The perfect Japanese-Peruvian hand roll
Dubai’s dining scene is about to welcome a fresh new import from Europe. Akiro, the pioneering Nikkei hand roll bar concept that first launched in Madrid, is set to open in Dubai before the end of the year, marking its first venture into the UAE with local hospitality group Belhasa Hospitality.
While the exact location is yet to be revealed, the arrival of Akiro adds another exciting chapter to Dubai’s ever-growing appetite for innovative Japanese and Latin American cuisine.
View this post on Instagram
At the heart of Akiro is Nikkei cuisine, a culinary tradition born from the migration of Japanese communities to Peru in the late nineteenth century.
Over generations, Japanese cooking techniques blended with Peru’s vibrant ingredients, including citrus, chilli and some of the world’s finest seafood. The result is a cuisine that balances Japanese precision with the bold, expressive flavours of Peru, creating one of the most celebrated gastronomic movements in the world today.
Akiro’s concept seeks to honour that heritage through a focused menu centred on hand rolls, prepared directly in front of guests and served within seconds of being made.
The Chef Who Started it All
Leading the culinary vision is renowned Nikkei chef Luis Arévalo, widely regarded as one of the pioneers responsible for introducing Nikkei cuisine to Europe.
Born in Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, Arévalo began his culinary journey in Lima before moving to Chile, where he trained under Japanese chefs and deepened his understanding of the connection between Japanese and Peruvian food cultures.
View this post on Instagram
He later relocated to Madrid in the early 2000s, where he played a key role in shaping Europe’s Nikkei dining scene. In 2010, he opened his first restaurant, earning recognition from both the MICHELIN Guide and the Repsol Guide.
The Perfect Hand Roll
Akiro was created through a partnership between Arévalo, Faisal Barakat and Lucas León, who together developed what they describe as the world’s first Nikkei hand roll bar.
The concept revolves around immediacy and craftsmanship. Guests sit at a minimalist counter where each hand roll is assembled moments before serving, ensuring optimum texture, temperature and flavour.
View this post on Instagram
The first Akiro opened in Madrid in 2023, quickly gaining attention for its stripped-back approach that places product quality and timing at the centre of the experience.
Beyond Madrid
Since its launch, Akiro has expanded rapidly and is now present across three continents and six cities, including Barcelona, Milan and Chicago. New openings in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates are planned for 2026, with Dubai set to become the brand’s latest international destination.
View this post on Instagram
For Dubai diners, that means a new opportunity to experience a cuisine that seamlessly bridges two cultures – bringing together Japanese technique, Peruvian flavour and the simple ritual of a freshly made hand roll.
Akiro Dubai is expected to open before the end of 2026. Further details, including location and opening date, are yet to be announced.
Image credit: @akiro.es on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
