Latest news with #Jamavar
Cosmopolitan ME
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Here's your OG BFF guide for International Friendship Day
Long-distance friendships hit different. Whether it's sending unhinged voice notes across time zones, telepathically sending love, or sharing a Pinterest fit inspo board, there's a kind of soul-deep connection that distance has nothing over. This International Friendship Day, we're raising an iced matcha (or hojicha) to the friends who hold us down despite borders. Maybe your best friend lives in another city, country, or continent. You miss the spontaneous brunches, the impulsive girls-night out, and the tender hugs. But the truth is distance has the power to strengthen a relationship, even if the hugs are rare. And when you finally do reunite, it's giving full bestie takeover. If you're planning that long-awaited trip together to Dubai, we've got you covered. We've curated a mix of where to eat, where to dance (or 'sit pretty'), and the chicest gift ideas to surprise your BFF. Here's your OG Friendship Guide. Bestie deserves a feast Jamavar Dubai Listed in the prestigious Gault & Millau Guide, Jamavar is the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty. It's an elevated dining experience that transforms a catch-up with your bestie into a full-blown event, the kind you'll want to dress up for and enjoy some remixed Indian flavours such as the Tandoori Prawns or the Gulab Jamun Tiramisu. Supplied Reservations: +971 04 553 7852 TATEL Dubai If your reunion calls for something effortlessly chic and indulgent, TATEL Dubai is the move. This Spanish fine-dining hotspot is known for its lively energy and a menu that feels like a culinary love letter to Spain. The endless small plates are for the girls who love family style feasting. The burrata will melt in your mouth the drinks are just as iconic. Sip on the Palomita, a tequila spritz with lychee and rosemary. Fair warning, it is hard to hear bestie when the live music band is playing. Supplied Reservations: |+971 50 437 2238 (WhatsApp) Arrogante For a midday catch-up with your bestie that feels straight out of an Italian summer, Arrogante is the ultimate vibe. Sip on rosé or a mocktail with Ms. Khalifa as your iconic view. Starters include La Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, a vibrant Italian salad with ricotta and kalamata olives, and a refreshing Salmon Carpaccio with dill dressing for the protein girlies. Supplied Reservations: reservations@ |+971 04 570 3653 'She's that girl' gift guide The Dyson Limited-Edition Kanzan Pink Airwrap Supplied Tell me about it your bestie wakes up flawless, always has her hair done (even for pilates), and might just be a beauty influencer in the making. Let's be honest, gifting her the Dyson is basically BFF royalty behaviour. Her salon-level blowouts will thank you. 💁🏻♀️ Flowwow's Flower Bag with Hydrangea and Rose Supplied Celebrate Friendship Day in style with this chic floral handbag handcrafted with fresh, seasonal blooms of spray roses, hydrangea, and lisianthus.🌸 This is the new Birken, no?🤭 The Djerf Avenue Robe Supplied For the bestie whose dream day starts with slow mornings, iced coffee, and 30 minutes of skincare. The iconic Djerf Avenue robe is cloud-soft, neutral-toned, and basically a hug.🎀 It's minimalist, super viral, and screams clean girl aesthetic meets soft luxury. Who doesn't want to wake up and lounge in an iconic robe?✨🧁 Ladies' night is for the girls' girls Bar Du Port and L'Occitane are spoiling the ladies with glamorous beauty treats on July 30 at 7 PM. All you have to do is arrive early and be one of the first 30 ladies to receive a bottle of the viral Almond Shimmering Oil. Told you they're generous.✨ Location: Bar Du Port Dubai, Dubai Harbour Craving that golden hour glow and unlimited sips? Mina Seyahi is giving everything the group chat needs. 💅🏼 Boho-chic poolside lounging, rooftop views that literally scream 'post me', and a menu worth posting twice about. Oh, and the ambiance? Don't even get us started — Instagram will be begging you to post. Let's just say your camera roll's about to be booked and busy. 😌 Location: Ginger Moon at W Dubai Check out this 'missing bestie emotional support' article next.🥹
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Caviar kulchas, hollywood cameos
One recent evening at Jamavar London, restaurateur Samyukta Nair was dining with her parents when she happened to glance across the room—and did a double take. Seated just a few tables away were Hollywood royalty and meme-fodder favourites Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, fresh off their new release The Materialists, immersed not in their phones but in Jamavar's indulgences. 'That was an 'aha' moment,' she says, laughing. 'If Pedro Pascal likes Jamavar, we must be doing something right.' Indeed, Jamavar isn't just doing something right—it's hitting a culinary hat-trick. In less than a year since its launch, its Dubai outpost has joined its London and Doha siblings in clinching a Michelin star, cementing Samyukta's reputation as one of the most influential tastemakers in global Indian cuisine. It's a rare feat: a woman restaurateur with three Michelin-starred fine-dining establishments across continents—all offering unapologetically Indian menus wrapped in plush, culturally rooted elegance. But this legacy wasn't conjured up in an ordinary kitchen. Born in 1986—the same year her grandfather, the legendary C.P. Krishnan Nair, launched The Leela Mumbai—Samyukta was raised amidst luxury hospitality. Her family home, nestled behind the flagship hotel, was a living archive of colonial-meets-Kerala aesthetics: four-poster beds, carved teakwood doors, heirloom bronze lamps, and a dining table where food, memory, and ambition sat elbow-to-elbow.
