A modern-day speakeasy Japanese restaurant that blends tradition with sophistication.
Amidst Dubai’s bustling food scene, the enchanting La Cantine du Faubourg has a surprise in store – Gohan Dubai. This hidden gem within a gem turns dining norms on their head, welcoming you into a world where old-school Japanese charm meets fresh creativity.
Gohan isn’t your run-of-the-mill spot; it’s like a modern-day speakeasy. To find it, you’ll follow a curious path – passing through curtains and winding between La Cantine’s wine fridges. This mystique sets the tone for an extraordinary dining adventure.
Inside Gohan, the vibe transforms. The chic décor of La Cantine shifts into a classic Japanese dining scene with checkerboard tables. With a cosy setup catering to fifty guests at most, an air of exclusivity hangs in the air, in harmony with the restaurant’s undercover identity. The waitstaff are impeccably dressed, the DJ plays funky beats, the lighting is ambient; it just feels cool.
Breaking away from La Cantine’s French flair, Gohan masters the art of elevated Japanese street food. The menu, thoughtfully crafted by skilled chefs, blends lavish ingredients into a harmonious symphony of flavours. We left it in the knowledgeable hands of the waiters to advise us on what to order, and we couldn’t have done better ourselves.
Our exploration through Gohan’s culinary offerings painted a vivid picture. Each dish was fresh, innovative, and left an unforgettable impression. We savoured the Sliced Bluefin Tuna in Sesame Dressing’s delicate dance of flavours and relished the symphony of textures and spices in the Crispy Salmon Tartare Gyoza Skin Tacos. An interesting dish was the Shrimp Okonomiyaki. It had a delightfully complex flavour that was sweet, spicy, savoury and smoky at the same time with a delicious crispy, creamy texture. The tempura flakes (tenkasu) wavered, almost making it look like the dish was alive!
Top must-orders? The Beef Sando, nestled in fried bread with honey mustard, was out of this world delicious. And the Wagyu and Truffle Maki, crafted right before your eyes, showcases Gohan’s culinary prowess whilst being an utterly incredible taste sensation.
For dessert, we were so full we had to go light and the marinated citrus was highly recommended – for very good reason. It was the perfect balance of refreshing and bitter. We also had Gohan yuzu mochi and embarrassingly after saying we were so full, emptied the bowl!
But it’s not just about the food; Gohan’s drinks are a testament to excellence too. We dipped into a variety of cocktails, each a masterpiece. The JUROJIN, blending Nikka From The Barrel, Mancino Secco, strawberry cordial, Peychaud’s Bitters, and soda, left us craving more. The DAIKOKUTEN, mixing Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Jaggery, sesame, and angostura bitter, was equally captivating and let’s just say, we didn’t stop at one.
With its sharing style food options and cool vibes, it’s the kind of place that works for an impressive date night, but also a group evening out. It is a gastronomic experience that blends tradition with sophistication and we think Gohan is Dubai’s best kept secret that needs to be told!
For more information or reservations please visit their website or Instagram.
