Smoki Moto – A Korean steakhouse with fire, flair and fine dining

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

When a friend insists - no, raves about a restaurant, you listen. And when that friend is practically vibrating with excitement to return to Smoki Moto, Dubai's high-end licensed Korean steakhouse, you clear your calendar and go.
Karishma's enthusiasm was infectious, and as we walked in, I instantly understood why.
The space is warm and sleek, dimly lit with a quiet energy.
Every table buzzes with anticipation, not just for the food, but for the live barbecue experience.
Each table comes with its own table chef, lending a sense of theatre and intimacy to the meal. It's not just dinner; it's an experience.
The menu itself is an art form.
A standout feature? A marbling guide for the beef. As someone who loves steak but isn't exactly a connoisseur, I found it incredibly useful.
The guide rates the meat based on marbling quality - a subtle but brilliant touch for anyone unsure of where their taste lands on the spectrum of lean to richly fatty.
Our table chef was quick to recommend cuts based on our preferences, and we settled on two standout selections - the 21-day Butter Aged Wagyu Striploin (SM Marbling Score: 5 – D) and the 28-day Classic Dry Aged Wagyu Ribeye (SM Marbling Score: 8).
Caramelising gently over the flame, each cut was grilled tableside by our chef, who expertly guided us through the process - from seasoning to doneness - turning the whole experience into an interactive feast.
The beef melted in the mouth, rich and buttery, with each bite demonstrating the care that went into its aging and preparation.
Before the stars of the show arrived, we warmed up with the Korean Fried Chicken Gangjung - boneless chicken thighs paired with rice cakes, roasted nuts, and chives. Sticky, crispy, sweet, and spicy all at once, this dish was easily one of the best versions of Korean fried chicken I've had in Dubai.
The crunch was addictive, and the balance of textures, especially the chewy rice cake, was spot on.
With the steaks perfectly grilled to our liking, we tried the Steamed Korean White Rice as an accompaniment. This was the only part of the meal that felt underwhelming - too sticky and quite bland.
Compared to the explosive flavours everywhere else, the rice was a flat note in an otherwise symphonic meal.
What makes Smoki Moto's menu so memorable is its unapologetic commitment to bold Korean flavours while presenting them with fine-dining precision. Inspired by traditional Korean barbecue culture but reinvented for a contemporary Dubai audience, the new menu is filled with showstoppers.
Appetisers like the Avocado Silken Tofu Salad, Wagyu Nubiani, and Egg Volcano showcase the chef's ability to blend textures and flavours with finesse.
The Korean Beef Tartare with thinly sliced raw wagyu and Korean pear, and the tangy Salmon Hoe with gochujang vinaigrette are perfect for those who want something bright and bold to start with.
For heartier fare, dishes like the 7-Hour Shortrib Galbi Ssam, Galbi Baby Chicken, and Brisket Doenjang Jjigae steal the spotlight. The former is glazed with a sweet soy jus, while the baby chicken, marinated for 48 hours, delivers juicy tenderness with every bite.
Smoki Moto also offers comforting classics like Bibimbap, Japchae, and the umami-rich Kimchi Fried Rice with house-made galbi ham and seaweed flakes, perfect for those who want to skip the steak but still dive deep into Korea's comfort food hall of fame.
Of course, no meal here is complete without dessert. We tried the Coco Mango Bingsu, a dairy-free coconut milk shaved ice crowned with mango compote, fresh mango, and mango-flavoured rice cake.
It was cooling, refreshing, and everything you'd want to end a fiery Korean meal with. Light yet indulgent.
Smoki Moto has managed to create something rare in Dubai's saturated dining scene - a space where tradition meets innovation without losing authenticity.
It's lively but not loud, refined but not fussy. Whether you're here for a special occasion or a weekly treat, this is a place where the food does all the talking, and it speaks volumes.
Final verdict: Come for the steak, stay for the vibes, and don't skip the chicken. Just maybe give the rice a pass.