Syyaha
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Syyaha
An Indian Summer, curated by Jamavar Dubai
10th July 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – This summer, MICHELIN-starred Jamavar Dubai invites guests to savour a curated selection of small plates and à la carte dishes, rooted in India's diverse culinary heritage. Showcasing dishes selected for their balance, harmony and seasonal appeal, the offering celebrates vibrant ingredients, and thoughtful refinement across every plate. Each dish has been selected for its seasonality and finesse. Guests can begin with the Sabudana Truffle Khichdi , where delicate sago pearls meet the richness of truffle, or explore the bold comfort of Chicken 65 , paired with curd rice for a cooling Southern contrast. Vegetarian mains include the Methi Mutter Malai , a gentle combination of fenugreek and green peas finished with cream, and Kofta Lazeez , made with kale and asparagus dumplings in a smooth cashew-based sauce. For a coastal interpretation, the Alleppey Raw Mango Fish Curry layers tender fish with green chilli and coconut milk. The Amritsari Chole , featuring slow-cooked chickpeas in a spiced tomato base, brings warmth and depth to the summer table. Desserts offer a refined close. The Gulab Jamun Tiramisu blends two traditions in a contemporary presentation, while the Chocolate Bounty , paired with cardamom ice cream, brings richness with restraint. Located within the Address Residences in Downtown Dubai and inspired by the Viceroy's House in New Delhi, Jamavar offers a serene retreat from the summer heat. Guests are welcomed into a world of refined royal comfort, where every element, from interior design to plating, reflects timeless Indian elegance. These summer selections are available throughout the season on the à la carte menu. Whether seeking lightness or richness, Jamavar presents Indian cuisine with grace, intention, and quiet sophistication.
Emirates Woman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
How I got my job as... a restaurateur and founder of renowned dining concepts in Dubai
This week, we speak to Samyukta Nair, restaurateur and founder of London and Dubai's Jamavar and MiMi Mei Fair. Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome. With a discerning eye for detail, passion for gastronomy, and a business pedigree, Samyukta started her journey as a Design & Operations Associate at The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts, founded by her late grandfather Captain CP Krishnan Nair, where she worked her way up to become the Head of Design and Operations. Afterwards, she then pursued launching a luxury sleepwear and lifestyle label, Dandelion, in 2015. From 2016 onwards, Samyukta launched design-led restaurants in London, from fine dining Indian concept Jamavar to MiMi Mei Fair, a discreet dining destination, which has then been recently added to Dubai's dining scene in 2024. Here, we delve deeper into Samyukta's entrepreneurial vision, lessons learned, and how her journey in the industry began. What was your favourite subject at school? Literature. I was always drawn to the way stories could transport, inform, and transform. That love for narrative never left me—and today, I weave that same sense of storytelling into the spaces I create, whether it's through design, menu curation, or the atmosphere of a restaurant. Story is my starting point, and literature taught me how powerful it can be. What was your first job? My first job was within the family business—I apprenticed under my mother at The Leela, learning the intricacies of design and operations. It wasn't glamorous, but it was foundational. I spent my time learning how to balance form with function, and how the smallest details—like the way a cushion is placed or the way light touches a plate—can completely alter a guest's experience. What eventually brought you to Dubai? Dubai felt like a natural next chapter after London. It's a city that sits at the intersection of ambition and aesthetics, and it resonated deeply with my vision. Much like London, it welcomes global voices and ideas, but what drew me in was its appetite for emotion-driven hospitality. It's a place where you can be bold with design, generous with service, and unafraid to build worlds that are theatrical yet grounded. What inspired you to enter the F&B space and launch MiMi Mei Fair and Jamavar in Dubai? Hospitality is part of my legacy, but I wanted to reinterpret that inheritance in my own voice. Jamavar was born out of a desire to honour India's culinary