A taste of coastal Mexico
A new slice of Mexico is coming to Dubai, brought to you by VKD Hospitality, the minds behind beloved concepts like Honeycomb Hi-Fi and Miss Lily’s. Cocina Tres is here to celebrate the colourful energy of coastal Mexico, inspired by the houses of Mexico City’s legendary architect, Luis Barragán, Food, drink and coming home – that’s what Cocina Tres is all about.
Located in Pullman Business Bay, the concept is led by a team of chefs from Mexico, to ensure that diners get the most real, authentic flavours of Mexico, and a true taste of Latin hospitality.
As such, the menu is designed around traditional culinary techniques, including handmade tortillas ground on a custom-built molino using imported Oaxacan corn, paired with fresh seafood and show-stopping wood-fire grilled specials. Diners can also indulge in a dedicated ceviche bar, taste a variety of homemade salsas, and share plates packed with punchy flavours.
“Every dish at Cocina Tres tells a story,” says Executive Chef Brandon Arriago. “The menu draws inspiration from regions across Mexico – from southern corn tortillas to northern flour varieties, and moles rooted in central traditions. We wanted to capture the true essence of Mexico through its diversity and cultural richness.”
The interiors are also steeped in Mexican influences, with brightly colored geometric columns and walls, traversing an ever-changing, shapeshifting composition and a stunning succulent garden terrace, perfect for dining in this season.
Rustic wood beams, rough-textured walls and hand-crafted tiles transport the visitors into a hacienda overlooking the water. Tiger masks from the state of Guerrero hold watch over the tiled Ceviche Bar. Every detail has been created by skilled artisans, drawing on the legacy of Barragán – a beautiful fusion of contemporary, modernist taste and traditional Mexican aesthetics, and a masterful play of colour, light and space.
The genius of Luis Barragán
The genius of Luis Barragán
Born in Guadalajara in 1902, Luis Ramiro Barragán Morfín is revered as one of the most prominent faces of modern Mexican architecture. His love for the light and shade of Mexican aesthetics married beautifully with the clean lines of the Modernist movement - a signature of his own.
“We wanted Cocina Tres to offer a real celebration of Mexican culture, design, and flavours, with its easy-going attitude”, said Varun Khemaney and Khalil Dahmash, co-founders of VKD Hospitality. “We can’t wait for Dubai to come and taste, sip, and celebrate with us.”
On the drinks front, curated by beverage manager Askar Choriev, the bar features artisanal mezcals, house-infused spirits, frozen margaritas, and signature cocktails.
Image credit: Supplied
Deeply passionate about food, culture and community, Manaal loves telling extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Besides sniffing out a tale to tell, her favourite things to do include binging true crime documentaries, chasing cats on the streets and curating a good outfit.
