Kokoro, the UAE’s first handroll bar nestled within Alserkal Avenue, will be officially fully opened as of Wednesday 1st May, and to celebrate the team has launched a special giveaway called ‘Ducky’s Surprises’. From 1st May until the 31st May, guests heading down to Kokoro are encouraged to bring along a rubber duck for the chance to receive a free hand roll. Having become a viral sensation during its soft launch period, the team has to date rolled up and served more than 24,000 handrolls (24,000 sheets of nori – that’s approximately three kilometers which is equivalent to approximately three times the height of the Burj Khalifa) and over 20,000 nigiris.
Kokoro, which translates to ‘heart’ in English, offers diners an intimate and personalized experience, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the masters behind the bar. Brought to you by the dynamic duo Chef Daniel Lee and Chef Patrick Pham, everything on the menu is made fresh to order with the talented chefs slicing, spicing, and serving a variety of sushi and hand roll dishes live. Committed to using only the finest ingredients, every bite of the Kokoro menu, regardless of the texture or flavour, offers a sense of culinary excellence.
The 44 seater venue, which features 18 stools wrapped around the bar and 26 table seats, has been designed as a traditional Japanese restaurant and has been harmonised by an expert Feng Shui expert all the way from Hong Kong. Observing the team at the handroll bar there’s movement with little sound; each chef works harmoniously whilst manning their own station. Daniel aka Ducky is usually at the helm, (usually slicing sushi whilst in Dubai – he spends his time between Dubai and Houston), while Patrick Pham is by his side constructing the dishes and Young Aka Pocky keeps his focus as the handroll connoisseur; they are quick, precise and effortless in their approach, just watching them is a feast for the eyes.
One distinct feature is that the venue is filled with over 80 rubber ducks; and this isn’t just a random cool gimmick, this reflects the story of how Kokoro came about – one could say they were mascots cheering the team on as a reminder of how far they have come – from Texas to Dubai.
The handroll and sushi menu at Kokoro is intentionally curated with a specific selection of items. Fresh fish and meat featured throughout the menu are specially sourced from some of the finest cuts and suppliers which the team has worked with for years, including Hamachi (Japanese yellowtail), sake (salmon), various tuna varieties, kani (jumbo lump crab), hotate (Hokkaido scallop), as well as A5 wagyu nigiri. The best way to experience Kokoro is to take the chef’s recommendations. Alternatively, for those who like to pick and choose specifically, can explore the four distinct sections of the menu – handrolls, crudo, nigiri & sashimi or salads. However a visit to Kokoro is not complete without trying its hero dishes, including the spicy tuna handroll, hamachi handroll, avocado handroll, shitake mushroom handroll, wagyu nigiri – with unexpected citrus fresh flavours and a chive soy dressing as well as the hijiki seaweed salad. A visit to Kokoro can be perfect for a variety of occasions, an alternative and casual date night, to a quick lunch. For foodies of the world it’s well and truly a venue for the Dubai food bucket list.
And not that you needed another reason to visit, the menu at Kokoro continues to evolve while focusing on seasonal produce, making no two visits the same. In the future the venue will further evolve the dining concept and fans can expect new culinary experiences such as an Omakase pairing menu – get your chopsticks ready!
On the 22nd March Kokoro soft opened and has since been offering a limited service; as of today, the restaurant is now fully opened and is welcoming guests on a first come, first served concept with a waiting list system. There isn’t an option to make advanced bookings.
Ducky’s surprises
- From Wednesday 1st May until Friday 31st May any guests that visits Kokoro and brings with them a rubber duck will receive a free handroll specially made by Ducky
Kokoro opening times
- Kokoro is open seven days a week:
- From Sunday to Wednesday 12pm – 10pm (the last seating at 9:30pm)
- Thursday to Saturday from 12pm – 12pm (the last seating is at 11pm)
- Kokoro is a walk in dining concept which means it is a first come first served basis, guests are unable to make reservations in advance
- The average sitting time at Kokoro is 40 minutes
