Clearly the Nikkei cuisine craze is still going strong.
All hail a homegrown eatery, especially if it brings the cuisine of faraway places to our shores. Case in point: Peruvian-Nikkei fusion concept INTI, which is now open on the 23rd floor of The Dubai EDITION. Incidentally, its name translates to ‘sun’, one of the most commonly used words in Quechua, the language spoken by the aboriginal people of South America. The restaurant boasts incredible views overlooking Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai neighbourhood owing to its stunning rooftop location. As for INTI’s link to the Incan cultural heritage? Reflected in both its bold design and authentic menu offerings.
INTI was designed by renowned architect Lazaro Rosa Violan and features wooden elements adorned by lush greenery, placing focus on creating a space that feels grounded yet elevated. Guests will find a special wood-panel installation showcasing Inca scriptures that are trademarked and exclusive to the Dubai outpost. With private access via elevator, the venue provides a Latin sanctuary from the buzzing streets and offers unrivalled views of Downtown Dubai’s sparkling skyline, taking Peruvian artistic influences to new heights. INTI’s rooftop can be fully enclosed during Dubai’s scorching summer months, making it an ideal destination throughout the year.
At INTI, seafood is the star of the menu, including original and non-traditional ceviches such as the Hamachi accompanied by jalapeño leche de tigre or the platter, perfect for sharing. To commence, choices are endless with the Tar-Tar, the Bao (a perfectly smoked brisket with Panca BBQ and cabbage), or culinary favourite Guacamole (prepared freshly at the table). The culinary journey into Peru continues with Tiraditos – the Peruvian flavoured sashimi technique – with an unmissable Lubina, seabass dressed with maracuja and jalapeño for a zesty and flavourful touch. Anticuchos are a staple on this menu, with options such as the squid, corn and chicken.
Over in the mains, fish, meat and vegetarian options span dishes like the Yakiniku (a 72-hour braised beef short rib covered in yakiniku sauce) and the Cordero (lamb chops flavoured with togarashi and topped with nori), complemented by a dedicated sushi counter. Ending the Peruvian-Nikkei journey on a sweet note, the Churros are a must-try, as is the white chocolate cheesecake served with maracuja sorbet. And because it can be argued that white chocolate isn’t chocolate, the molten chocolate chip dessert steps up to satiate cocoa cravings. But regardless of what you order, your dining experience will be complemented by a whole host of infectious beats spun by the restaurant’s resident DJ.
Elsewhere, positioned in an elevated location within INTI is Waska, an inner private lounge providing guests with an immersive atmosphere in an intimate environment. With its name inspired by the ceremonial herbal concoction Ayahuasca, it aims to take guests on a journey of creative spirits. Here, the volume is raised to energising levels, instantly enveloping visitors in an effortlessly elegant atmosphere beneath a ceiling reminiscent of a starry sky, courtesy of 700 LED lights. Between its array of perfectly mixed drinks and ambience of mystical glamour, Waska promises to deliver a memorable experience with a unique collection of spirits for the city’s party crowd.
DSCVR: INTI, The Dubai EDITION, Dubai Fountain Street, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. @intidubai
