REN blends the bold flavours of Latin America with the elegance of Japanese cuisine in a dynamic, innovative menu.
Dubai, UAE, 24th October 2024: Located in the heart of Dubai’s bustling media and tech hub in Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, REN brings a fresh and exciting take on Nikkei cuisine to Dubai with its harmonious fusion of Latin American vibrancy and Japanese refinement. REN’s ideology is to deliver fabulous food and delicious drinks in a relaxed-yet-sophisticated atmosphere, with a chilled out, welcoming vibe that feels like a second home.
At the helm of REN is Chef Luis Vargas who brings his extensive experience in Peru and Costa Rica to Dubai. Having honed his craft across some of the most prestigious kitchens in Latin America, Chef Luis’ influence is evident in REN’s bold, yet harmonious menu.
Katsu Chicken Mixto Ceviche
REN’s menu reflects a celebration of the best of two culinary worlds. Diners are invited to savour a range of signature dishes, including the Mixto Ceviche (ؤ, avocado, grilled octopus, fried calamari, yellow leche de tigre, 89dhs) and Black Seafood Bomba Rice (Spanish bomba rice, seafood, coriander sauce, 159dhs).
REN steps outside the norm with moreish dishes such as their Miso Eggplant Fries (fried eggplant, yuzu caramel, miso mayo, 49dhs), while their Salmon Arepa (raw salmon, arepa, guacamole, halloumi, lettuce, chalaquita, 59dhs) and the refreshing Tomato Salad (tomato, Japanese tahini, Colombian flatbread, 54dhs) showcase a creative take on the Nikkei genre.
When asked about the inspiration behind the menu, Chef Luis explained:
“I wanted to create something that blends Latin flavours with Japanese techniques in a way that hasn’t been seen in Dubai before. For example, our Colombian arepa brings a dish to the table that’s both familiar and new to the region. We’ve also incorporated fermentation into the menu to bring out unique flavours that will evoke emotion for our guests. It’s a kitchen where we value freedom, but always with a focus on keeping everything fresh and delicious. It’s about cooking with love—just like our grandmothers did.”
REN Signature Cocktails
REN’s beverage program features an impressive selection of competitively priced wines including Taittinger Brut NV at just 99dhs per glass (125ml), premium sake served at REN’s dedicated Sake Bar, and carefully curated cocktails. Inspired by both Japan and Latin America, diners can experience exotic tipples such as the the Oryza, a smoky, nutty mix of mezcal, toasted pandan rice milk and limonsito cordial, the Akio, an exotic blend of cachaça, coconut liquor, and burnt banana leaf, and the Hikari, a sophisticated blend of Japanese whisky and lacto-fermented peach wine.
REN is the first licensed concept from GCC omni-channel operator, Apparel Group. Mr. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, shared his excitement about the launch of REN, stating, “The launch of REN, our first licensed concept, is a milestone for Apparel Group, showcasing our dedication to bold, innovative dining experiences. With REN, we blend the best of Japanese and Latin American cuisine to create a unique offering in the UAE’s culinary scene and meet the refined tastes of our clientele.”
REN promises an experience where tradition meets innovation. From expertly crafted sushi to fire-kissed robata skewers, every dish offers a memorable dining experience in a vibrant yet relaxed setting.
REN is now open for lunch and dinner, from 12pm daily. For reservations, call +971 4 123 4567 or visit https://www.RENUAE.com.
About Apparel Group:
Apparel Group is a Dubai-based global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, operating 2,300 stores across 85+ brands and employing over 24,000 multicultural staff.
The company has a strong presence in the GCC—UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait—and is expanding into markets like India, South Africa, Singapore, and Egypt, with plans to enter Hungary and the Philippines.
Its diverse brand portfolio includes renowned names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, ALDO, Crocs, and Tim Hortons, offering an omni-channel experience.
