Dubai’s dining scene is welcoming a new name this September as MEI prepares to open at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. The new concept brings upscale Asian fare and lounge vibes to the former Zheng He’s spot.
The team behind popular venues SHI and Moli by SHI is leading the project, promising a fresh addition to the city’s culinary landscape. With its mix of Chinese specialities and Japanese precision, MEI is positioning itself as more than just a restaurant—it aims to be a social destination.
A menu that balances flavour and craft
The culinary focus at MEI is both ambitious and refined. Diners can expect dishes centred around a robata grill, bringing smoky, charred flavours to prime cuts of meat and seafood. The chefs will feature dim sum, claypot favourites, and traditionally prepared duck on the Chinese side of the menu.
The Japanese section is equally considered, with ingredients flown in directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Sashimi, maki rolls, and seasonal creations highlight the kitchen’s dedication to freshness and detail. By offering a combination of well-executed comfort dishes and delicate signatures, MEI is appealing to both casual guests and those seeking a fine dining experience.
Interiors designed for atmosphere
Inside, MEI seats up to 137 guests with an additional 14-seat bar. The interior has been styled with a gallery-like quality, complete with warm wooden accents and contemporary murals that give the restaurant an artistic edge.
For those who prefer al fresco dining, the outdoor terrace offers room for 120 guests and overlooks the Burj Al Arab—one of the most coveted views in Dubai. This terrace is likely to become a sought-after spot for evenings, combining striking surroundings with the energy of the resort’s waterfront setting.
Dining that turns into nightlife
MEI is not stopping at dinner service. From 10 pm, the venue shifts gears, evolving into a late-night lounge. The lights soften, live music makes way for DJs, and the mood becomes more intimate. With the kitchen open until midnight and doors closing at 2am, MEI is set to stand out in an area that usually winds down earlier in the evening.
This dual character makes it an attractive choice for groups looking to extend their evening without leaving the venue. Diners can start with a leisurely meal and seamlessly transition into a lounge experience without needing to move elsewhere.
A fresh chapter at Mina A’Salam
For regulars of Zheng He’s, MEI’s arrival marks the close of a chapter. But it also signals a new phase for Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, bringing in a dining concept that matches the city’s evolving tastes. The combination of high-quality Asian cuisine, striking interiors, and a vibrant late-night offering positions MEI to become one of Dubai’s most talked-about openings this year.
Growing list of restaurants
MEI is preparing to open its doors in September, with details on booking expected soon. Its arrival boosts Mina A’Salam’s lineup and reinforces Dubai’s culinary edge.
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