In 2024, we saw six new Bib Gourmand restaurants join the Dubai selection, completing the total list at 18. From the new joiners is Konjiki Hototogisu, a Japanese ramen restaurant located in the Mall of the Emirates, borne from the mind of ramen master, Atsushi Yamamoto.
Famous for his original outpost of a similar name in Tokyo, Yamamoto has dedicated his career to creating unique tasting ramens, made with ingredients that are not typically found in the beloved Japanese noodle dish. Since his popularity grew in Tokyo, chef Yamamoto has opened his ramen houses across the globe, from Toronto to Singapore, and now Dubai; however, it was not always a smooth journey for the Japanese chef.
His path to culinary success was not without its trials, but his passion for ramen allowed him to persevere. During his last trip to Dubai, we had a chance to talk with chef Atsushi to know about his restaurant and the path that brought him to Dubai.
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For the Love of Ramen
Hearty and warm, the beloved ramen noodle dish is at the core of this restaurant. While other Japanese favourites are also found on the menu, the goal here is simple, as chef Atsushi puts it: “I want to make everyone happy with my ramen.” With this in mind, the chef focuses on creating unique and authentic recipes across all of his outlets, especially in Dubai. “Our concept is to create a one-of-a-kind flavour,” Yamomoto explains, “we strive to create unique flavours and improve our taste even further.”The dedicated chef aims to push the boundaries in the craft but maintain the genuine features known to the popular dish. His Dubai signatures and claim to fame in Tokyo, Shoyu ramen and Shio ramen, are examples of this. “I was the first to use porcini mushrooms and Hamaguri clams in ramen,” he says. “Using atypical ingredients that are not found in any other recipes is my way of expression through cooking.”
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However, the self-taught chef’s journey to becoming the successful ramen master he is today was not as easy. When he launched his first restaurant in 2006, he only had five customers daily at most. “I had no money to buy foodstuffs and managed to stay in business with the money I made selling my belongings,” he recalls, “in order to get customers to approve of my ramen, I would stay at the restaurant and study every day.”
His efforts were not in vain. Five years of sleeping at his restaurant and studying ramen gradually brought in more customers to the point where they would queue right outside. “10 years later, I stayed at the restaurant once a week, always aiming to create a taste that only I could make, and here I am today.”
From Tokyo to Dubai
Since opening in Tokyo, the chef now shares his love of ramen and his unique taste to the rest of the world. His famous ramen can be found in Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and now Dubai since July 2023 on the second floor of the Mall of Emirates, across the movie theatre.Bringing the authentic taste of Japan goes beyond food at this place. The bright eatery boasts a design that combines iconic Japanese interior elements, such as shoji blinds and calming, light woods, to re-create an authentic Japanese setting inside the bustling mall. Diners have the choice of sitting at the counter to watch the chefs in action, or sit tables scattered inside and outside the restaurant.
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With this Dubai restaurant, Yamamoto aims to challenge himself by creating a new menu, selecting the best ingredients and understanding what local customers prefer. “My goal is to be able to create flavours that all customers in Dubai can relate to,” he goes on to say. As for receiving the Bib Gourmand almost a year after opening, has created a closer connection in the kitchen among his team. “It has boosted the team morale and made us tighter,” he says, “and we will continue to work together as a team to achieve even higher recognition.”
Through it all, chef Atsushi pushed himself to achieve his goals and bring his ramen to the world. And to those who want to open their own business, he advises: “Believe in yourself and work hard for a long time, you will surely gain experience and become able to create something worthy of recognition. I have also experienced that hard work makes you grow. I believe that putting in the effort will bring you closer to success, and may even move people's hearts.”
Images provided by Konjiki Hototogisu
