Action Grills, Japanese Hibachi, and Buffet
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dined in November 2009
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
Burj Al Arab translated to “tower of the Arabs,” the 3rd tallest hotel in the world, located near the Marina District of Dubai. Completed in 1999 and built onto an artificial island at a cost of 1 billion dollars, it has 56 floors with 3 being below ground. Composed of 202 luxury rooms, 5 swimming pools, a helipad, private beach, and 8 restaurants and bars. The structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship, with 39% of its total height made up of non occupiable space. It is the world's most luxurious hotel, 24-carat gold leaf interior, with the terrace, it is the jewel in Dubai's crown, and the tower is visible from almost everywhere in the city. It is the icon of Dubai. Junsui is one of the eight restaurants in the hotel, and was my lunch destination while on a hotel tour. This was the far east Asian food experience of luxury that I saw…
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Main review:
The rich flavors of Far East Asia will delight your senses at Junsui, which translates to the word "Pure" in Japanese. Bathed in 1895 style Austrian Swarovski crystals, the dining room and cocktail lounge offers an opulent setting for your culinary journey. They have 8 live cooking stations bringing their Asian flavored masterpieces come to life before your eyes. They have a team of 25 chefs preparing mouth-watering creations from a diverse selection finely imported and local ingredients. Drawing on influences from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Korean dishes, Junsui’s kitchen makes an interactive dining experience.
There are ten restaurants and bars in the Burj Hotel including the critically acclaimed Nathan Outlaw Al Mahara serving world seafood, the Scape Restaurant serving Californian fusion cuisine and an eclectic mix of signature cocktails, The Gold on 27 which hosts an internationally-acclaimed DJ Darko De Jan and a cocktail menu, three Arabic cuisine restaurants:Al Iwan, Sahn Eddar, and Bab Al Yam restaurant with an addition of local and organic additions. The Al Muntaha explores imaginative French Cuisine, eclectic mixology at the Skyview Bar, and finally a combination flight of all of these restaurants at the Culinary Flight restaurant at Burj Al Arab.
Located on the mezzanine floor Junsui brings the world of the orient with action stations and chef tables to you.
Menu:
- Sushi Bar
- Seafood on Ice
- Asian Salad Bar
- Teppanyaki station
- Tempura station
- Hot Dishes
- Thai and Indonesian Grill Stations
- Chinese stations with Live Cooking
- Peking Duck Station
- Dim-Sum station
- Chinese Wok Station
- Desserts
The sushi bar is made up of sashimi, maki rolls, California rolls, Gunkan, Tako, and Unagi. The Asian salad mixture selection includes a Thai seafood salad, kimchee, Japanese potato salad, and a honeydew prawn salad. The Japanese and Korean live action stations include a variety of vegetarian and seafood tempura and a Teppanyaki station with beef, chicken, calamari, mussels, and prawns.
Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) a.k.a hibachi is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, for grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. In Japan, it refers to dishes prepared using an iron plate, with seared steak, shrimp, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), yakisoba (sōsu fried buckwheat), and monjayaki (Kantō fry batter) are a few of many cooking styles.
The Thai and Indonesian action stations include satay of chicken, lamb, and beef plus some hot dishes of Kambing Masak Kicap, Seafood Tom Yam Soup, Nasi Goreng, and Mee Goreng Aceh. The Chinese Dim-Sum station includes a selection of Har Gao, Siew Mai, and Vegetable Dumpling with XO Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Soya Sauce, Black Vinegar, and Chili Oil.
Junsui was part of an all-inclusive tour package of the hotel along with the Burj Khalifa Tower tour. I jumped around from action station to sushi with the teppanyaki and dim-sum bar being among my favorite samplings. The sushi bar was not that exciting, and I left that their rolls could have been more creative or better garnished.
Dessert:
The selection of desserts numbered above twenty and the presentation gets high marks, so make sure you do save room for the offerings of the day.
Other Noteworthy Japanese and Asian Favorites:
Rock 'n Raw at the Hard Rock Casino, Tampa, Florida
Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs, Orlando
Ambrosia in Key West, Florida
Final notes and observations:
What is a restaurant review? Is one better than the other? How is the rating system broken down? Most reviews you read online are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsibly, and respectfully written, upholding the truth and accurately conveying the experience. My job is to put you at the table next to me, and to try and be objective to the best of my ability. Being impeccable with my word, never taking anything that happens at the restaurant personally, being honest in the review, never make assumptions, and to always write to the best of my knowledge is the goal. My ratings are notated by the level of stars I award (from 0 to 5). The star rating is based on the calculation and point accumulation of six separate factors with nearly seventy questions broken down by my individual experience such as wine and other beverage selection, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambiance, food quality, plus a bonus section called the wow factor. To see more details on how I do my ratings read this article:
Over all from this experience, and using my rating system linked above, I give Junsui a 1 out of 5 stars, meaning that they are an average dining experience comparable to most restaurants.
