Dubai’s dining calendar is set alight this September with The Elemental Series, a trilogy of chef-led dinners that promise to be as theatrical as they are gastronomic. Three of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants will unite for the experience — TAB? at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai, Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm, and Tamoka at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai JBR — each hosting an evening devoted to one of the natural elements: Fire, Earth, and Water.
At the heart of this creative collaboration are three renowned chefs: Aldo Shimabukuro Nakahodo of TAB?, Giovanni Ledon of Akira Back, and Ze Sergio Hernandez Ruiz of Tamoka. Together, they will craft menus that push culinary boundaries, weaving cultural inspiration with elemental storytelling. It is not simply a series of dinners, but an immersive journey where food, cocktails, and ambiance are choreographed to embody the forces of nature.
The experience begins with Fire at TAB? on 5 September. Guests can expect dishes that harness the raw intensity of flame — from grilled Dibba Bay oysters with black lemon pisco cream to toothfish charred with saikyo miso. The evening closes on a sweet yet smoky note with a yuzu custard tart topped with whipped cream infused with fire itself. Each plate is designed to intrigue, complemented by cocktails that mirror the bold, spirited essence of fire.
On 12 September, Earth takes centre stage at Akira Back. With seating limited to just 10–12 diners per session at the sushi counter, this edition offers intimacy alongside innovation. Here, rich, grounded flavours form the narrative: wagyu and smoked duck nigiri, chicken miso gochujang with truffle, and a delicate yuzu cheesecake accompanied by matcha and lavender gelato. Each dish is a nod to the depth and grounding nature of the earth element.
The trilogy culminates with Water at Tamoka on 19 September, where the menu flows with freshness and fluidity. Highlights include bluefin tuna tartare enlivened with mandarin yuzu gel, jumbo prawn batayaki paired with edamame hummus, and Patagonian cod zarandeado with roasted pineapple chalaquita. Reflecting the calm and unpredictability of the sea, each course captures both delicacy and depth.
Beyond the food, The Elemental Series reflects Dubai’s growing status as a global culinary hub. The collaboration between three distinct chefs, each rooted in different traditions yet united by a shared creative spirit, mirrors the city’s cosmopolitan energy. In an industry where exclusivity often reigns, the event stands out for its storytelling — offering not just fine dining, but an exploration of elements that have inspired humanity for centuries.
The settings themselves enhance the narrative. TAB?’s dramatic interiors amplify the fiery spectacle, while Akira Back’s sleek sushi counter provides an earthy, intimate stage. Tamoka’s beachfront backdrop, meanwhile, allows guests to feel the rhythm of the waves as they savour seafood dishes infused with coastal soul. The locations are more than venues; they are integral characters in the unfolding story.
