Hospitality

CRAFTING THE PERFECT BOWL

Published

2 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

SUPPERCLUB LAUNCHES COMMUNITY INITIATIVE ENCOURAGING UAE RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

As the region continues to navigate the current climate, many residents are choosing to remain in the United Arab Emirates, where they feel safe, and to continue supporting local businesses while spending time together with friends and family.

Restaurants across the UAE have long played an important role in bringing people together, serving as spaces where communities reconnect, share stories, and celebrate culture. This is particularly true during moments of uncertainty.

In response to the recent developments, Dubai-founded premium dining and lifestyle platform SupperClub is encouraging residents to rediscover the city’s restaurants and experiences while continuing to support the hospitality venues that define the country’s social fabric. With school holidays brought forward and many international trips postponed, and Ramadan in its final days, the coming weeks present a natural moment for residents to explore the city’s dining scene while spending time together locally.

To further support both residents and restaurants, SupperClub has introduced a community-focused initiative for March, offering complimentary Diamond memberships for twelve months. SupperClub partners with leading restaurants and hospitality venues across the UAE and globally, including homegrown Dubai brands like Reif Kushiyaki and Lila Molino, as well as popular venues such as ROKA, Josette, and other acclaimed dining destinations.

SupperClub is also giving back to residents who support the UAE’s restaurant community by rewarding them for dining out more. Members who dine at three different SupperClub partner restaurants within 60 days will receive AED 300 in dining credit towards their next booking.

Those signing up for the complimentary Diamond membership can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

Available for free when signing up in March 2026, using the promo code UNITY
Unlimited access to privileges for 12 months
Dedicated WhatsApp Concierge
Unlimited Bookings, Unlimited Guests
Seamless Bookings

Muna Mustafa, Co-Founder of SupperClub said, “Moments like these remind us how important it is to support the restaurants and hospitality teams who provide a place for us to come together to share meals, conversation, and a sense of normality. The UAE’s dining scene has always been built on community, and it’s encouraging to see residents continuing to gather and support the venues that make this country so vibrant.”

Hospitality

ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI PARTNERS WITH UAE FOOD BANK TO DONATE 100 IFTAR MEALS DURING RAMADAN

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

In the spirit of generosity and community that defines the Holy Month of Ramadan, ME By Meliá Dubai is proud to announce its participation in this year’s Ramadan Food Donation initiative in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank under Dubai Municipality.

As part of its commitment to responsible hospitality and meaningful community engagement, the hotel will prepare and donate 100 thoughtfully assembled food bags to support individuals and families in need. Each bag will include a freshly prepared cooked Iftar meal featuring Majboos and Raita, along with bottled water, a laban drink, whole fruit, and dates to help provide a nourishing and complete meal at sunset.

Through the UAE Food Bank, these donations will be distributed to communities, families in need, and mosques across Dubai during Iftar time, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan reaches those who need it most.

This initiative forms part of ME By Meliá Dubai’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, reflecting the brand’s dedication to social impact, sustainability, and inclusive community support. By aligning with the UAE Food Bank’s mission to reduce food waste and redistribute surplus food responsibly, the hotel continues to champion initiatives that create lasting positive change.

In addition, the hotel’s leadership team and Heads of Department will be invited to take part in packing the food bags, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and hands-on engagement. By involving team members directly in the preparation process, ME By Meliá Dubai aims to strengthen internal unity while reinforcing the true essence of Ramadan: compassion, generosity, and shared purpose.

Through this initiative, ME By Meliá Dubai reaffirms its commitment to serving not only its guests, but also the wider community, contributing to a more connected and caring society during the Holy Month and beyond.

Hospitality

JD MALAT GALLERY X AFRICAN QUEEN KOJO MARFO INSTALLATION LAUNCHES DURING RAMADAN AT J1 BEACH

Published

4 days ago

March 11, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

African Queen Dubai unveils a special collaboration with JD Malat Gallery which operates in Downtown, Dubai and Mayfair, London, presenting an installation of works by Ghanaian-British artist Kojo Marfo at its J1 Beach location. Launching during the holy month of Ramadan through to summer, Marfo’s vibrant paintings enter into dialogue with the spirit of African Queen – the iconic Mediterranean restaurant founded on the French Riviera in 1969.

Installed throughout the venue, the works transform African Queen into an immersive cultural setting where gastronomy, art and atmosphere converge. From sunlit interiors to open terraces overlooking the shoreline, guests encounter contemporary African art within a space defined by Riviera elegance and cosmopolitan energy.

Born in 1980, Kojo Marfo is recognised for his distinctive AfroGenesis style – an Afrocentric “new beginning” that fuses Cubist visual language with Akan artistic traditions. His layered figurative works explore identity and spirituality, reframing African heritage through a contemporary lens. Rooted in Ghanaian artistic traditions while engaging with European modernism, Marfo’s work is expressive, symbolic and internationally resonant.

This dialogue between heritage and reinterpretation mirrors African Queen’s own story. Founded in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, African Queen embodies Mediterranean art de vivre, where cuisine, culture and celebration unfold in an atmosphere of warmth and timeless glamour. Inspired by the 1951 film The African Queen, the venue’s layered textures and design create an environment that feels transportive yet refined.

At J1 Beach, the concept transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to vibrant evening gatherings.

Throughout Ramadan, African Queen welcomes guests for sea-view Iftar gatherings, offering a curated set menu designed for sharing. The experience begins with dates and lentil soup, followed by Arabic mezze with warm bread, lamb samosa and stuffed vine leaves. A choice of lamb, beef kebab, chicken tagine or vegetarian tagine follows, concluding with seasonal fruit. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included per person.

The JD Malat Gallery and African Queen Kojo Marfo installation runs from February 2026 through summer 2026.

À la carte dining is available daily. Iftar is served from sunset throughout Ramadan, Iftar is served from sunset until 9:00 PM, with set menus starting from 296 AED per person, including welcome dates and apricot, sharing starters, a choice of main course, and dessert. The Suhoor menu is available throughout Ramadan from 10:30 PM until 1:30 AM, with last orders taken at 12:45 AM.