Manāo

MANĀO is a Contemporary Thai restaurant in Dubai founded by chefs Abhiraj Khatwani and Mohamad Orfali. It showcases Thai-inspired cuisine through a personal and innovative perspective by blending traditional Thai ingredients and techniques with Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene. Chef Abhiraj’s experience spans from fine dining to authentic kitchens in Udon Thani, where Thai mothers taught him the craft of flavor. The restaurant’s philosophy emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and reinvention, using fermentation, roasting, and other time-honored methods to highlight both local and Thai ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes designed for sharing, including "One Bite" plates that deliver bursts of bold flavor. Specialties such as fermented sticky rice roti with smoked short ribs, sour curry of beef, and coconut rice wrapped in banana leaf illustrate the depth and versatility of the flavors. Desserts emphasize coconut and rice, drawing from traditional Thai staples. MANĀO’s atmosphere fosters intimacy and creativity, arranged to feel like both a home and a stage for culinary storytelling. It holds a Michelin star for its contemporary approach to Thai cuisine.