Hotels of UAE

A Taste of Home: Chef James Knight and Nama Yoso Debut a Nostalgic Brunch Collaboration

Planning a weekend in Mirdif? Join Abdulla Almheiri and Chef James Knight at Nama Yoso for a "Memories of Home" brunch on 31 Jan - 1 Feb. Experience Japanese-British fusion.

Dubai, UAE – For UAE residents already planning their final weekend of January, a unique homegrown collaboration is arriving in Mirdif. On 31 January and 1 February 2026, Nama Yoso will partner with Chef James Knight for a limited-edition dining experience. This two-day takeover is designed around the theme of “Memories of Home,” and it blends the comfort of British childhood classics with the refined techniques of contemporary Japanese cuisine.

The collaboration brings together Abdulla Almheiri, Founder of Nama Yoso, and Chef James Knight, who carries over two decades of experience in Michelin-starred and luxury kitchens. For those looking to enjoy a relaxed family weekend before the February school term gains momentum, this brunch offers a menu that is both playful and emotionally driven.

Planning a weekend in Mirdif? Join Abdulla Almheiri and Chef James Knight at Nama Yoso for a "Memories of Home" brunch on 31 Jan - 1 Feb. Experience Japanese-British fusion.

A limited edition brunch

The menu opens with a welcome sip of Japanese Cola, which sets a casual tone before moving into a series of sharing-style starters. Guests can expect Homer’s Favourite, which is an inventive artichoke and caviar doughnut, alongside the Leonardo Carpaccio, featuring salmon with black lime and puffed rice. The vegetable-forward ‘Pump It Up’ dish combines roasted pumpkin with seaweed and sesame, offering a balance of earthy and coastal notes.

The main selection continues the storytelling with ‘Kushty’, a wagyu kushiyaki paired with pomegranate, and the ‘Cheeky Sando’, a crispy chicken sandwich topped with spicy mayo. A reimagined Fish & Chips uses black cod and ponzu tartare served with violet potatoes, while the Mush Mush Pizza features Below Farm mushrooms and a rice vinegar caramel. 

For those who enjoy slow-cooked comfort, the Dig in the Ribs short rib is finished with prunes and teriyaki. The experience ends with three distinct desserts, including Date Me, which pairs dates with black sesame, and Yu-Zee, a sharp yuzu and orange tart.

Planning a weekend in Mirdif? Join Abdulla Almheiri and Chef James Knight at Nama Yoso for a "Memories of Home" brunch on 31 Jan - 1 Feb. Experience Japanese-British fusion.
Planning a weekend in Mirdif? Join Abdulla Almheiri and Chef James Knight at Nama Yoso for a "Memories of Home" brunch on 31 Jan - 1 Feb. Experience Japanese-British fusion.

Nama Yoso was founded by four Emirati childhood friends and has quickly become a creative hub for dining in the Mirdif area. The restaurant is known for its serene design, and it features Zen Garden elements alongside Blue Noren accents. This partnership with Chef James Knight allows the kitchen to experiment with a more personal narrative, as the chef draws on his upbringing in the UK to create dishes that feel familiar yet technically surprising.

“Chef James’ work has always stood out to me for its depth, creativity, and emotional connection to food. Collaborating with him felt natural, as both Nama Yoso and James share a desire to reinterpret familiar flavours in a way that feels thoughtful and exciting. This brunch is about storytelling through dishes that feel nostalgic yet unexpected,” says Abdulla Almheiri, founder of Nama Yoso.

Chef James Knight adds: “Working with Nama Yoso is an incredible opportunity to experiment with flavours and techniques in a brunch format that’s both fun and refined. This menu is a true reflection of our shared vision for creativity, quality, and culinary storytelling.”

Scroll to Top