Hospitality

CRAFTING THE PERFECT BOWL

Published

3 months ago

January 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Chef standing in a professional kitchen holding a bowl of ramen with both hands, wearing black gloves, a dark shirt, and a towel draped around his neck, with stainless‑steel counters and cooking equipment in the background.

An exclusive interview with Chef Atsushi Yamamoto, Konjiki Hototogisu

Take us back to 2006, what was it like running your cozy little ramen spot in Shibuya during those first few years?

I started with a small shop of just 23 square meters and only 8 seats. It was located in a narrow alley where only about 30 locals passed by each day, and no cars could enter. During the first year, I had only about five customers on most days, and even on good days, it was less than 20. Since I was married, it was especially tough to make a living. I couldn’t afford to waste ingredients, so I would take home any leftover ingredients, which allowed me to get by each day. In Japan, ramen shops typically only serve ramen, and it was common for a customer to eat just one bowl and leave. A bowl of ramen was priced at about half of what it is today, so we had no room to buy ingredients for ourselves. Since there were many times when there were no customers in the shop, I used that time, as well as after closing, to constantly study ingredients and cooking techniques. I always thought about what kind of ramen would be appreciated by customers and made an effort to learn and improve.

What first drew you into the kitchen? Was it passion, curiosity, or pure hunger to create something your own?

When I was 24 years old, I witnessed a chef at a restaurant I visited for the first time receiving thanks from a regular customer who said, “Thank you for always serving delicious food. It was very tasty today as well.” Seeing that made me want to pursue a job where I could inspire and be appreciated by others, just like that chef. I still remember that moment vividly.

From Tokyo to Dubai, how did adapting to the UAE dining scene challenge or change your cooking mindset?

I am constantly thinking about how to create ramen that utilises local ingredients and how to make it unique to me. Additionally, I have always considered what is necessary for the local residents to appreciate my ramen. My philosophy is to continue improving the flavour until it receives positive feedback. If there has been a change within me, it is my perspective on the taste preferences of the people in Dubai. I have reaffirmed that people’s tastes differ significantly from country to country.

If every bowl tells a story, what do you hope the final spoonful leaves your guest thinking?

I hope that customers understand that the flavour of the ramen they enjoy is the result of many years of development. I strive to create flavours that allow them to experience the story of the maker when they eat it.

What’s the one lesson you learnt by sleeping in your shop and tweaking recipes until midnight, what would you tell your younger self?

The year I opened my shop in 2006 was a time when many well-regarded restaurants were opening. My shop received no customers at all, while many others that opened the same year quickly had long lines. I felt incredibly frustrated. However, I believed that if I worked hard, I could surely become the best. As a result of taking the time to improve my ramen, I am where I am today. I believe that hard work never betrays you.

Finally, what I would like to tell my younger self is, “Thank you for always believing in yourself and continuing to work hard.” I am simply filled with gratitude. Moving forward, I will do my utmost to put smiles on my customers’ faces.

Hospitality

Chaat Junction Brings India’s Favourite Street Food Classics to Mausam

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Step into the vibrant flavours of India’s bustling street food culture at Mausam’s Chaat Junction, a specially curated experience celebrating the country’s most loved bite-sized classics. Inspired by iconic chaat from cities like Delhi and Kolkata, the menu brings together tangy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy favourites in one colourful spread.

Guests can enjoy signature highlights including a live Pani Puchka station with flavoured mint-coriander and tamarind waters, Kolkata Special Bhel, Kadak Aloo Matar Tikki, Bhalla Papdi Chaat, and the unique Khasta Karela, a Madhya Pradesh speciality layered with chutneys, spices, and fresh toppings.

Available from 13th to 24th April, 6 PM to 10 PM, this limited-time experience is priced at just AED 50 per person for unlimited servings, making it the perfect evening outing for friends and families looking to enjoy authentic Indian street flavours in the heart of Dubai Mall.

Blending nostalgia with contemporary presentation, Chaat Junction at Mausam recreates the energy of India’s street-side flavours in a warm and elegant dining setting.

Offer: Chaat Junction Indian Street food experience | Date: 13^th – 24^th April
| Time: 6 PM – 10 PM | Price: AED 50 (Unlimited per person) | Location: Mausam Dubai Mall

Hospitality

STAY, WORK, AND UNWIND THIS SUMMER AT ARABIAN PARK DUBAI

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Arabian Park Dubai is inviting residents and visitors to make the most of the summer months with two value-driven accommodation experiences, including a Staycation Offer and a Monthly Long-Stay Special Offer available until 31^st August 2026, designed to suit both short getaways and extended city stays.

Ideal for couples, families, and professionals seeking flexibility without compromising comfort, the staycation package includes complimentary breakfast for two at Gardenia, along with 25% savings on food and beverage, laundry services, and tennis and padel court access, making it a convenient option for a relaxing urban escape.

For guests planning longer stays in the city, the hotel’s Monthly Long-Stay Special Offer provides a practical and comfortable living solution in the well-connected Al Jaddaf district, with added lifestyle benefits including Wi-Fi access, gym and swimming pool access, free parking, and housekeeping service three times per week, alongside 20% savings on food and beverage, laundry services, and telephone calls.

Reflecting the growing shift toward flexible work environments, the long-stay experience supports a work-from-hotel lifestyle that allows professionals to stay productive while enjoying a structured setting beyond the home office. With reliable connectivity, comfortable accommodation layouts, and access to wellness and recreation facilities, Arabian Park Dubai offers an environment where guests can balance work commitments with relaxation throughout their stay.

Conveniently located between key business and leisure districts, the hotel provides access to a range of recreational facilities including a temperature-controlled swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis court, padel court, and football pitch, creating a balanced setting designed to support both wellbeing and productivity.

As working patterns continue to evolve, more residents are looking for flexible alternatives that combine comfort, connectivity, and lifestyle benefits in one place. Our summer staycation and long-stay offers at Arabian Park Dubai are designed to support this shift, giving guests the opportunity to stay productive while enjoying the convenience of hotel living in a well-connected location,” said Stefan Schmid, Complex General Manager, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel.

Whether planning a weekend reset, a midweek break, or an extended summer stay in Dubai, these limited time offers provide flexible and accessible options for guests looking to enjoy added value throughout the season.

Both offers are available until 31^st August 2026 and remain subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Hospitality

REDEFINE YOUR 9-TO-5 WITH A HOTEL WORKDAY IN DUBAI

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Dubai professionals can now redefine their traditional work routine with the launch of “Your Office, Reimagined,” a flexible hotel-based work experience starting from just AED 50 across Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, and Sheraton The Walk.

Designed for remote workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business travellers seeking a productive yet comfortable alternative to conventional offices, this offering combines convenience with hotel-style hospitality across prime city locations.

Guests can enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, valet or self-parking for added ease, unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day, and 40% savings on food and beverages, creating a seamless environment to stay focused, refreshed, and productive throughout the workday.

Ideal for those looking to elevate their weekday routine, this limited-time offer presents a smart and accessible way to experience a premium workspace within a hotel setting in Dubai.

Details:

Details: Work from Hotel – Your Dedicated Workspace | Price: Starting from AED 50 | Location: Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, Sheraton The Walk, Dubai