If you’re not familiar with Kaiseki, it is a long-held Japanese dining tradition previously reserved only for royalty, and the concept that Kohantei restaurant is based on. In fact, Kohantei claims to be the only Japanese fine dining Kaiseki experience in the UAE, serving up this multi-course, meticulously prepared and presented meal through a range of five menus.
The menus vary on theme and the number of courses, but adhere to the same founding principles of creating delicate, visually-beautiful food and only using the finest produce sourced personally by the team from Japan. Each menu features appetisers, a mix of sushi and sashimi, seasonal small dishes and steak, but your chosen menu will dictate the overall theme of your courses. For example, one menu focuses exclusively on Japanese beef with dishes such as wagyu carpaccio and wagyu nigari, while the others fluctuate between six and eight courses, concentrating on plates served hot or cold. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, the a la carte offering is broken down into soups, seafood, wagyu, rice and noodles, or the pre-theatre menu has a set selection of appetisers, seasonal soup, sashimi, a main and tea to finish.
While the food has a sense of exclusivity about it, Kohantei’s ambience and décor aims to provide a low-key, unfussy and authentic feel. Think minimalist design, muted tones and small, simple wooden tables. If you’re interested in private dining, there are also several rooms which can be booked just for you.
The other thing to note about Kohantei’s concept is that it revolves around Omotenashi – the Japanese spirit of hospitality. Broken down its meaning means public face (omote) and nothing (nashi) which combined represent hiding nothing and giving your guests your true self. The idea is to host with a genuine passion and to be open with your guests – a beautiful sentiment that also creates a unique experience while dining.