Hoya is a new and innovative all-day dining concept nestled in Jumeirah’s Al Manara neighbourhood. Spanning two levels bathed in natural light, Hoya serves culinary delights in the midst of an indoor garden setting, along with a selection of best sellers to indulge in.
Hoya is the inspired creation of two friends – Ghadeer Albarakani and Mylyn Calayag – both bonded by a love for exceptional cuisine and the allure of nature.
“As avid readers and proud parents of mini home jungles, Mylyn and I spend hours in plant nurseries while discussing books,“ says Ghadeer Albarakani, Co-Founder of Hoya. “Five years ago, we had a dream of opening a cosy cafe filled with books and lush greenery, and that vision transpired into Hoya. Our aim is to connect with like-minded visionaries and dreamers. We escape into your imagination and the stories that each nook, each interior element will tell. Hoya is ours and your escape to the great indoors!”
True to its co-founders’ dreams, Hoya’s interior has been designed to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration. On the ground floor, diners have the unique opportunity to indulge in delectable dishes while perusing a vast library of books. Patrons can also check out the books, similar to a library. This is part of an initiative aimed at fostering a sense of community and intellectual curiosity.
Concealed beyond a discreet bookshelf is a garden with a serene pond. To preserve the tranquil ambience and encourage a more sociable experience, guests are requested to refrain from taking calls.
On the mezzanine floor is Plant Studio, a plant shop. Budding botanists can immerse themselves in a verdant world and even purchase the greenery, including their own Hoya plant. The shop also serves as a creative hub, offering workshops for those with green fingers to delve hands-on into the intricacies of horticulture.
The rooftop area, which will launch later in the year, will be reserved for classes and private bookings, creating an optimal setting for gatherings beneath the open sky. The outdoor space features retractable glass roofs that allow the venue to adapt to the ever-changing seasons.
The menu offers an array of options, from vibrant salads to creamy soups and handmade pasta adorned with luxuriously rich sauces.
A must-try among the salads is the Quinoa Salad featuring quinoa, crisp kale, green apple, dried cranberry, pomegranate seeds, orange, avocado and cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a truffle dressing and topped with toasted almond chips. Another is Burrata & Cherry Tomatoes featuring a blend of mixed cherry tomatoes, arugula and figs, drizzled with aromatic pesto and aged balsamic vinegar, and garnished with roasted pine nuts and croutons.
For meat lovers, there’s USDA Grilled Beef Striploin served with either chimichurri or mushroom sauce, and a crisp Hoya side salad. Sides include mashed potato, sweet potato fries or grilled asparagus. In the desert section, there’s Orange Crème Brûlée, featuring blood orange zest, essence of vanilla bean and topped with caramelised sugar.
The beverage menu showcases an array of exquisite concoctions. The refreshing Agave Citron blends yuzu, agave syrup, and fresh lime juice with sparkling water. Lavender Hibiscus Lemonade features Jing Tea, Blackcurrant and Hibiscus Tea, lavender, and zesty lime juice, topped with sparkling water. Matcha Leche fuses matcha with dulce de leche and creamy coconut milk.
As for hot beverages, there is the decadent Vanilla Crème Frappé, the rich Mirzam Signature Hot Chocolate, the distinct flavours of Saudi Arabic Coffee, or teapots filled with a choice of Jing Tea.
“Hoya is a masterpiece of design which blends elements of nature with sophisticated modern touches, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and awe-inspiring,” says Mylyn Calayag, Hoya’s Co-Founder. “As guests settle into their seats, the anticipation of the culinary ballet ahead is palpable, a hidden gem, a dining experience so unique and immersive it transcends the ordinary, inviting guests on a fabulous culinary journey that is as enchanting as it is unforgettable.”
