• Chef Ross Shonhan introduces Abu Dhabi to Warayaki cooking magic.
  • Strawfire’s interiors celebrate Japanese culture with handcrafted details.
  • Experience smoky, straw-fired flavors with curated à la carte menus.
  • Toyama Private Dining Room showcases the world’s largest Shimenawa rope.

Prepare for a sensational culinary journey as acclaimed Chef Ross Shonhan unveils Strawfire at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Set to open on November 15, 2024, Strawfire brings the unique Japanese Warayaki cooking method to the UAE, blending ancient traditions with Shonhan’s signature contemporary flair. This iconic dining experience will immerse guests in the artistry of straw-fired cooking, igniting the senses with rich, smoky flavors in every bite.

Strawfire’s menu is a tribute to the Kochi prefecture’s Warayaki technique, where straw flames sear ingredients to perfection, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor. Guests can expect an elevated dining experience as Chef Shonhan’s passion for Japanese cuisine shines through each dish, from the curated à la carte selections to an immersive Chef’s Omakase menu. Fridays and Saturdays add another layer of magic with live jazz bands and a DJ playing Jazzy House and NU Disco, creating an ambiance that’s as memorable as the meal.

Upon entry, diners are greeted by the Tsukimi Lounge, an enchanting space inspired by the calm of a full moon harvest night. The main dining room, with its dramatic open grill and golden drapery that mirrors dancing flames, sets the tone for an interactive culinary journey. Beyond the grill, Strawfire’s five unique dining areas, including the Toyama Private Dining Room, offer a rich cultural experience. Featuring the world’s largest synthetic Shimenawa rope—a traditional Japanese symbol of protection—suspended dramatically above the table, the Toyama room embodies the spirit of Japan’s artistry and heritage.

Designed with meticulous attention to detail, Strawfire’s interiors feature handcrafted elements like Kumiko woodwork and silk-panel walls, adorned with artworks inspired by celebrated Japanese artists such as Hiroshige and Hokusai. It’s more than just a dining venue; it’s an immersion into the soul of Japanese culture, where each corner holds a story, and each dish tells a tale.

Chef Shonhan is no stranger to pushing boundaries. With an illustrious resume that includes roles as Executive Chef at Nobu Dallas and Zuma London, along with founding London’s popular Bone Daddies and Flesh & Buns, his creativity in Japanese culinary arts is well-renowned. Strawfire marks another bold move in his career, creating a space that invites food lovers to experience his culinary vision firsthand. Following his success at Netsu Dubai, Shonhan’s latest venture is set to redefine the Abu Dhabi dining scene, bringing innovation and authenticity to every dish.

As Strawfire opens its doors this November, Abu Dhabi’s tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts are in for an exceptional dining adventure at the heart of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Book your table to witness the artistry of Warayaki firsthand, an experience where Japan’s vibrant heritage and Shonhan’s masterful touch collide.

Instagram: @strawfireabudhabi