Review basics:
5 stars
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An Extraordinary Experience
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94 - 100 % (105% w/ full bonuses)
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4 Stars
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An Outstanding Experience
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87 - 93%
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3 Stars
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Exceeded All My Expectations
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80 - 86%
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2 Stars
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Above the Average Experience
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72 - 79%
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1 Star
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An Average Dining Experience
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66 - 71%
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No Star Rating
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The Restaurant is Basic, Poor, or Appalling
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65% or below
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Overall Star Rating:
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1 of 5 Stars:
An Average Dining Experience
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Wine List:
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Click here to view the restaurants wine list
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Corkage fee’s:
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The Restaurant does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge $25.00 per bottle
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Restaurant style:
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Conservative
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Reservations:
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Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted, but not guaranteed
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Dress code:
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Business casual or Conservative attire
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Child policy:
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The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a child’s menu or cater to them; however for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended for children not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette. If not then
Hire a Babysitter!
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Cuisine style:
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Contemporary, Modern, Lounge, Seafood, American, Organic, Asian-fusion, Japanese, Gluten Free, & Vegetarian
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Experiences:
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Place for foodies, Trendy, Lounge, Business parties, Good for special occasions, Scenic views, Classy, Upscale, and a Neighborhood gem.
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Payments:
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Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Hotel Parking and Valet
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Wifi
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The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Medium
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Smoking:
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Nonsmoking restaurant
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Patio:
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No
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Breakfast
AED 355 per person
AED 355 per person
Lunch
AED 495 per person
AED 495 per person
Dinner
AED 550 per person
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
AED 550 per person
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
Food Prices
(excluding, alcohol, taxes & gratuity)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00
**Currencies chosen reflect the world’s major travelers and restaurant or wine connoisseur’s**
My food bill:
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Currency:
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Price chart:
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د.إ 495.00
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AED Arab Emerite Dirham
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د.إ
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$135.00
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United States Dollar (USD)
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$$$
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$181.00
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Australian Dollar (AUS)
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$$$
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£105.00
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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£££
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$181.00
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Canadian Dollar (CAN)
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$$$
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¥924.00
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)
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¥¥¥¥¥
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€121.00
|
European Union (EUR)
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€€€
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Currency rates as of June 2017
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Hip Asian-Fusion
A Top 100 on Wine, Dine, and Play
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Posh French + A Culinary Experimentalism
A Top 100 on Wine, Dine, and Play
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High Rise Fine Global Dining
A Top 100 on Wine, Dine, and Play
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“Mastic” Ice-cream
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Brazilian Churrascaria
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Contemporary Middle Eastern Eatery
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Eclectic Turkish Cuisine
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Walk Into The Piemonte
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South American Cuisine w/Spanish Infusion
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Traditional English Dishes
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Modern Spanish and Global Dining
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International Cuisine at the DXB
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International Buffet Al Fresco
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Sleek Japanese Eatery in the Grand Hyatt
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Yemeni Cuisine w/Mandi
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Atlantis At The Palm
(Now Bread Street Kitchen and Bar)
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Innovative Italian Dishes
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English Cuisine
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Pizza Restaurant
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Kunāfah and Restaurant
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French-Old Genoese Restaurant
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Now Renamed the AOC French Brasserie
|
Junsui:
Ground mezzanine floor
Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
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Maître d or host:
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+971 4 301 7600
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Online reservations
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Serving hours:
United Arab Emirates Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC Offset + 4:00)
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Breakfast Mon-Sun
7:00 am - 10:30 am
Lunch: Mon-Sun
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Dinner: Mon-Sun
6:00 pm - 11:30 pm
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Email or webpage contact:
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Social Media
&
Accolades:
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list based on who is writing about them, and it changes on a regular basis. My list of best reviewed restaurants here on Wine, Dine, and Play is based on a rating number at 4 to 5 stars. From the 300 + published reviews as of summer 2017, less than 15% hold that prestigious ranking, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. I have dined at restaurants on five continents from cafés, chains, and fine dining to include some of best rated world Michelin locations. Here is my list, and it includes some mom and pops + holes in the wall.