heritage with global finesse, while MiMi Mei Fair offered a canvas to explore whimsy, mystery, and Chinese gastronomy through a contemporary lens. Dubai offered the right audience—curious, cultured, and emotionally attuned. It gave us the opportunity to introduce something not just new, but meaningful. What are the key elements of your role? Vision and detail. I shape the narrative spine of each concept—its story, its soul—and then work with the team to bring it to life across food, interiors, music, and service. I'm also deeply involved in strategy and brand evolution, but what I value most is staying connected to the emotional core of each restaurant. No matter how many projects we're running, the experience has to feel personal. Talk us through your daily routine. No two days are ever the same. Mornings often begin with creative reviews—menu tastings, design revisions, or branding work. Afternoons are for operations, strategy, and team check-ins. Evenings are usually spent visiting our restaurants, experiencing them as a guest, and observing the energy on the floor. I try to carve out small moments to recharge—a walk, a book, or a quick meditation—because creativity needs space to breathe. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps? Lead with feeling. This industry is about creating emotional connections—through food, through people, through space. You must have a clear point of view and an unwavering commitment to detail. Also, surround yourself with people who are better than you at what they do, and never lose sight of the guest's perspective. And above all, be patient—great restaurants are built one moment, one memory at a time. What is the best piece of advice you ever received? 'If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything.' My grandfather, Captain Nair, said that often—and it stayed with me. It reminds me to lead with conviction and to hold onto purpose even when the road gets complicated. And what is the worst? 'Just follow what's working.' I think in hospitality, replication dilutes magic. What works for one brand, one location, or one audience may not always translate elsewhere. Our most successful moments have come when we've taken risks and built something from a place of emotion and originality. Tell us more about the dining experience at MiMi Mei Fair. Jamavar Dubai is a celebration of India's rich culinary tapestry—rooted in tradition but presented with elegance and precision. It's regal, refined, and layered with flavour. MiMi Mei Fair, on the other hand, is playful and enigmatic. It's imagined as the private residence of a fictional Chinese Empress, filled with antique chinoiserie, silk wallpaper, and theatrical flair. Both restaurants are deeply immersive in their own way—they don't just feed you, they transport you. What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome? Scaling without losing soul. Expanding across geographies means adapting to new rhythms and expectations. The challenge is to remain agile while fiercely protecting the emotional DNA of each concept. That tension—between evolution and authenticity—is something I'm constantly navigating. But it's also where the magic lies. What are your goals for the future? To continue building restaurants that tell powerful, personal stories—spaces that become part of people's lives and memories. I want to keep evolving with intention, exploring new cuisines and narratives, and perhaps even stepping into adjacent creative disciplines. But most of all, I want each project to be rooted in feeling. Because at the end of the day, that's what lingers – how you made someone feel. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
What's On
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
6 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: July 7 to 10
In a city that moves fast and eats well, there's always something new to try – from chilled out hangouts to sky-high fine dining spots, low-key gems to the next hot table. Dubai's food scene doesn't sleep, and neither do we. Whether you're looking for the perfect place to catch up with friends, enjoy a long dinner with a view, or finally try that spot everyone keeps talking about, we've rounded up 6 of the best restaurants in Dubai to book this week. Go hungry. KIRA Images: Supplied KIRA's new Bar Bites menu is all about light, seasonal plates made to share – perfect for a mid-summer catch-up or a laid-back dinner. Designed around the crossroads of Mediterranean and Japanese flavours, the offering moves from crisp Padron peppers and