UAE food news: Tokyo Tokyo Central and Soulgreen open in Dubai

Plus: enjoy a menu created by chefs Michael White and Akmal Anuar; or try new plant-based bites at Soulgreen Dubai

Tokyo Tokyo Central serves dishes from Japan, Korea and Thailand

Casual dining restaurant Tokyo Tokyo Central is now open in Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deira and promises authentic Asian cuisine at affordable prices. The interiors of Tokyo Tokyo Central feature hanging wooden umbrellas, Japanese cartoon and comic posters, and Ukiyo paintings, while the menu includes favourites from across Japan, Korea and Thailand. Chicken teriyaki, beef sukiyaki, prawn tempura, beef misono, bento boxes, sushi and ramen are some of the dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun. From the Korean menu, the yum nua salad and the bibimbap rice dish loaded with vegetables and meat are popular options. The restaurant also has a number of offers including unlimited sushi every day from noon to 5pm for Dh89, and a breakfast buffet for Dh44, both until Thursday, April 30.

Plant-based bites at Soulgreen Dubai

Soulgreen, a concept from Milan, launched in Vida Creek Harbour on Sunday, and has brought its healthy dishes and urban-chic layout to the region. The establishment offers eco-friendly offerings, and serves a largely plant-based and dairy-free menu, with 80 per cent of it being vegan and the other 20 per cent comprising seafood. Take your pick from dishes such as the pacha mama bowl, a salad made with quinoa, vegetables and dried tomatoes; the red quinoa burger; the beany burger made with black beans; and mango cheesecake and creme brulee made using sweet vegetable milk.  

Lock, Stock & Barrel has a new party brunch

The restaurant has launched Absolutely Barreled, its new party brunch. Guests can indulge in unlimited starters including a trio or hummus, nachos, Cobb salad and crudites followed by a sharing platter of spring rolls, popcorn shrimp, deep-fried Brie, flatbread, sliders and loaded potato tots. Saving the best for last, the brunch offers desserts such as New York cheesecake, triple chocolate mud cake and sweet kebab skewers, plus lollipops, candy floss, popping candy, popcorn and more, designed to bring back childhood memories. The brunch also promises plenty of entertainment, from live vocals to a huge ball pit. It takes place every Friday from noon to 4pm, and is Dh200 with soft drinks and Dh250 with house beverages.

Cauli burgers and carb-free muffins at Demons & Angels

Delivery concept Demons & Angels launched in the UAE earlier this month, offering an opportunity to satiate your cravings without piling on too many calories. The establishment specialises in healthy alternatives by using ingredients such as cauliflower in place of high-carb gluten. Savour its cauliflower bun burgers and breakfast sandwiches, as well as vegan and gluten-free truffle, spicy vegetarian, spicy meat eater and Greek pizzas (with the option of regular or vegan cheese). Round-up your guilt-free meal with carb-free banana chocolate chip muffins. Demons & Angels fare is currently available through Deliveroo.

Explore the taste of Southeast Asia with a one-off culinary concept

David Tapley, the food writer behind the blog Out and About UAE, will host the fourth in his series of personalised culinary experiences called #DineAroundWithDavid at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Taking place through a private table set-up, the "street food late brunch" is an opportunity to explore South-east Asian specialities curated by Tran Thanh Chung, chef de cuisine at Li Jiang. Dishes include a Korean BBQ selection, Peking duck, sushi and fried noodles. The meal takes place on Sunday, March 15,from 7pm to 11pm, and will offer unlimited food and beverages for Dh170 with soft beverages or Dh270 with house beverages.

Indulge in a one-off, east-meets-west dinner

Marea's chef Michael White, who comes from New York and has trained in Italy, has teamed up with Singaporean chef Akmal Anuar from 3 Fils to present a one-off six-course set-menu dinner that highlights the heritages of the east and the west with a modern twist. Titled Poseidon Adventure, the culinary experience will take place on Tuesday, March 10, and feature appetisers such as langoustines scampi with leeks, hazelnuts and black truffle, as well as kelp-cured sea bass with wasabi. Two pasta courses have been created exclusively for the night: Aphrodite's weakness is a hand-rolled garganelli accompanied with a blue fin tuna bolognese; and naughty cod linguine is brought to life with the simple flavours of cod milt. After a final shared main course of monte e mare (seared Wagyu rib-eye, with morel mushrooms and red prawn mousse), guests can tuck into a chocolate dessert. The dinner costs Dh475 and reservations should be made by contacting 04 583 6366.

Dine in Nakheel Mall to win a luxury staycation 

The mall on Palm Jumeirah is celebrating the launch of its restaurant openings with offers and entertainment. The Noodle House, Urban Seafood, Bateel Cafe, Le Pain Quotidien and Freddy's are some of the restaurants to open new branches at the mall, which now has more than 60 dining outlets. Those spending Dh150 at any of the spots before Saturday, March 14, can enter the "spin and win" contest, and stand a chance to walk away with a luxury staycation with breakfast for two at Sofitel Dubai The Palm or W – The Palm. Visitors can also expect live stage shows and other activities, which will be held until Saturday, March 21.