Dubai’s Kinoya receives MENA’s 50...

Chef Neha Mishra’s acclaimed restaurant was born from her home-based supper club

Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants has announced Dubai’s Kinoya as the winner of its coveted One To Watch Award 2022.

The accolade recognises a rising star among the restaurants of the region which MENA’s 50 Best believes has the potential to break into the list in the years to come.

It will be presented to Kinoya’s founder, ‘Ramen Queen’ Neha Mishra at the gala ceremony of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, sponsored by S Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, taking place in Abu Dhabi on 7 February.

Mishra burst onto the Dubai dining scene with the supper club she ran from her home, called A Story of Food. During its tenure, it fed over 7,000 guests, serving a six-course Japanese menu with Mishra’s ramen bowl as its centrepiece. Its success led to the opening of Kinoya, located at the Onyx Tower in The Greens, in April 2021. Initially conceptualised as a ramen shop, it ultimately took the shape of an izakaya to showcase more of Mishra’s outstanding Japanese technique.

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Since opening its doors, Kinoya has quickly distinguished itself with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering a space to gather to work, eat, drink, catch-up and unwind

It’s matched with a unique and authentic menu featuring classical Japanese dishes such as tsukene (meatballs) and tamago sando (Japanese omelette sandwhich), as well as a large selection of signature ramen and robata-grilled meats.

Honoured by the recognition, Mishra said: “We are humbled by the recognition and are delighted to be the winner of the first One To Watch Award at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. To receive this award just nine months after opening is a dream come true.

“We have tried to create a relaxed space where anyone – no matter where they are from or how much they earn – can come and enjoy a good meal. The award is a credit to my team and everyone’s hard work; we are just starting out on our journey, but this award shows us we are on the right path.”

Kinoya started as a supper club in Neha Mishra’s home

Commenting on the accolade, 50 Best director of content William Drew said: “At Kinoya, Neha Mishra has created a one-of-a-kind space within the bustling city of Dubai. From the moment of walking through the door, Kinoya transports guests to an authentic Japanese izakaya, where the décor and outstanding food come together as one.

“Mishra’s ramen, as you might expect from someone who has studied the dish so extensively, is nothing short of stunning. We are delighted to name Kinoya as the One To Watch as part of the overall MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants awards programme.”

The first edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants event programme will make its debut in Abu Dhabi and the full list of winners will be unveiled at a gala ceremony on 7 February.

The event programme, which comprises talks, masterclasses and collaborative dinners and dining experiences, will provide an opportunity for chefs, gourmands and food and travel media from all over the region to gather and celebrate the region’s culinary industry.

For more information and tickets for the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants events programme visit www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en