Diana Farah

Dubai-based Japanese restaurant TABŪ celebrated its first-year anniversary with a week-long sumo wrestling exhibition in the UAE, with world-renowned sumo wrestlers Hiroki and resident sumo Saita.

Hiroki, who measures 249 Kg, is well-known for his triumphs in the traditional Japanese sport that was available at TABŪ last week.

He also appeared in John Wick Chapter 4 released in April 2023.

Saita, a resident sumo wrestler, competed in the show alongside Hiroki. Saita, who weighs 189 kg, has been performing regularly at the restaurant for the last year.  

The anniversary night marked Hiroki and Saita’s debut together at TABŪ, where they captivated the audience with their exceptional talents and wrestled it out for onlookers. Half of the attendees received ‘Team Saita’ and the other half ‘Team Hiroki’ Japanese fans to show their support.

In addition to the sumo wrestling exhibition, TABŪ prepared a lineup of new acts and surprises to thrill guests beyond the two nights well into the new era of TABŪ 2.0.

The special evenings kicked off with a welcome reception featuring canapés and welcome drinks, followed by a set menu curated by renowned Chef Roberto Segura. Dishes including the signature ‘Black’ Black Cod, Patagonian Toothfish Skewers, and Hamachi Usuzukuri-style showcased TABŪ’s culinary expertise of modern Japanese cuisine.

David Lescarret, the CEO of Infini Concepts, the parent company of TABŪ, expressed his excitement about the first anniversary celebration, stating: “TABŪ’s journey over the past year has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to commemorate this milestone with a thrilling sumo wrestling exhibition. It embodies the dynamic and unforgettable experiences we aim to create for our guests. TABŪ’s brand was built upon the foundations of fine dining, world-class entertainment, and impeccable service – this will be upheld at the highest level.”

Aleix Garcia, COO of Infini Concepts, added, “The introduction of Hishofuji Hiroki alongside our resident sumo, Saita, takes our entertainment offerings to new heights. We invite guests to join us on this special occasion and witness the extraordinary talents of these remarkable athletes. Looking ahead, TABŪ will continue to be a destination where gastronomy meets high-energy entertainment. “

Chef Roberto Segura, the Head of Culinary at Infini Concepts, emphasized the commitment to excellence at TABŪ, stating, “Our anniversary celebration signifies a new era for TABŪ 2.0, where culinary excellence meets world-class entertainment. We look forward to showcasing the best of TABŪ and providing a remarkable dining experience.”