Waka, located in The Oberoi Hotel, Dubai, takes you on a culinary journey to Peru where using a Chifa style of cooking, Chef Roberto and his team have managed to encapsulate the best of Japan and Peru under one roof.

A sharing style brunch, first we sampled the ‘Wakamole’–that’s right, a molecular gastronomy take on the classic guacamole that was smoked and infused onion, lime, and chili. This was a delectably creamy accompaniment to Waka’s healthier style of tortilla chips.

The Ceviche included a refreshing classic with fish infused with lime juice, coriander, and chili. There was a corn salad with three kinds of corn, a small green salad, and my favorite– the Japanese inspired style tuna in leche de tigre, a Peruvian term for the citrus-based marinade that usually contains lime juice, sliced onion, chills, salt, and pepper — along with a bit of fish juice.

This brunch includes three kinds of mouthwatering Makis, my absolute favorite food. There was Chimera, which is a Maki of sea bass, scallops, ají limo, coriander, and leche de tigre.

Then another showstopping Waka Caliente–snapper, scallops, prawns, ají panca, and onion, and the Carne Y Trufa–Wagyu Rib Eye, soy and truffle sauce, with crispy quinoa. Each one of these was fresh and packed with authentic Japanese flavors.

The next course was the Chicken Skewers with Sesame Seeds, a yummy, super tender barbeque style chicken.

In between courses we tried some authentic Peruvian juices that were unique in flavor. One was the Acai Berry Juice, a slightly tart, but very cooling drink.

Also, the Mango juice was a slightly spicy and fruity concoction of fresh mango, habanero, and orange juice.

From the mains, we had Chaufa or Chinese stir-fried rice, always a huge hit.

Roasted Baby Chicken served with wedge fries, and a Peruvian style fish, and my favorite: Truffle Quinoa Risotto which smelled heavenly with wafts of truffle and creamy goodness.

Another point to mention: the service here is impeccable without being obtrusive. Servers chat amicably and really know the food, inside and out, while putting guests at ease.

Though it couldn’t get any better than this, dessert beckoned. This was served on a platter and included some mouthwatering options: my all-time favorite Tres Leches–sponge cake with three milks sauce, passion fruit sorbet, Salted Caramel Cheesecake that had the right balance of sweet, raspberry sorbet, a comforting milk and rice pudding, some freshly baked by the chef chocolate cookies, and some fruit and chocolate lollipops.

The Verdict: I am hooked for life on Peruvian food! Waka takes Peruvian food to the next level and every dish we tried was amazingly fresh and delicious. For a delicious Peruvian meal, Waka is a must-try.

Visit: Waka at The Oberoi Hotel – Dubai
04 444 1455