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Hospitality
CRAFTING THE PERFECT BOWL
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.
Grand Iftar by Mövenpick Bur Dubai
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai invites guests to experience The Grand Iftar, a refined Ramadan celebration hosted across two distinctive venues, thoughtfully designed for meaningful moments of togetherness.
Gather with family, friends, and colleagues over a generous Iftar buffet showcasing a curated selection of Arabic specialities and international favourites. Signature highlights include Chef Feras’ lamb ouzi, slow-cooked for over 12 hours, alongside classic Ramadan dishes such as chicken shish taouk, beef kebabs, and lamb kofta, served at Fountain Restaurant and The Garden.
The experience continues at Garden Lounge, an elegant outdoor setting featuring live BBQ stations with premium meats, chicken, and seafood. Guests can unwind under the open sky with shisha available, while enjoying live entertainment in a warm and inviting Ramadan ambience.
Details:
Date: Throughout Ramadan | Time: Sunset – 10:30 PM | Seating: Indoor and outdoor available | Venue: Fountain Restaurant, The Garden & Garden Lounge
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
Suhoor at The Garden Lounge
Unwind under the open sky at The Garden Lounge and enjoy a relaxed Suhoor experience in an elegant outdoor setting. Guests can savour traditional and international à la carte dishes, refreshing mocktails, and a wide selection of shisha flavours, complemented by live oud/qanoon music for a serene late-night Ramadan atmosphere.
Details:
Date: Throughout Ramadan | Time: Until 3:00 AM | Venue: The Garden Lounge
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai.
This February, One&Only Royal Mirage invites guests to celebrate love in its most elegant forms. Throughout the month, indulge in the Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge and Samovar Lounge, featuring the romantic pairing of chocolate and roses. For those seeking shared moments of serenity, the spa offers intimate couple rituals, while Eauzone presents an unforgettable evening beneath the stars on Valentine’s Day itself. Each experience is designed to evoke connection, indulgence, and timeless romance in the resort’s serene coastal setting.
ROMANCE UNDER THE STARS
An Intimate Valentine’s Evening Beneath the Open Sky: Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s night surrounded by candlelight, gentle sea breeze, and the soft hum of the waves at Eauzone. Begin your evening with two glasses of sparkling wine before indulging in a four-course menu crafted for sharing and savouring together. Every detail from the rose petals to the intimate table setting evokes elegance, warmth, and connection.
INTIMATE GAZEBO UNDER THE STARS
A Private Celebration of Love and Connection: For those wishing to celebrate in complete seclusion, Eauzone offers an exclusive private gazebo experience set amidst candlelight and the shimmering night sky. Begin with a sparkling welcome, followed by a meticulously curated four-course dinner, Champagne, flowers, and sweet indulgences all served with discreet, dedicated attention in a setting designed for cherished memories.
Chocolate & Roses Themed Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Celebration: In honour of the month of love, this February, guests can immerse themselves in an afternoon of refined indulgence with One&Only Royal Mirage’s Valentine’s Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the classic pairing of chocolate and roses, this carefully curated experience features delicate flavours of chocolate, rose, raspberry, and lychee alongside savoury selections including duck breast with beetroot, blue cheese, and caramelised onion. Set in the elegant ambience of either the Lobby Lounge or Samovar Lounge, offers guests the perfect way to celebrate love in an intimate, relaxed setting.
TOTAL HOLISTIC DUO RITUAL
A Shared Journey of Balance, Relaxation, and Connection: Reconnect with your loved one through a deeply restorative ritual designed exclusively for two. The experience begins with personalised facials in the privacy of a serene couple’s suite before surrendering to a harmonising full-body massage. The experience restores balance and invites you both to unwind, rejuvenate, and embrace calm together.
COUPLES HAMMAM EXPERIENCE
Indulge in Shared Serenity and Timeless Wellness: Step into a sanctuary where Moroccan wellness rituals meet contemporary luxury. The journey begins with aromatic steam, gentle exfoliation, and soothing treatments that prepare your body and mind for a shared 30-minute massage, leaving you radiant, relaxed, and perfectly in tune.
VALENTINE’S BASTIEN MANICURE
Perfectly Polished for Your Special Moment: Prepare for your celebrated evening with a Signature Bastien Manicure focusing on refined nail and cuticle care, complemented by a deeply relaxing forearm, wrist, hand, and finger massage. Finished with the colour of your choice, this experience ensures every detail is as flawless as your occasion.
This Ramadan, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island invites guests to embrace the spirit of togetherness through elegant and thoughtful dining experiences. From a refined Iftar at the Yas Grand Terrace to a tranquil late-night Suhoor and tailored group gatherings, every detail has been considered to create moments that honour the essence of the holy month.
IFTAR AT YAS GRAND TERRACE
Set against the calm backdrop of Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Grand Terrace at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island offers a refined Iftar experience crafted to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. Guests can break their fast with a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights time-honoured flavours, comforting dishes, and indulgent desserts. Whether gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, the elegant outdoor setting and warm hospitality provide the perfect atmosphere to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy the season.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan | From Sunset onwards
SUHOOR AT HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
Extend your evening with a relaxed Suhoor experience in a serene setting, perfect for unhurried gatherings and quiet reflection. The menu features comforting favourites and Ramadan classics, served in an atmosphere designed for peace and connection before the day begins.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan
GROUP RAMADAN GATHERINGS
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island welcomes group bookings for corporate Iftars, family celebrations, and private Suhoors. With flexible event spaces and attentive service, each gathering is tailored to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for all.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan
MÖVENPICK HOTEL BUR DUBAI -RAMADAN LISTINGS
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S WITH THAT SPECIAL ONE AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRA
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
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