A Pan-Asian Dining Experience Above Dubai’s Skyline

Natasha Dury

Not everyone understands Hindi music. Not everyone knows the lyrics, the nostalgia, or the emotion tied to the songs that fill certain rooms in Dubai. Yet somehow, at Hikari DIFC, none of that matters.

From the moment the elevator doors open onto the 16th floor of Emirates Financial Towers, the restaurant immediately draws attention to what it does best and that is creating a fun positive atmosphere. The skyline views are breathtaking, the interiors are sleek without feeling cold, and the energy shifts naturally throughout the evening.

For diners unfamiliar with the music culture woven into Hikari’s identity, the experience still feels immersive rather than exclusive. The soundtrack becomes part of the ambience rather than something you need to fully understand. Even without knowing a single lyric, the warmth and emotion behind the live performances are impossible to ignore. My mum loved every song as it was nostalgic to her while I enjoyed watching her sing.

For me, what truly anchors the experience, however, is the food. Hikari’s Pan-Asian menu is polished, contemporary, and thoughtfully executed. The sushi is exceptionally fresh, dim sum arrives delicate and flavourful, and the mains balance comfort with refinement. Each dish feels designed for modern Dubai dining, visually elegant yet genuinely satisfying. Sauces complement rather than overpower, textures remain balanced, and presentation enhances rather than distracts from flavour.

What stands out most is how naturally the evening flows. One moment you are absorbed in conversation over beautifully plated dishes, the next you find yourself pausing to appreciate the energy of the room, the skyline beyond the windows, and the subtle rhythm of the music around you….for our group, each one of us enjoyed every moment of either the music, the food and the vibe.