Mimi Kakushi is once again featured on the prestigious list.
We know that Dubai has some of the best bars in the world, but we love it when it gets the international seal of approval. The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 have been unveiled, and Dubai has come out on top in the Middle East. There is just one bar on the list: Mimi Kakushi.
Evoking the allure of 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is one of Dubai’s leading destinations for authentic Japanese cuisine and mixology, drawing escapists to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Now, the home of ice-encased cocktails has ranked at #40 on The World’s 50 Best Bars, and #1 in the Middle East and North Africa, at a ceremony that took place in Madrid, Spain.
For the uninitiated, The World’s 50 Best Bars is a prestigious recognition of excellence within the global beverage industry. Compiled annually, it was originally introduced in 2009 and offers a yearly assessment of the finest bars, determined through the collective input of 680 experts in the field hailing from around the world. This compilation serves as the ultimate worldwide resource for discovering top-tier bars and premier drinking establishments.
The cocktail menu at Mimi Kakushi, aptly named Kikuchi, is a testament to the establishment’s commitment to innovation and creativity. It draws inspiration from the legendary Kikuchi Shigeya, a performer widely credited with being the first to bring American Jazz back to Japan. This ingenious concept seamlessly combines music, mixology, and Japanese culture, captivating the senses and transporting guests to a world where taste, sound, and atmosphere intertwine harmoniously.
The Kikuchi cocktail menu not only delights the palate but also perfectly complements the unique atmosphere of Mimi Kakushi. The outlet’s inviting interior, with its meticulous attention to detail, evokes a sense of sophistication, and nostalgia. The music, inspired by the vinyl records featured on the menu, enhances the overall experience, providing a backdrop that resonates with guests. This feeling is exceptionally captured through live performances — Minami Jazz Nights take place on Wednesdays and feature a four-piece jazz band playing classical tunes, Kikuchi vinyl pairing tracks included.
Blending music and cocktails was the most challenging aspect; the Mimi Kakushi bar team paired each one of the 13 cocktails with a different vinyl song. Whether melodic, cheerful or sentimental, the menu features different emotions that fit the different energies portrayed by each record, which is then coupled with their respective cocktail. The menu is presented in the form of 13 vinyl cases in a large wooden box, whereby each cocktail is the cover of a vinyl – complete with a short description of the song and the feelings it represents – and inside is the actual record that can be played upon request.
GO: Visit www.worlds50bestbars.com for more information.
