At Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Saturday brunch at The Fore resists the excess typically associated with hotel buffets. Instead, four open kitchens share the spotlight. Experience the Japanese precision of Umi Kei, the Pan-Asian verve of Madame Li, the Mediterranean flavours of Mirabelle, and the spice-driven repertoire of The Bombay Club by Chef Manav Tuli. Under the direction of Executive Chef Roberto Rispoli, the experience unfolds with notable cohesion. Each kitchen is distinct, yet calibrated, and feels part of a single narrative.
Menu highlights
The first impression belongs to Umi Kei, positioned at the entrance. A miso soup station offers a nourishing beginning, alongside skewers of chicken, fish and beef yakitori. Nearby, the sushi counter presents sashimi, familiar rolls and maki, including charred salmon and vegetarian bites, that venture just far enough beyond convention. At the dedicated Temaki station, hand rolls are assembled to order with fillings such as crab and crisp vegetables. Madame Li’s section leans into comfort with aromatic Thai curries, beef with vegetables, springy noodles and fried rice mercifully free of excess oil.
A few steps away, self-serve buffet windows reveal lacquered Peking duck and bamboo baskets of dim sum — prawn, chicken and translucent vegetable parcels. Between stations, a leg of jamón draws attention, accompanied by salads studded with cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and an assortment of pickles. Leave room for the tandoori prime rib at The Bombay Club, which is well-seasoned with its fragrant crust yielding to a blush interior. It pairs perfectly with biryani, butter chicken, and naan pulled from a live tandoor.
On the return to your table, mezze and crisp fatayer appear at the Arabic station, while a Wellington with roast and trimmings offers a nod to British comfort. Away from the counters, tableside service intervenes – we loved the freshly shucked oysters and caviar blinis that arrived between visits to the buffet. Toward the end, a roaming vendor dispenses scoops of Greek yoghurt ice cream in miniature cones, a cooling interlude that appeals equally to adults and children.
On the terrace, sunlight glints off the water and sea air tempers the richness of the meal; indoors, the atmosphere remains polished and tranquil. In either setting, The Fore’s brunch succeeds through a well-curated spread that complements the innovative signature concoctions.
Book now
Every Saturday, 1-4pm. AED500 for the soft package, AED750 for the premium grape package (including bubbly). AED250 for children aged four and above. Contact +9714 540 8888.