Maki is the first thing that comes to mind when we’re craving innovative Japanese cuisine. They have been giving us an unparalleled experience for almost two decades (yes, time really does fly when you are having delicious food). Their passion, attention to detail and always going the extra mile to make sure that guests feel taken care of is what differentiates them from everyone else in the Japanese dining game. And this time they’re surprising us with new menu items that were carefully crafted to delight all your senses.
We love visiting Maki for an early weekday lunch as a treat for working so hard and to motivate us for the rest of the week. The Maki restaurant at Marina Waves might be our favorite location, you are practically sitting in the glistening Arabian Gulf. Minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still a world apart.
The staff are always friendly and welcoming and eager to explain the different dishes as well as help us make more informed choices. They recommend the Ribs Crocante for an appetizer and tell us that it is a new guest favorite. Braised short ribs are covered in crispy rice, sesame seeds, teriyaki and home-made yuzu BBQ sauce.
Ribs might not seem like a conventional Japanese choice but the sweet, tangy sticky sauce paired with the tarty yuzu delivers a big hit of umami. They also suggested we try two different types of Nori Chips. The Shake Nori Chips, nori chips loaded with salmon, wasabi nori flakes, avocado, thyme, black truffle pearls, soy sauce and extra virgin olive oil and the Akami Nori Chips, Nori chips with a generous serving of tuna, crabsticks, avocado, wasabi nori flakes, flying fish roe, hot chili oil, sesame oil, teriyaki, pari pari and horseradish cream. They were an instant hit at the table, with everyone reaching for the next one before finishing the first. Finger foods are the best companion to the deep and meaningful conversations we all love having. We compared flavors, sensations and experiences while enjoying the view.
Luckily for us we got a sneak peek at the new menu items. First to arrive was the Rainbow Mini Donut. Who doesn’t love the iconic shape? The ring of rice was topped with akami (tuna), shake (salmon), kani, (crabsticks), caviaroli (encapsulated extra virgin olive oil spheres), black truffle pearls and salmon roe. It was a festival of textures, colors and flavors that played harmoniously together. Also in donut form was the Crispy Mini Donut, but this time it was covered in kani (crabsticks), cucumber, crispy mame (soybean) paper, and Maki Maki sauce. The crunch added more fun and whimsy which we always appreciate. Finally, we tried the Filo Mini Donut. The rice rests on a layer of crispy filo pastry and is topped with kani (crabsticks), and Maki Maki sauce. This one was a true party in the mouth. Familiar flavors danced on our palates, but also served in a completely new package. Our only tip is to order more than one of each because your friends might refuse to share.
The menu has one more new member: the Maki Roselle. It is hibiscus tea with passion fruit and raspberry syrup added to it, making it naturally sweet and fresh tasting. It is the perfect palate cleanser between the many different bites of all the things we were trying.
We loved all the new additions to the menu but couldn’t ignore our favorites like the Miso Soup, Oliver Maki Salad, and all the different Makis on the menu. We always indulge in the sashimi because Maki only sources the freshest, highest quality ingredients and we’re always confident of what we’re being served. We could close our eyes and choose dishes at random knowing we would still love and devour everything that arrives at our table.
Maki is more than a restaurant, it is a relationship that has lasted more than 19 years so far. One that we’re willing to nurture and savour, just as much as we relish the experience of a Maki experience.
We couldn’t leave without indulging in dessert! Our go-to choice is always the Matcha Donostia Cheesecake. The silky smooth green tea cheesecake served with matcha sauce is always the perfect happy ending to a visit to Maki. It is subtle, with the perfect level of sweetness and richness from the tea without being overpowering. It feels like saying “until we meet again” instead of saying “goodbye” because we know we’re going to be back very soon.
Maki has four locations in Kuwait – The M2 in Salhiya (2247 9721); Marina Waves (2576 3226) and Burj Jassem, (2290 1010). Visit www.olivermaki.com for more information, call 182 3080 for delivery. Watch the innovation on Instagram and Twitter @Makirest and Facebook at MakiRestaurant.
