By Josh Trias
DUBAI, UAE: Haven’t heard about it… right? Something’s cooking and that unmistakable whiff of sesame oil in mouth-watering, piping hot ramen is fast spreading across Dubai.
It’s coming from up in Block A, Centurion Star Tower near the Deira City Center Metro Station. You don’t have to stray far. Just follow your nose and it’ll lead you to the new talk of the town: Zutto Suki Ramen Restaurant.
Zutto Suki is Japanese for “all-time favorite,” a name so apt for this dining destination that rolls out all the best Japanese cuisine has to offer.
Best of all, the food is not pricey – sakto lang for the workingman!
The ambience? Trendy. Cozy. Smart-casual.
Chopsticks skills are a must – especially if you really want to dig in to stave off that mammoth craving. When was the last time you had Japanese, anyway?
“All-time favorites” on the menu are also the bestsellers. The food is so authentic, you’d think you’re having ramen in busy Tokyo.
The nice thing about Zutto Suki Ramen Restaurant is that there is no shortage of something for your next visit. Must-try on the menu include Tan Tan Men Ramen, which combines delicious ramen noodles and ground pork with a spicy, creamy broth seasoned with chili oil, peanut butter and sesame paste. Yummy!
There are also the Shoyu Ramen, a soy-based Chicken soup that has a clear brown hue with a deep, rich soy sauce aroma. Also, highly recommended is the Miso Ramen (Miso Based Chicken soup).
The list is endless.
“We have upcoming new offers like more options for ramen and sushi,” said Kristine Elizabeth Galang, restaurant manager. “We also have set menus for lunch served from 11am to 5 pm,” she added.
Set one would be a combination of Shio Ramen, Shoyu Rameb, Yakitori and unli drinks. There is also a choice of Rice Bowls – Karage, which is bite-size chicken thighs coated with tapioca flour on white rice topped with sunny-side up fried egg, served with cucumber salad, miso soup and iced tea.
Or you might want to go for Katsu Rice Bowl, which is deep-fried chicken breast on white rice topped with sunny-side up and also served with cucumber dalad, miso soup and iced tea.
Yakitori Rice Bowl are bite-sized chicken thighs with teriyaki sauce on whire rice with sunny-side up. Yup, served with cucumber salad, miso soup and iced tea.
There is also a wide selection of maki and sushi, the most popular of which includes the Zutto Volcano Sushi – deep fried nori roll filling with ebi, crab sticks, cucumber, avocado and dressed in spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce as lava tobiko on top.
So yes, to catch a whiff is definitely not good enough to tell a story of your dining experience. Visit the place and indulge. Chef Renato Relucio does not disappoint.
