After the success of Miss Lily’s, co-founders Varun Khemaney and Khalil Dahmash noticed another gap in the market. Dubai had, and continues to have, an abundance of fine dining institutions, but none that injected an elevated yet cool vibe that entices you to stay late and dance after the delectable dinner is served.

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VKD Hospitality instantly thought of another New York concept, Indochine. A favourite with locals and world travellers alike since its opening in 1984, it's a timeless classic that combines a sophisticated ambience, tropical decor, and exotic French-Vietnamese cuisine. Jean-Marc Houmard, the chic yet nostalgic restaurant's owner, had previously turned down offers to take his brand outside the United States, but after speaking to Becker - who vouched for the young entrepreneurs and the exceptional job they did with Miss Lily's - Houmard entrusted them with bringing Indochina to Dubai.

Again, VKD Hospitality worked closely with Houmard and Serge Becker when it came to design and aesthetics, elevating the entire experience for the new OIFC location, which would end up competing with the best in the business. When it came to cuisine, Khemaney and Dahmash looked to a Vietnamese chef from Hong Kong, who also had a Canadian background - someone who could relate to the duo's third-culture kid upbringing.

"We flew to Ho Chi Minh City to try and understand what Vietnamese cuisine consists of and how we could elevate Indochine's existing menu. We were able to draw a lot of inspiration from our trip that allowed us to create new dishes that were unpretentious yet undeniably bold in flavour."

When it came to orchestrating the atmosphere, they wanted to create an intimate and intriguing space, with its own unique sound and vibe. The soundtrack transports you back in time through an eclectic mix of 70s and 80s disco, funk and soul. The welcoming and exciting retro mood is felt as soon as you enter the door.

Since opening in January 2020, Indochine has gone on to win Best Fine Dining Newcomer from Time Out Dubai, Favourite Fine Dining Newcomer in the Fact 2020 Dining Awards, Best Asian Restaurant 2021 from Time Out Dubai, Best Pan Asian Restaurant from FACT 2021 and 2022 Dining Awards, #35 in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 by The World’s 50 Best, and Favourite Asian Restaurant from WhatsOn Awards 2022.

MON - THURS > 12PM - 1AM
FRI > 12PM - 3AM
SAT > 12PM - 4PM / 8PM - 3AM
SUN> 7PM - 1AM

> telephone
04 208 9333

> address
Dubai International Financial Center
(DIFC), Gate Precinct Building 3, Level 2

> email reservations
reservations@indochinedxb.com