Chef Akmal Anuar is introducing charcoal and oak wood cooking to the restaurant.
Chef Akmal Anuar has never been short on range. In Dubai, he is the name behind crowd favourites such as 3Fils, 11 Woodfire, Goldfish Suhsi & Yakitori, and Osteria Funkcoolio, and his latest move is a confident one: Harummanis has been reinvented for its second year in the city, bringing a new layer of fire cooking to the FACT award-winning restaurant in Wasl 51.
The restaurant is rooted in Anuar’s childhood memories and family legacy. The name Harummanis nods to a beloved mango in Malay culture, but it also carries a more personal meaning: “sweet scent”, a phrase his mother used for their family’s hawker stall. That stall has fed Singaporeans for more than 32 years, and Harummanis Dubai is a natural extension of that lineage, translated into a cosy dining room that champions generosity, warmth, and food designed to be shared.
For year two, the big shift is in the heat. The kitchen now leans into charcoal and oak wood to pull out deeper, smokier notes across the menu. It is not a change for the sake of it. Fire brings clarity to the dishes, sharpening their edges and amplifying their aromatics.
The menu balances heritage and playfulness, with smaller shareable portions. Highlights include the Laksa Burrata with tomato and herbs, Adobo Mushroom and a rich, crowd-pleasing Rendang Bao with avocado. From the sea, the Jumbo Prawn with green curry and Cajun butter is a must-order, while starters such as Salmon Sashimi with ponzu, cucumber and ginger keep things bright. There are playful comforts too, including Indomie with chorizo, bok choy and fried egg, and desserts that lean into Southeast Asian sweetness, from Gula Melaka Monaka to Sarang Semut with honey ice cream.
Located in Wasl 51, the cosy culinary haven is inspired by generational recipes. Diners are ensconced in a rustic space decorated with deep red tiles, distressed mirrors, traditional batik patterns and plenty of potted foliage. The setting is warm and welcoming, merging old-world charm with modern design while paying homage to the Singaporean Malay culture of sharing.
In a city brimming with global dining options, Harummanis continues to stand out by staying true to its roots. No gimmicks, no unnecessary theatrics, just soulful Singaporean Malay cooking, heartfelt hospitality, and a new kiss of smoke that makes year two taste even better.
From hawker to haute, the revamped Harummanis brings a taste of Akmal Anuar’s heritage to Dubai
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