Kokoro x Matcha Club: Dubai’s Sold-Out Omakase Collaboration
Kokoro, the UAE’s first handroll bar, and Matcha Club Dubai joined forces for an exclusive, one-night-only omakase experience that marked a significant moment for Dubai’s dining scene. Known for its innovative take on Japanese cuisine, Kokoro originated in Houston, Texas, in 2019, where it became a cult favourite. In 2024, founders Tamer El Khayat and Faisal Yabroudi brought Kokoro to Dubai, collaborating with chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee to introduce the concept of a handroll bar to the UAE.
Matcha Club has been redefining wellness and community in Al Quoz, offering an inclusive space where padel, fitness, and social connection meet. Known for its boutique atmosphere and creativity-driven ethos, Matcha Club’s focus on curating unique experiences made it the perfect partner for this groundbreaking event.
For one unforgettable evening, Matcha Club’s padel court was transformed into an intimate, cocooned dining space. The court featured three sushi bar counters, each helmed by Kokoro’s expert chefs, creating a vibrant yet exclusive setting. Guests were treated to a multi-course omakase menu prepared live, showcasing Kokoro’s signature handrolls and nigiris. The fusion of Kokoro’s culinary artistry and Matcha Club’s laid-back, community-driven energy made for an experience that was as visually captivating as it was delicious.
The event’s exclusivity added to its allure. With limited spots available, demand was unprecedented, solidifying it as one of the most anticipated collaborations of the year. As the first omakase dining experience of its kind to be hosted on a padel court, the Kokoro x Matcha Club collaboration pushed creative boundaries while redefining the concept of experiential dining in Dubai.
FYI: there are whispers of a potential Abu Dhabi pop-up on the horizon.