tahina-miso aubergine to spicy tuna rolls, rock shrimp tempura, and wagyu skewers off the robata grill. Pair it all with a house cocktail (like the nutty Parmigiano Sour or the saké-forward Saké-Lini) and settle in for a refreshingly casual, quietly refined moment at the bar. Location: KIRA, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel Times: Sunday to Wednesday 12pm – 1am, Thursday to Sunday 12pm – 2am Contact: (0)4 379 7977. @ kira restaurant Reservations: kira - Hanaaya, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam Image: Supplied Tortuga is back – and for the summer only. The cult Mexican spot has returned as a seasonal pop-up at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, taking over a corner of Hanaaya with all the hits: sizzling fajitas, chimichangas, street corn, and of course, tacos. It runs daily from lunchtime through to late evening, but Tuesdays are the big one. Expect favourites like carne asada with cheese crust and taquera salsa, or the crispy Baja-style fish with chile arbol emulsion. It's loud, laid-back, and full of flavour – just how it should be. Location: Hanaaya, Jumeirah Mina A'Salam Times: Daily, 12:30pm to 10pm Cost: Taco Tuesdays priced at Dhs150 (unlimited tacos) or Dhs250 (with 3 drinks) Contact: 800 323 232 J ou Jou Brasserie Images: Supplied Available Monday to Friday, La Pause is a three-course midday menu guided by Chef Gioia's refined Italian sensibility. Starters include dishes like ricciola hamachi with espelette vinaigrette or a crisp artichoke salad, followed by mains such as fregola alla norma, oxtail ravioli, or Provençale sea bream with mussel jus. To finish, there's a standout chocolate and olive oil slice cake by Chef Nicolas Lambert – indulgent, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. Location: Jou Jou Brasserie, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Times: Monday to Friday, 12:30pm to 5:30pm Cost: Dhs165 per person, Add Dhs120 for two beverages Contact: (0)4 270 7950 @joujoudubai Jamavar Images: Supplied Jamavar has launched Spice & Spirits – a new four-course tasting menu where every dish is matched with a cocktail that does more than just sit pretty on the side. It's all about contrast and balance: smoky prawns with apricot palomas, rich butter chicken offset by a kaffir-lime-spiked daiquiri, and dessert paired with an espresso martini laced with saffron. Available from June 19, guests can choose between vegetarian or non-veg options – both deeply rooted in Indian culinary heritage but reimagined through flavour-pushing drinks. The setting? Intimate, warm, and already MICHELIN-starred less than a year since opening. Location: Jamavar, Address Residences Opera District, Downtown Dubai Times: Daily from 12pm to 12am (from 12:30pm on weekends) Cost: Dhs395 per person Contact: 04 553 7852. @jamavardubai Magadan Seafood lovers, this one's calling your name. Magadan's Aphrodisiac Time is a daily ritual built around fresh oysters and free-flowing house wine. Here, it's unlimited oysters and house wine – simple as that. It's relaxed, easy, and ideal for a sunset session on Palm West Beach that feels a little indulgent, in all the right ways. Location: Magadan, Radisson Beach Resort, Palm West Beach Times: Daily Cost: Dhs225 per person Contact: (0)52 101 1075. @magadandubai North Audley Cantine Images: Supplied The French bistro everyone in Dubai keeps returning to just launched a fresh all-day breakfast menu. North Audley Cantine (NAC) in Al Safa is now serving breakfast from 9am to noon, Monday to Thursday – perfect for whether you're starting early or craving some comfort food later. Expect light, fresh, and flavourful dishes like shakshuka poached eggs, Turkish eggs, and scrambled eggs with Monterey jack and jalapeño mayo in a brioche bun. Can't pick just one? The NAC Breakfast Plate has a little bit of everything. If you're after something green, try their signature kale and cabbage salad with parmigiano, pine nuts, golden raisins, and honey za'atar dressing. Sharing plates also make a comeback with favourites like honey sweet potato, popcorn chicken with spicy mayo, crushed burrata, and chicken sliders with sriracha mayo. For dessert, choose from crushed milk chocolate cookies with frosties soft serve, speculoos French toast with raspberries and clotted cream, ricotta pancakes with dulce de leche and banana, or a daily pastries basket – perfect alongside your coffee. Location: H Residence, Al Safa Times: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm Contact: (0)43791774 @nacdubai Reservations:
