Vibrant Latin Asian restaurant launches in Galleria Mall

Introducing Juan – a culinary adventure through Latin Asian cuisine and storytelling with Japanese, Chinese and Peruvian influence

Explore a culinary escapade at Juan – Dubai’s latest Asian fusion restaurant launched in Galleria Mall. Serving the finest of Latin Asian cuisine and evoking nostalgia to the stories of Asian immigrants in South America, Juan’s unique environment blends traditional Latin Asian heritage with modern style to present curated dishes with artistic flair, premium ingredients and rich flavours. The vibrant atmosphere incorporates a mix of Japanese, Chinese and Peruvian influence to surprise diners with an immersive experience while distinguishing itself as the successful result of cultural harmony between exquisite cuisines.

The restaurant is an ode to the Asian immigrants that travelled to South America between the 19th and 20th centuries to start a new life and find their fortune in farmlands and goldmines. Having settled in a foreign land, the immigrants practiced their own culture and cooking methods, with each passing generation integrating more original flavours and local specialities. Thus, creating various synthesis cuisines, including Juan’s two main cuisines – Nikkei – the moulding of Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques, and Chifa – the fusing of Cantonese elements with Peruvian ingredients and traditions. The name ‘Juan’ is a Chinese and Latin name representing the link between the different cultures from which these cuisines emerged thanks to generations of people living, sharing and learning together.

Juan’s menu is designed to offer a diverse range, catering to every craving. Dishes include eye-catching Tacos, Tiraditos, Ceviche’s, a Robata and Josper section, Antojos, a Wok

section, fresh fish weekly from Japan and eclectic desserts that pay homage to the gastronomic discovery of Latin Asian cuisine. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, and the dishes on offer merge traditional Asian techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Similarly, the restaurant also offers Omakase – a Japanese-inspired dining experience where diners leave their menu selection to the chef entrusting them to serve innovative and unexpected dishes with an artistic technique that leaves a memorable impression. 

“When customers visit Juan, we want them to come on a journey with us. We have created stories through our menu and food presentation. Our Executive Chef John Evans is Peruvian and is a master at his craft, having worked extensively with indigenous ingredients that express Perú’s landscapes and ecosystems. We even have a Costa Rican Sous-chef and an experienced Japanese Itamae (Sushi Master). Moreover, Asian and Latin restaurants also have quality narratives, inspired by a specific location, a specific skill or a signature dish. Therefore, a successful balance between these aspects is what we aim to achieve through Juan. It has been an exciting period so far. We look forward to welcoming Dubai’s cosmopolitan audience to an authentic Latin Asian experience like no other,” says Nasser Zuhour, Founder of Juan and CEO of GURU Concepts.

Seating approximately 80 guests with both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, the restaurant is designed by London-based interior designers B3 Designers to reflect the lively energy of its founding cultures. Juan takes guests on a visual journey of its cuisine’s creators with hand-painted portraits, an inviting palette and a warm design. Its interiors also feature a modern interpretation of a coastal bodega, mixing Polynesian patterns with soft timber textures, woven colonial furniture, bodega bric-a-brac elements and greenery. With its loungy atmosphere from dimmed lighting, a live DJ booth and the stories of journeys to new lands, Juan promises to take diners on a flavourful adventure through Latin Asian cuisine with every bite.

Guests can make reservations by mailing [email protected] or by calling +971 55 9959579. 

Open from 12pm – midnight from Monday to Friday and 12pm – 1am on Saturday and Sunday, Juan is located in Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road in Dubai.