Housed at the Vida hotel in Downtown Dubai, Taikun Restaurant & Lounge is a stylish dining destination serving a pan-Asian menu.
The story goes that Taikun is an traditional Japanese word for respect, which is used to refer to a leader or prince. You will certainly feel like royalty if you choose to dine here, as Taikun’s multiple dining spaces are a lesson in casual luxury; the rooms here are all inspired by Asian design customs, but bring the outside in via verdant foliage and earthy colour tones.
Taikun’s menu showcases classic dishes from across the continent, taking in the likes of bao buns, gyoza, dim sum and noodle dishes. The restaurant’s signature dish is its black cod which is served alongside baked avocado, spicy mayonnaise and unagi. To kick-start your meal, choose from small plates such as a Peking duck taco or chicken katsu bao buns, while fans of sushi can tuck into California rolls and Red Dragon rolls.
From the more substantial dishes on the menu, diners can choose between the likes of lamb noodles with bean sprouts and spring onions, Wagyu striploin with shiso butter, or black cod slicked with miso sauce. To finish up, dig your spoon into Asian twists on classic puddings – think a yuzu cheesecake with strawberry sorbet or a lemon grass crème brulee.
While Taikun is best suited to glamorous dinners, it is also a great place to take clients that you are looking to impress. In fact, the restaurant serves a business lunch during the week when you can enjoy a three-course meal for 110 AED per person. On the menu, expect the likes of spicy tuna rolls and miso chilli salmon.
The restaurant also benefits from an expansive garden and outdoor terrace, which is a gorgeous Instagram-friendly space that overlooks the glittering city. Head here in the day for a spot of alfresco dining or step out on to the terrace at night for after dinner drinks.