There is something poetic about the way two worlds of drinking wine and sake tell their stories. One begins with a grape ripened under the sun, the other with a grain of rice polished to its purest heart. Both are born of patience, craftsmanship, and centuries of tradition. Together, they form an unspoken bridge between East and West, and nowhere is that harmony more beautifully celebrated than at Toshi Dubai.
Where Cultures Meet in a Glass
Tucked away inside the Grand Millennium Hotel, Toshi Dubai has quietly earned a name for itself among lovers of fine food and drink. Known for its vibrant Pan Asian cuisine, it’s the kind of place where flavor travels freely from Japan to Thailand, from China to Korea, all under one roof.
And just like its food, Toshi’s drink list reflects that same spirit of connection. Here, sake and wine don’t compete; they coexist. A glass of cold Junmai sake might sit beside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and somehow, both feel right.
The Elegance of Sake
Sake is often misunderstood. Many think of it as “Japanese rice wine,” but that description doesn’t quite do it justice. While wine is fermented from the sugars of grapes, sake is brewed from the starches of rice, closer to beer in process, yet far more delicate in flavor.
At Toshi, sake is treated with quiet respect. It’s served chilled, never rushed, allowing its subtle layers to open up slowly. There’s a soft sweetness, a touch of umami, a warmth that builds as you sip. Paired with sushi or grilled seafood, it’s perfection.
And when the best teppanyaki in Dubai is sizzling right in front of you, a pour of sake feels like the natural companion. The smokiness of the grill, the buttery texture of seared salmon or beef, and the clean, polished taste of rice-based brew make it a pairing that speaks in balance.
The Story of Grapes
If sake is quiet and reflective, wine is expressive and bold. It sings of soil, weather, and place. A French Chardonnay tells of limestone and rain; an Italian red of sun and clay. Each bottle carries its geography.
At Toshi Dubai, the wine list has been curated with care, thoughtful selections from across the globe that complement the restaurant’s diverse Pan Asian cuisine. The sommeliers know how to match contrasts: a crisp white that brightens a rich curry, or a full-bodied red that holds its own beside spicy Korean barbecue.
The result? A conversation between the grape and the grain. Each one enhances the other, showing how different paths can lead to the same goal of harmony in flavor.
The Theatre of Teppanyaki
To understand Toshi’s charm, you have to experience it in person. The sound of knives tapping on the hotplate. The aroma of garlic butter hits the grill. The skillful flick of a shrimp tail caught mid-air by the chef. This is teppanyaki at its most entertaining, and many diners swear it’s the best teppanyaki in Dubai.
Pair that performance with the right drink, and the meal becomes something memorable. A chilled sake sharpens every bite, while a glass of Chardonnay softens the heat of a wok-fried dish. The flavors don’t clash, they dance.
A Journey Through Taste
What makes Toshi Dubai special is how it invites you to travel through taste without ever leaving your seat. One moment you’re sipping sake with sushi; the next, you’re raising a glass of wine over Thai noodles or Japanese wagyu.
This is what Pan Asian cuisine should be: adventurous, bold, and refined. Every dish feels rooted in tradition, yet open to interpretation. And that same philosophy extends to its drinks. Whether you’re a wine lover or a sake enthusiast, Toshi gives you a reason to explore both worlds.
For the Curious Palate
Dining here isn’t just about eating; it’s about discovering. The staff takes time to guide you, explaining the origin of a sake or suggesting a wine that works with your favorite curry. There’s no rush, no pretension. Just genuine care for the experience.
And when the evening unfolds, the soft lighting, the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, you realize something. You’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re part of a story that stretches across continents.
A Toast to Balance
Sake and wine, rice and grape, East and West. Different origins, same artistry. Both demand skill, both reward patience. And when paired with food that celebrates diversity, they remind us that refinement doesn’t mean complexity; it means balance.
At Toshi Dubai, that balance is everywhere. It’s in the way a teppanyaki chef handles his tools, the way a server recommends a pairing, the way each dish carries a quiet confidence. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to announce itself as special; you simply feel it.
So, the next time you’re in Dubai and craving something beyond the ordinary, take a seat at Toshi. Order the sake. Try the wine. Watch the grill. And let the evening take its course, one sip, one bite, one story at a time. Because sometimes, the best journeys begin not on a map, but on the palate.
