MANĀO began as a spark – an idea rooted in flavours, shaped by memories, and brought to life by two minds who saw the beauty in imperfection and the power of reinvention. This is not a replication; but a revelation.
Born in Dubai, MANĀO is a celebration of Thai-inspired cuisine, filtered through the personal journeys of Chef Abhiraj Khatwani and Chef Mohamad Orfali. Together, they weave a story of food that transcends borders, blending the vibrant energy of Dubai with the soulful traditions of Thailand.
Abhiraj’s journey is etched in every bite – a departure from fine dining’s rigid structure to the humble kitchens of Udon Thani, where the hands of Thai mothers shaped his understanding of flavour and craft.
With MANĀO, these lessons come alive in a restaurant that feels like a home, where the kitchen is a stage and the chefs are storytellers.
PHILOSOPHY OF MANĀO
At MANĀO, we believe food is personal. Guided by a chef-driven ethos, MANĀO is a playground for flavours that inspire and challenge. Here, tradition is a compass, not a boundary, and every plate is an ode to the chefs who create it.
Our philosophy is rooted in respect – for the ingredients we use, the cultures that inspire us, and the stories we tell. We work with local and Thai ingredients, combining time-honoured techniques like fermentation and roasting with the dynamic energy of Dubai’s culinary scene. MANĀO is where the past and present collide, creating a future for Thai-inspired food that is bold, exciting, and uniquely our own.
This is not fine dining. This is not casual. This is personal.