Come Together Around ROKA’s Robata Grill for Unforgettable Moments
Kuwait’s culinary scene is a realm of its own, celebrated for its refined taste and the enchanting atmosphere that accompanies it. From delectable cuisine to captivating ambiance, Kuwaiti diners appreciate the finer things in life. While the realm of dining options is vast, ROKA has emerged as a distinctive gem, creating a space of unparalleled distinction within Kuwait’s premier dining destinations.
Since its arrival last autumn, ROKA has garnered a dedicated following for all the right reasons. Its menu boasts a lineup of cult classics, seared to perfection on the flaming grill. Dishes like kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber) and the beloved bekupoteto (baked potato with yuzu cream and chives) grace the menu, while periodic specials, such as the exquisite King Crab salad with sweetcorn and chili lemon dressing, keep the culinary voyage ever-enticing. This melding of flavors is further elevated by the captivating ambiance, rendering ROKA a must-visit oasis for cherished moments with friends and loved ones.
Having established itself as a culinary juggernaut in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ROKA now makes its mark in Kuwait. Visionaries Chef Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney found Kuwait to be the natural progression for their brand, and ROKA Kuwait perfectly encapsulates their vision. The name “ROKA” signifies sharing exceptional food and drinks (“Ro”) while enveloped in a space imbued with heat, warmth, and vibrant energy—a sentiment masterfully embodied through the unique Robatayaki experience.
Stepping into ROKA Kuwait is akin to embarking on a transformative journey. Nestled within the luxurious Waldorf Astoria and seamlessly connected to The Avenues shopping hub, ROKA boasts its own exclusive entrance, adorned with an enchanting floral lobby that has taken social media by storm. Beyond the captivating entrance, the restaurant’s interior exudes a welcoming warmth, an ambience fueled by the energy radiating from the expert chefs orchestrating their culinary magic at the Robata Grill.
The heart and soul of ROKA lies at the Robata, where culinary theater unfolds with each dish. Embracing the traditional Japanese cooking technique of Robatayaki—inspired by fishermen grilling their catches over charcoal on the boats of Japan’s northern coastal waters—ROKA invites you to gather around and share in the experience with loved ones. The Robata Grill, along with the captivating sushi counter and an open-concept dessert counter, adds a unique dimension to the exclusive experience that defines ROKA Kuwait.
ROKA’s interiors, designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu, radiate chic edginess. A modern industrial aesthetic reigns, with exposed ceilings and textured concrete brick wall finishes. The raw elements harmoniously coexist with the modern floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Kuwait’s vibrant skyline. The restaurant offers semi-private and private dining enclaves, further enriched by a lush wall of greenery, adding a touch of nature-inspired allure.
Choosing a seating spot at ROKA is a privilege, as reservations are often in high demand. Opting for a front-row view of the cityscape is popular, but our preference was to be in the heart of the action—the Robata Grill. Seated at smooth teak wood tables, we had a prime vantage point to witness the experts skillfully crafting dishes over the fiery Robata.
Our culinary journey commenced with invigorating mocktails—an Asian-inspired Ginger Ninja and the fragrant White Lotus, an exquisite blend of dragon fruit, lychee, strawberry, and the zest of yuzu.
Before delving into ROKA’s sumptuous robata creations, we indulged in their signature sushi and sashimi selections. The mixed sashimi platter showcased the essence of ROKA’s culinary philosophy: quality over quantity. The Yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle dressing was a harmony of sea-infused flavors elevated by the zesty yuzu and earthy truffle. A special treat was the dainamaito maki—a homage to Kuwait’s penchant for spicy chili shrimp tempura. This maki awakened our taste buds, paving the way for ROKA’s grilled delights that awaited.
Emerging from the Robata’s fiery embrace came the sea bream fleet with ryotei miso and red onion. Each element harmonized, with the red onion complementing the fish’s richness. Alongside the sea bream, the perfectly grilled beef fillet with chili, ginger, and spring onion delighted our palates, as did the iconic ROKA baked potato with yuzu cream, bekupoteto.
Dessert was a spectacular performance, featuring ROKA’s dessert platter—a showcase of their finest confections accompanied by exotic fruits and tantalizing tropical sorbets. A standout was the dark chocolate and green tea pudding with crunchy jivara and pear ice cream. A newfound delight was the pecan alaska—a warm tree cake with pecan ice cream, chewy meringue, butterscotch miso sauce, and fresh banana. This ingenious concoction, reminiscent of a classic banana pudding, underwent a rejuvenating transformation within ROKA’s fiery clay oven.
ROKA solidifies its place in Kuwait’s constellation of dining stars by continuously elevating the robatayaki experience with creativity at its core. Whether you’re savoring sushi and sashimi marvels or indulging in robata grill specialties and decadent desserts, ROKA’s artistry shines through.
Discover ROKA’s culinary haven at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, complete with valet parking for seamless access. To secure a reservation, call +965 2477 4410, visit rokarestaurant.com, and stay tuned to @RokaKuwaitOfficial on Instagram for the latest updates. Your rendezvous with extraordinary flavors awaits.