Introduction:
In this exclusive interview, renowned restaurateur Nicky van der Walt, founder of TANG Hospitality, shares the story behind the brand’s international debut in Dubai. From the strategic choice of location near global landmarks to the seamless fusion of Japanese izakaya and Cantonese cuisine, Nicky reveals how TANG Dubai captures the essence of refined Asian dining with a theatrical flair. He discusses the restaurant’s design philosophy, menu highlights, and the group’s ambitious global expansion plans—all while staying rooted in a guest-centric, performance-driven dining experience.
Interview by: Fatiha Idrissi
What was the inspiration behind choosing Dubai as the first international location for TANG?
Dubai was a natural choice for TANG’s first international location because of its vibrant culinary scene, diverse population, and reputation as a global luxury destination. These qualities align perfectly with TANG’s brand and vision. These aspects resonate with TANG’s brand identity and ambitions.
How has the proximity to iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera Fountains shaped the concept or clientele of TANG Dubai?
The proximity to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains has positioned TANG Dubai as a premier dining destination for both residents and international visitors. This prime location enhances the restaurant’s appeal, attracting an eager clientele seeking a luxurious and culturally rich dining experience.
Our guests are not only drawn by the spectacular views but also by the high-energy, vibrant atmosphere, complemented by luxe décor and exquisite cuisine that together define the essence of TANG Dubai.
What unique elements were incorporated into TANG Dubai to cater to the Dubai dining scene specifically?
TANG Dubai integrates distinctive features designed to resonate with the local dining scene, including a spacious terrace offering breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains, elegant private dining rooms for intimate occasions, vibrant bars serving theatrical cocktails, and a menu that pays homage to authentic Asian flavors.
Additionally, the wine cellar features a carefully curated selection of premium labels from around the world, showcasing a wide range of regions, varietals, and vintages. This extensive collection caters to the discerning palates of guests and enhances the overall culinary experience through thoughtful pairings that elevate every dish.
What role does the terrace play in the overall dining experience, especially with the current stillness of the lake view?
The terrace plays a crucial role in the overall dining experience at TANG Dubai by offering a magnificent view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. This combination creates a serene and visually captivating atmosphere, enhancing the sense of luxury and making the terrace a standout feature for guests seeking a memorable dining experience.
While the fountains are currently under renovation, the terrace continues to offer a spectacular view of the iconic Burj Khalifa—further elevated by our bespoke signature Sakura tree, which creates a unique photo moment and adds to the allure of the setting.
While the return of the fountains this October is eagerly anticipated, the true essence of TANG extends far beyond the spectacle. It’s a sensory journey—a dynamic experience infused with high-energy theatre. The real performance unfolds at the table, through the flavors, the atmosphere, and the people. That’s where the true magic lies.
TANG fuses Japanese izakaya and Cantonese cooking. How do you balance these two culinary heritages on one menu?
At TANG, we strike a thoughtful balance between Japanese izakaya and Cantonese culinary traditions by honoring the authenticity of each while creatively blending their complementary elements. The menu is designed to celebrate the bold, umami-rich flavors of Cantonese cuisine alongside the refined simplicity and sharing-style ethos of Japanese izakaya dining.
Our chefs craft dishes that respect the heritage of both cuisines, using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, while also introducing modern twists that cater to Dubai’s diverse and adventurous dining audience. This fusion allows us to offer a dynamic and harmonious dining experience that feels both familiar and innovative.
What are some signature dishes at TANG Dubai that best represent this fusion philosophy?
Some of the signature dishes at TANG Dubai that best embody our fusion philosophy include:
- Miso Black Cod – A hallmark of Japanese cuisine, delicately marinated in sweet miso and perfectly caramelized, showcasing refined technique with bold Cantonese-inspired flavor depth.
- Crispy Duck Salad – Combining the richness of traditional Cantonese roast duck with the freshness and balance typical of Japanese salads, this dish highlights our cross-cultural culinary approach.
