Something fresh is rolling into Dubai’s dining scene. And this time, it’s all about hand rolls. Chef Neha Mishra and hospitality maven Panchali Mahendra have teamed up to launch Tezukuri, a brand-new temaki bar paired with a secretive kissa-style speakeasy. Set to open in Q3 of 2025, this new concept isn’t just another Japanese restaurant. It’s a deep dive into the craft of temaki, with a dash of cocktail drama on the side.
Tezukuri: A New Temaki Bar And Kissa Speakeasy Is Coming To Dubai
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It started the way most brilliant ideas do, casually, and over great food. Last year, at Neha Mishra’s birthday gathering, a DIY temaki spread got everyone rolling (literally). That simple moment sparked a much bigger conversation. What if there was a place in Dubai that celebrated just this, the joy of hand-rolling, the flavour of fresh seaweed, rice, and fish, and the sheer fun of building it all together?
The Spark Behind Tezukuri
Neha, known for turning Kinoya from a humble supper club into one of the most celebrated ramen spots across the region, didn’t let the idea slip away. Alongside her, Panchali Mahendra, the woman behind hospitality giants like 11Woodfire, Gerbou, and Mohalla, saw the potential. Now they’re turning that spark into Tezukuri, a concept that stands alone, with no links to Kinoya’s ramen roots.
What To Expect
Tezukuri will keep things focused and tight. Think sushi bar vibes, but with a hand roll twist. The chefs will roll each hand roll right in front of you, using whatever’s freshest that season and mixing up flavours that shift with the vibe and the time of year. Every roll will be made on the spot to keep the textures sharp and the taste clean. But this isn’t just about the food. Tucked within the venue will be a Japanese-style kissa bar, a moody, elegant speakeasy serving cocktails crafted to match the menu’s flavours. The whole space will be designed for interaction, where guests don’t just eat, they connect with the chefs behind the counter.
The experience won’t be fast or fussy. It’ll be refined, slow-paced, and designed to spotlight the detail that goes into each roll.
Opening Soon In 2025
The exact date is still under wraps, but Tezukuri is expected to swing open its doors between August and September 2025. Mishra teased it on Instagram, and since then, the city’s foodies haven’t stopped talking. With two of the most respected names in the industry behind it, Tezukuri looks set to become one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Dubai next year.
Also Read: Starting At Just AED 135, This Japanese Restaurant In Dubai Serves Gold Leaf-Plated Sushi!
Temaki may be simple by design, but Tezukuri plans to turn it into a dining ritual worth savouring. With Neha Mishra’s finesse and Panchali Mahendra’s sharp eye for hospitality, this concept is anything but ordinary. If you’re a fan of Japanese food done right, then Tezukuri might just roll its way to the top of your must-visit list in 2025.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Vinicius Benedit from Pexels, A Story of Food/Instagram
First Published: July 23, 2025 1:39 PM