A bold new chapter in Japanese cuisine unfolds with Tezukuri, a hand roll bar and speakeasy created by culinary powerhouses Chef Neha Mishra and Panchali Mahendra
When two of Dubai’s most visionary culinary minds come together, the city’s food scene prepares for something exceptional. Chef Neha Mishra, the talent behind the beloved ramen house Kinoya, and Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality, are collaborating to launch Tezukuri Temaki Bar, a brand-new Japanese dining destination dedicated to the art of hand rolls, or temaki, expected to open in Q3 2025.
Tezukuri will offer a unique and immersive dining experience. With Chef Neha’s deep-rooted philosophy in Japanese food culture and Panchali’s strength in hospitality development, this concept promises to redefine modern Japanese dining in Dubai.
What Is Tezukuri
Tezukuri means handmade in Japanese and stays true to its name by focusing on the intimate craft of hand-rolled sushi. The restaurant centers around freshly prepared temaki, hand rolls made with seaweed, sushi rice, and a variety of fillings, served directly by the chef to each guest at the counter.
This concept is more than a restaurant. It is a two-in-one experience featuring both the temaki bar and a kissa-style speakeasy offering a specialized cocktail menu inspired by Japanese flavors.
How It All Began
The idea for Tezukuri was born during Chef Neha Mishra’s birthday celebration in 2024. As guests enjoyed a DIY temaki setup, a conversation between Mishra and Mahendra turned into a vision for a completely new kind of restaurant. That spontaneous moment gave birth to Tezukuri, a space that celebrates the joy of creation and eating in a memorable and intimate environment.
Neha described this new project as a natural next step in her culinary journey. She emphasized that this concept allows her to focus on orchestration and experience design while giving skilled chefs the stage to shine.
Panchali expressed her excitement about launching an interactive dining concept with a close friend and a highly respected chef. She described Tezukuri as a project that blends culinary craft with experiential dining in a way that suits Dubai’s appetite for innovation.
Meet the Minds Behind Tezukuri Temaki Bar
Chef Neha Mishra
Neha Mishra is known for her dedication to Japanese cuisine and her ability to bring heart and authenticity to every plate. Starting from a private supper club, she built Kinoya into one of the most respected restaurants in the region, earning a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide and placing in the top three of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Tezukuri will be a completely different brand from Kinoya. It will not serve ramen and will not replicate Kinoya’s style. This is a new identity with its own vision, focused on the art of temaki and the experience of one-on-one dining with the chef.
Panchali Mahendra
As the CEO of Atelier House Hospitality, Panchali Mahendra has overseen the creation of successful dining concepts like 11Woodfire, Gerbou, and Mohalla. Her ability to shape hospitality brands that resonate with a global audience has made her a key figure in the region’s restaurant scene.
Together, Neha and Panchali represent a perfect blend of culinary excellence and hospitality strategy.
What to Expect at Tezukuri Temaki Bar
A Temaki-Only Menu
The menu will focus entirely on temaki. This minimalist approach allows each roll to be crafted with care and served at peak freshness. Guests can look forward to a variety of hand rolls made with high-quality ingredients, ranging from traditional choices like tuna or eel to more innovative options reflecting the chef’s creative interpretations.
Each roll will be served immediately after being prepared to preserve its temperature, texture, and flavor.
Interactive Dining
The layout of Tezukuri is designed to encourage interaction between diners and chefs. Guests will sit at a bar counter and receive each hand roll directly from the chef’s hands. This intimate and personal approach brings a sense of connection and ceremony to every bite.
It also allows guests to engage with the preparation process, ask questions, and enjoy the rhythm of service in real time.
Kissa Speakeasy Bar
Alongside the dining counter, Tezukuri will include a speakeasy bar influenced by Japanese kissa culture. The drink menu will be carefully curated, with cocktails that highlight Japanese spirits, teas, fruits, and flavor profiles.
The bar is expected to have a cozy and refined atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing drink after dinner or a quiet escape from the city’s buzz. Bartenders will bring the same level of craft and focus to beverages as the chefs do to food.
Why This Concept Matters
Dubai has long embraced Japanese cuisine, but Tezukuri stands out for its dedication to one specific tradition. While other restaurants may include temaki as part of a broader menu, Tezukuri puts it at the center.
This laser-focused approach creates a dining experience that is both refined and original. By removing the distractions of a large menu and offering only one type of dish in multiple variations, Tezukuri elevates temaki to an art form.
Reasons Why Tezukuri Will Be Unique
- Specialization in hand-rolled sushi, with no distractions
- High-touch, chef-to-guest interaction
- A beverage program that complements the food philosophy
- Strong cultural grounding with a modern twist
- Operated by two of the most respected names in Dubai’s F&B scene
When and Where Is It Opening
While the exact location is still to be announced, Tezukuri is expected to open between August and September 2025. The announcement was made by Neha Mishra via Instagram, generating excitement across the culinary community.
Given the collaborators’ past successes, the venue will likely be in a high-profile Dubai neighborhood known for forward-thinking dining concepts. Keep an eye on Tezukuri’s official channels for updates.
Impact on Dubai’s Dining Landscape
Tezukuri Temaki Bar is not just a new restaurant. It represents the direction in which Dubai’s culinary culture is evolving. With diners looking for authenticity, specialization, and interactivity, Tezukuri arrives at the perfect time.
It invites guests to slow down, engage their senses, and savor food made by hand and served with care. It also brings visibility to the beauty of single-focus menus and the power of simplicity in culinary storytelling.
Stay Updated
To follow the journey and stay informed about Tezukuri’s opening:
- Search for Tezukuri Temaki Bar on Instagram
- Follow updates from Atelier House Hospitality
- Join community tastings or previews once dates are released
- Watch out for the official announcement of the launch date and location
Final Thoughts
Tezukuri Temaki Bar is a story of friendship, food, and vision. Born from a birthday conversation and built by two passionate professionals, it brings something truly new to the city’s dining landscape.
For Neha Mishra, it is an opportunity to guide a new culinary experience. For Panchali Mahendra, it is another step toward redefining hospitality in the region. For diners in Dubai, it is a chance to discover the humble temaki in its highest form.
This is not a trend or a pop-up. It is a meaningful, permanent addition to the city’s food culture, one roll at a time.
Tezukuri is coming soon. Are you ready for hand rolls made with heart and precision
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