Asia Asia At Dubai's Andaz Hotel Palm Jumeirah Boasts a Luxurious Design And Complementary Pan-Asian Cuisine
A 10,000-square-foot culinary marvel designed by Bishop Design. Blending traditional Asian aesthetics with a modern flair. Plus, breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline.
08 June 2024
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At the heart of Dubai’s vibrant dining scene, Asia Asia stands out for offering more than just a culinary experience. Spread across 10,000 square feet on the 15th floor of the Andaz Hotel Palm Jumeirah, this newest addition to the city’s gastronomic landscape promises an unforgettable journey through the Far East without leaving the Middle East.
The intricate and highly detailed opulent design makes it a visual and sensory masterpiece that sets it apart – a fitting locale for a typical, high-glamour evening out in Dubai.
Photo Credit: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
Led by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, the creative process behind Asia Asia transcends the boundaries of traditional Asian aesthetics as the restaurant celebrates the diverse and rich culinary traditions across the continent, and packages them in OTT glamour. This concept, aptly named the Asian ‘Spice Run,’ sets the stage for a fusion of cultures, textures, and flavours.
“The goal was to evoke vivid memories for those who have been fortunate enough to visit Asia and also to immerse those who are yet to experience the Far East, making them feel as though they are journeying through it,’’ says Paul Bishop, owner and founder of the design firm.
Photo Credit: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
From traditional art pieces to intricate architectural motifs, every element comes together to create something eclectic, yet harmonious. Rustic woods, vibrant textiles, and contemporary finishes mirror the diverse landscapes and textures associated with Asia. The restaurant’s design ethos seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, pops of colour, touches of gold, and textures of deep timber and plush velvets.
The restaurant’s menu, rich with flavours from across Asia, mirrors the lavishness of its surroundings, with each dish meticulously crafted to tantalise taste buds while echoing the elegance of the décor. Whether savouring delicate sushi rolls or indulging in aromatic curries, every detail from the ornate furnishings to the artfully presented dishes, harmonises to evoke a feeling of luxurious indulgence.
What sets it apart is its integration of intelligent design elements that subtly enhance the dining experience. Take, for instance, the tiles above the kitchen pass, meticulously layered to resemble a soldier’s armour. It is this attention to detail that helps in crafting immersive spaces, enhancing engagement and leaving a lasting impression.
“We wanted to use authentic and innovative materials to mirror the diverse landscapes and textures associated with the continent,’’ says Bishop. “This led to us sourcing materials and artefacts from all over the world. You can see how the use of rustic woods, vibrant textiles, and contemporary finishes has been integrated throughout to collectively contribute to the overarching narrative and ambience.’’
Photo Credit: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
The collaboration between Bishop Design and Solutions Leisure Group builds on a decade-long partnership. Paul Evans, co-founder of Solutions Leisure Group, highlights the seamless synergy between their visions and Bishop Design’s ability to bring concepts to life. Together, they’ve created a sleek yet approachable venue that redefines experiential dining.
“Paul and the Bishop Design team have an innate ability to tap into our thought process, winding their way through our colourful curation of ideas, thoughts and dreams to create a collective of some of our most exciting, innovative and unique venues to date,” Evans says.
Asia Asia is the 6th venue to be conceived by the two powerhouses in the last 18 months. Italian trattoria-styled Papas at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina was another recent venture between them with many more new concepts in the offing.
Photo Credit: Andaz Hotel Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah location offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and The Atlantis. The bespoke interiors, adorned with hand-curated ancient artefacts, elevate the dining experience. Whether enjoying drinks at the bar, dining in the restaurant, or lounging on the terrace, every corner exudes luxury and sophistication. Live cooking stations, an open kitchen, and engaging bar areas further enhance the ambience, promising intrigue at every turn.
Asia Asia’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its design. Culinary director Rob Rathbone and his team have created a Pan-Asian menu inspired by the ancient Spice Route and an extensive signature cocktail list. Asia Asia is best enjoyed via their Geisha-themed Ladies’ night or sunset dinners or brunch to take in the stunning views.
Photo Credit:Alex Jeffries Photography Group / Andaz Hotel Palm Jumeirah
Author: Pooja Thakur
Pooja Thakur is a senior journalist, writer, and editor with over 20 years of experience in print and digital media and in creating custom content for periodicals. She has been a long-serving senior reporter at Bloomberg News covering areas such as real estate, stocks and personal finance and inventing across markets with a focus on Southeast Asia and India. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, rucking and finding the newest watering hole in town.
