushiyaki with miso citrus that have become a firm favorite at any REIF outlet were very juicy and delicious as usual.

The meal ended with a dessert platter of fresh fruit and mochi.

‘Buranchi’ is a playful and unconventional take on the usual Sunday brunch. A great way to taste some of the signature dishes that the REIF brand has perfected, this is a must-try concept that we will be going back to with friends and family!