A fresh take on a celebrated icon
The latest in a spate of brand new openings in Dubai is SANA, ready to welcome curious diners at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. A reimagining of the iconic Uzbekistan Restaurant in Moscow, established in 1951 and running since the Soviet era, SANA intends to carry that legacy forward under the fresh directive of Chef Glen Ballis, most recently seen playing with fire at INĆ, J1 Beach.
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The traditional ethos of the restaurant has been reinvented for Dubai’s cosmopolitan audience, creating a modern bridge between the East and the West with both authentic Uzbek classics and new-age Asian-inspired creations. Essentially, the warmth and depth of Uzbek cuisine and hospitality remains, with the added touch of Dubai luxury.
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While Chef Glen Ballis is bringing to the table modern interpretations, owing to his illustrious time in kitchens across London, Melbourne, Moscow and Asia, he has also worked closely with a team of Uzbek and Asian chefs, ensuring that the richness of Uzbek cuisine, and the traditional flavours and techniques have been preserved.
Some of the dishes you can sample include clay-oven baked Tandir Non served with artisanal dips, to delicate dumplings and wood-fired shashlik skewers, slow-cooked Plov prepared in traditional style, Kamchatka Crab Belyash with truffle, and Whole Seabass baked with herbs, alongside larger celebratory dishes such as braised leg of lamb or whole roasted baby lamb.
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The space itself tells a story of cultural exchange – featuring a grand dome dining hall with an atmospheric setting for up to 110 guests, while the floating terrace offers al fresco dining for 110 with stunning water views complete with shisha.
Also tucked away inside the venue is MOON BY SANA, a speakeasy-inspired lounge and event space, with capacity for 80 people, perfect for late-night cocktails.
Rediscover the world of Uzbek food.
Image credit: @sana_restaurantdxb on Instagram
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.
