A bar’s narrative becomes effective when it presents a clear, repeatable identity, built over time through method and vision. Manja Stankovic, leading the beverage program at Mimi Kakushi, operates within this balance, drawing on a journey that began far from Dubai. “I started almost by accident, in a neighborhood restaurant. They told me: you can be a bartender, but you need to study. I chose flair, and it quickly became an obsession.”
Manja Stankovic’s Move to Dubai and Professional Growth
From Serbia, where he also gained television exposure, the move to Dubai in 2013 marked a decisive shift: “I came on holiday and stayed. That’s when I realized I only knew flair, so I started again from scratch, working in hotels and restaurants to build a proper foundation.” Joining Rikas Group accelerated everything. “When I arrived, there were two restaurants — now there are dozens. I’ve been involved in the development of more than 50 projects: each venue has its own identity, and the challenge is finding the right people to bring it to life.”
The Identity of Mimi Kakushi in Dubai’s Hospitality Scene
What sets the project apart is its conceptual consistency. “Mimi Kakushi hasn’t changed much over time because we followed a clear direction from day one. It’s a 1920s-inspired world, Japanese and elegant,” Manja Stankovic explains. That precision defines its position within Dubai’s scene. “Many tried to replicate existing models. We chose a different path, more focused on experience than volume. Guests are looking for time, attention, and genuine connection.”
Manja Stankovic’s Cinema-Inspired Cocktail Menu
The drink list reflects the same thinking, drawing on cinema as a narrative device: each cocktail is paired with a vintage film, accompanied by a scene projected in black and white behind the bar. “The drink comes last, but it’s part of a wider system. Today you can drink good cocktails anywhere — what changes is the experience.”
The Martini, served tableside on a trolley and carved from ice in front of the guest, captures this approach. “We didn’t reinvent anything, but we created a moment people remember.” In a city that moves fast, Mimi Kakushi holds a recognisable line. “Being authentic is what brings clients back. Everything else fades.”
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Mike Tamasco x Coqtail – all rights reserved