|
Rustic New American Fare
Saint Petersburg, Florida USA
|
Eclectic French-Asian Tasting Menu
Sydney, Australia
|
Modern Eclectic African Cuisine
Woodstock, South Africa
|
|
Innovative East Meets West Menu
Cape Town, South Africa
|
Modern Upscale Global Plates
Austin, Texas, USA
|
Classic French Gastronomique
Bordeaux, France
|
|
Elegant Fine Australian Dining
Melbourne, Australia
|
Chic Country-Style Vineyard Restaurant
Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
|
Hip Asian-Fusion
Dubai, UAE
|
|
Ornate Top 10 American Chophouse
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
|
Haute French Cuisine
Paris, France
|
American-Global Molecular Menu
Chicago, Illinois, USA
|
|
Quintessential Modern Australian Cuisine
Sydney, Australia
|
Impeccably Acclaimed French Cuisine
Dublin, Ireland
|
French-American Fine Dining
Yountville, Napa, California, USA
|
|
High Rise Fine Global Dining, Highest Restaurant In The World
Dubai, UAE
|
Contemporary, African-Inspired Tasting Journey
Franschhoek, South Africa
|
Upscale Creole Fare
New Orlean’s, Louisiana, USA
|
|
Inventive Eclectic Tasting Menus
Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia
|
Safari + Upscale African Cuisine
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
|
Creative Mediterranean Cuisine
Denver, Colorado, USA
|
|
Vibrant Pan-Indian Cuisine
Slough, United Kingdom
|
High-End New Zealand Fare & Bistro
Christchurch, New Zealand
|
Posh French + A Culinary Experimentalism
Festival City, Dubai, UAE
|
|
Inspired Farm-to-Table Dining
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
|
So many great wines in this world, here are a few boutiques, cult wines, and favorites:
|
A 1756 Estate Famed Rubicon Blend
Stellenbosch, South Africa
|
Big, Bold, Cult Cabernets
Oakville, California, USA
|
|
Screaming Eagles Sister
Santa Barbara, California, USA
|
Agincourt, Waterloo, Salamanca
Yarra Valley, Australia
|
|
Boutique Producers of Pinot Noir
Willamette, Oregon
|
Old Huguenot Style Shiraz & Cabernets
Franschhoek, South Africa
|
|
A Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
|
World Class Oregon Pinot Noir
Willamette, Oregon
|
|
20+ Blue Ridge Handcrafted Wines
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
|
Domaine Bertagna
13th Century Cistercian -1er Cru Les Cras
Vougeot, Burgundy, France
|
|
Exceptional Cult Sauvignon Blanc & Cabernets
Yountville, California
|
Not Kehlsteinhaus, Exceptional Shiraz
Constantia, South Africa
|
Reviewed by:
Sean Overpeck (CFE)
Executive Chef
Father, Husband, Wine Drinker
Restaurant nut, History and
Star Trek lover
Picture below was taken at the
Junsui Restaurant
About Sean:
I am based out of Florida working in food service for over twenty years, and am currently with the American Embassy as the Executive Chef. Formally I have worked with groups contracting in Afghanistan, and Antarctica, also working in restaurants in and around Atlanta, Georgia prior to the wars. I have also owned a catering company and served proudly in the United States Army Food Service Program. The idea for Wine, Dine, and Play started in late 2012 after a trip to Jordan, when I was asked by friends to write down my experiences from a few restaurants, wines I tasted, and unique locations such as Petra. Since that time, I have written over 300 articles, including fifteen from the worlds top 100 lists of San Pellegrino and the Elite Travelers Guide restaurants. I have articles on exotic world locations such as Victoria Falls, and South African Safari’s; food recipes & a Grand Food Dictionary; ethnic country cuisines such as Afghan, and Peruvian; tasting tours of world cities like Charleston, Cape Town, and Dubai; and of course wine from vineyards in California, Oregon, the Carolina’s, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, with much more to see and write.
Who is John Galt?
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Other articles of interest on Wine, Dine, and Play:
Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, South Africa
The Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai, UAE
Tipping in Restaurants etiquette, customs, cultures, and assumptions
(Articles coming soon)
Petra, Jordan
A Taste of Dubai
A Taste of South Africa vol 1 & 2
Wine, Dine, And Play’s “best of” List
FOB Shank - Cooking with Incoming
TTFN
