Welcome to the fascinating culinary journey at Konjiki Hototogisu, the proud home of Michelin-starred ramen. Established on January 11, 2006, by the passionate and committed Chef Yamamoto, this restaurant began its story tucked away in a quaint alley in Shibuya with just eight humble seats. From its early days, the restaurant faced challenges, and yet, Chef Yamamoto’s unwavering dedication to honing and perfecting his craft turned the tide. His relentless experimentation with flavors and techniques paid off, as Konjiki Hototogisu garnered immense recognition, including winning first place in Japanese ramen critiques five times. With prestigious accolades such as Bib Gourmand status from Michelin from 2015 to 2018 and a Michelin star from 2019 to 2023, this ramen venue has solidified its place in culinary excellence.
As an embodiment of Japanese cuisine’s rich heritage and innovation, Chef Yamamoto continues to push the boundaries, striving to position his restaurant as the top ramen destination worldwide. Today, guests can experience this culinary marvel at its only Dubai Mall of the Emirates branch. Let’s dive into our tasty adventure at this celebrated establishment.
Our Culinary Experience
Appetizers
We started our dining experience with some delightful appetizers. The steamed and salted edamame was a simple yet satisfying choice, perfectly prepared to stimulate our palates. Following this, the wakame salad was a refreshing mix of seaweed, kelp, nori, pickled daikon, and carrot, all drizzled in a ginger white soy dressing.
We also enjoyed the lighter crab salad which was a nice balance between crab and the baby spinach and pomegranate in a miso yuzu dressing.
The Ramen – The Heart of the Experience
When it came time for the ramen, I opted for the Shio ramen, a true masterpiece crafted from Chef Yamamoto’s signature salt and clam tare. The dish features a blend of Japanese dashi, white truffle oil, and a special date tomato sauce, all enveloped in a rich chicken broth. Each spoonful revealed distinct layers of flavor—truffle, seafood, and salt. When mixed, the amalgamation reached a heightened level of umami goodness that lingered on the palate long after each bite.
My daughter chose the spicy chicken ramen, which showcased a wonderful broth while being delicately spiced. To enhance its flavors, she decided to add an extra egg, which deepened the umami experience even further.
Highlights From the Menu
Our journey didn’t stop with ramen; we further explored Konjiki Hototogisu’s extensive menu. The slightly sweet honey chicken karaage introduced us to perfectly breaded chicken served with a soy honey mayo dip, which was paired with white rice. However, my personal favorite of the evening was the seabream fillet, which was chunks of breaded seabream delicately infused with plum flavoring, accompanied by a mayo aioli and honey miso dip.
From the izakaya section, we also tried tuna tataki—lightly seared tuna artfully plated and accompanied by yuzu and tobiko in a creamy ginger ponzu sauce, offering moderate yet intricate flavors.
The mixed steaming hot fried gyoza, featuring a unique filling of beef, chicken, and scallops, presented with a crispy exterior and the umami-rich filling.
As for the kushiyaki skewers, we sampled a beef and chicken variant. The chicken thigh skewers, glazed with yakitori sauce, were immensely tender and juicy. But our unanimous favorite was the black Angus beef tenderloin skewers served with teriyaki sauce; they were exceptionally juicy, and the meat melted in our mouths, leaving us wanting more.
To round off our savory experience, we opted for the Japanese rice with truffles and mushrooms, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Drink selection
To complement our meal, we explored the eclectic range of Japanese beverages on offer, including bubble tea and yuzu-inspired juices. I chose the tropical yuzu mocktail and Black Dragon Brown Sugar, both of which were refreshing and elevated the overall dining experience.
Service and ambiance
Our server, Azar, was incredibly attentive, warm, and quick, explaining the concept behind the dishes we ordered. The ambiance of Konjiki Hototogisu wonderfully blends contemporary Japanese style with comfort. Neutral colors and cozy seating created an inviting atmosphere, ideal for casual diners and culinary enthusiasts.
Sweet endings
As we approached the conclusion of our delightful meal, we couldn’t resist indulging in some of Konjiki Hototogisu’s Japanese desserts. We chose the Japanese sweet soft bun, which was perfectly paired with a scoop of ice cream. The contrast between the warm, pillowy bun and the cold, creamy ice cream brought a sweet conclusion to our meal.
We also tried the Kakigori, a traditional shaved ice dessert that we ordered in the lychee flavor. It was light and refreshing, offering a cooling sensation that was particularly enjoyable after our hearty meal. Also, the Daifuku wagashi, which featured small mochi encased around slightly sweet red bean paste and served with vanilla ice cream—a beautifully balanced and satisfying treat.
Conclusion
In exploring the culinary landscape at Konjiki Hototogisu, we were treated to a remarkable dining experience that united tradition and innovation, a hallmark of Chef Yamamoto’s enduring vision for his ramen. From the carefully curated starters, expertly crafted ramen, and delightful sides to the sweet finishes, every dish showcased an impressive dedication to flavor and presentation. The restaurant not only lives up to its Michelin-star status but elevates the dining experience to a new level, successfully crossing cultural boundaries while remaining true to its Japanese roots.
If you’re in Dubai and seeking an unforgettable meal, Konjiki Hototogisu is a destination not to be missed. Whether you are a ramen aficionado or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, this restaurant promises an exceptional experience that will leave you longing for a return visit.
Visit:
Konjiki Hototogisu, Mall of Emirates, Level 2
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
+971 4 227 6811