- Wagyu Beef Gyoza – Handmade dumplings filled with premium wagyu beef, merging the comforting style of Japanese izakaya with the robust seasoning found in Cantonese dim sum.
Each dish reflects our commitment to blending technique, flavor, and presentation in a way that honors both culinary heritages while offering something new and exciting for our guests.
How do you ensure consistency in flavor and quality across international locations while also allowing room for local adaptation?
Ensuring consistency in flavor and quality across international locations is fundamental to the TANG brand. We achieve this through rigorous training, standardized recipes, and close collaboration with our culinary teams between continents. Our chefs are trained to uphold the brand’s core techniques and lavour profiles, ensuring that every dish meets the high standards our guests expect—no matter the location.
How involved is Nicky van der Walt in the culinary direction of TANG Dubai?
I collaborate closely with our Culinary Director, Erick Oshiro, to shape the overarching vision and strategic direction of TANG Dubai, with a strong emphasis on its culinary identity. While Erick and our team of expert chefs lead the day-to-day kitchen operations, I remain deeply involved in guiding the restaurant’s concept. My hands-on role ensures that every aspect of the culinary experience reflects TANG’s brand philosophy—refined Asian dining that artfully balances innovation and authenticity to create a truly memorable guest experience.
How does TANG distinguish itself from other luxury Pan-Asian restaurants in Dubai and globally?
TANG distinguishes itself from other luxury Pan-Asian restaurants through a unique combination of refined culinary artistry, immersive ambiance, and meticulous attention to detail. While many venues offer Pan-Asian cuisine, TANG elevates the experience by fusing the soul of Japanese izakaya with the bold elegance of Cantonese cooking, presented in a way that is both authentic and contemporary.
What truly sets TANG apart is its holistic approach—every element, from the bespoke interior design and curated music to the exceptional service and signature photo moments like the Sakura tree, is carefully considered to create an unforgettable guest journey. Globally, TANG is recognized not just for its food, but for offering a lifestyle-driven dining experience that resonates with sophisticated, culturally aware diners seeking more than just a meal.
What does the phrase “the true performance is at the table” mean for TANG’s service philosophy?
The phrase “the true performance is at the table” encapsulates TANG’s core service philosophy – where every interaction, every dish, and every detail is part of a carefully choreographed experience. It reflects our belief that the essence of hospitality lies not just in presentation or ambiance, but in how the guest feels throughout their journey.
From the moment a guest is seated, the service is attentive yet discreet, fluid yet precise – much like a performance. Our team is trained to anticipate needs, guide the dining experience seamlessly, and deliver each course with confidence and care. This philosophy ensures that every visit to TANG feels like a special occasion, where the spotlight is always on the guest and the table is the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Looking forward, what’s next for TANG Hospitality Group—any further international expansions in the works?
There’s a lot on the horizon for TANG. Our journey is only just beginning. We’re currently exploring further expansion within Dubai, building on the incredible response we’ve received so far. Beyond that, we are planning openings in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, London, and most likely Florida in the USA.
Each new location presents an opportunity to evolve while staying true to the TANG philosophy – blending exceptional cuisine, immersive design, and high-energy hospitality to create unforgettable experiences. We’re excited to bring our vision to new audiences around the world and continue establishing TANG as a global name in luxury dining.
About TANG Hospitality
Founded by Nicky van der Walt, TANG Hospitality has redefined luxury dining with its signature blend of contemporary Japanese and Cantonese cuisine. With flagship locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and now Dubai, TANG embodies a cosmopolitan spirit, offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates the art of fine dining in a lavish setting.
- ADDRESS: Palace Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 55 66 33 071
- Email: reservationsdubai@tang.ae
- Web: tanghospitality.com
- FB:https://www.facebook.com/TANGDubai/
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/tang_dubai_downtown/
- LinkedIn: @tangrestaurant
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/tangrestaurant
