After hearing some truly glowing recommendations about the Benihana restaurant in Beach Rotana we decided to put on our reporter caps and check it out for ourselves.
Upon entering the restaurant, we are seated in front of a gleaming silver griddle. Decorated in deep reds and textured bamboo covered walls, the minimalistic Asian décor keeps the focus where it should be – on the chefs.
Eager to start, we opt for the Benihana Abu Dhabi Teppanyaki set menu, which comes with teriyaki beef and hibachi prawns. But before we start, we are first treated to an enormous platter of sushi. Featuring California rolls, spicy salmon rolls and a chef’s special, we can’t wait to tuck in. Everything is super fresh and bursting with flavour. It’s the perfect way to kickstart our meal.
Appetites suitably whetted, we are then treated to a clear miso soup with cubes of tofu that’s as light as can be. Next up is the Benihana salad topped with a highly addictive gingery dressing. Eager for the main act, we are delighted to meet the hilarious Chef Michael.
Our chef-slash-entertainer extraordinaire of the evening is on top form already. Cracking jokes with everyone, his wit is as quick as his hands. Juggling knives in the air, he’s soon got an onion volcano puffing out steam on the griddle like a locomotive. As he gets the veg going, he expertly de-shells a line of shrimp and afterwards flips each empty casing perfectly onto his chef’s hat.
Amazed at Chef Michael’s showmanship, we’re even more impressed by the quality of the food. As we tuck into our prawns we’re delighted to find that they were perfectly cooked. Next up is the “Japanese version of biryani” as Chef Michael whips up our hibachi fried rice. After flipping a whole egg in the air, he cracks it perfectly on the griddle as it manages to land squarely on his upturned knife. After a few more amazing tricks and quips, it’s time for the beef teriyaki. Cooked to our exact specifications, the generous portion of juicy strips of beef is simply delicious.
If you’ve never visited Benihana, you certainly are missing out on one heck of an evening. Great food, amazing entertainment and plenty of giggles kept us in great spirits. Who knew playing with your food could be so fun?
Details
What? Benihana
Where? Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
Cost: Teppanyaki from AED 100 to AED 300
We say: Let the games begin!
Contact: 02 697 9000
