Konjiki Hototogisu - Mall of the Emirates — Restaurant in Dubai

About last night.. For some reason when you put Konjiki Hototogisu on Google it takes you to Kinoya at Onyx Tower. It's not there. KH is at Mall of the Emirates, across from MoRE Cafe to the side and across from a beautiful furniture store where we whiled away the time waiting for our table. (Around 25 to 30 minutes).

The wonderful Nico was adorable and very enthusiastic to seat us, while Nina directed us to our table and made sure we were seated with menus. These ladies are gems!

Thérèse was our server with a lovely knowledge of the menu and well informed in directing one to taste the food prior to adding any condiments to our taste. It was really lovely meeting these well informed staff members who did not shy away from the normally terrifying phrase of "let me find out for you" rather than the cocky avoidance response.

Now to the Ramen. I chose the chef's signature Shio Ramen; salt stock base soup as opposed to the other traditional option of soya base soup. It was more of a nouvelle cuisine rendition of a classic. First the smell. You're hit with a truffley seafood aroma that's enhanced with taste in the flavour of porcini mushrooms and clams of the broth for an "umami" boost (yes overused word but here it is in its plate of origin 🙃). The datterini sauce was quite inobtrusive.

As I sipped more while enjoying bits and bites from each plate, I discovered a very light taste of basil and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I was later told of the other herb which may have been rocket. The chiffonade of leek was a refreshing balance with the delicate broth.

As I progressed with the bowl, the flavour of basil intensified for my taste (not a basil or pesto fan at all!) So at the last third of broth I added soy sauce, vinegar, and mainstream chilli powder. I then was beautifully surprised by the most fruity pink peppercorns that had soaked up some soup!

I'm definitely going back for the excellent service (thank you Nico, Nina, Thérèse, John and Joe) and ESPECIALLY to try the other ramens (the cloudy smokey chicken which I'm already craving!).

Now for the other excellent menu items! The beef tataki was dee-lish-uss! The dressing had enough zing and seasoning from the yuzu ponzu dressing that I could have licked the sauce right off the plate! But, we chose to pour it over the last spoonful of perfectly cooked prawns in the beautiful smokey Japanese style of fried rice. (More buttery than the traditional Chinese with the more rounded pearly Japanese rice grain).

The corn on the cob was just right and the seabream miso found a fan with someone who is not a huge fan of fish (definitely not me!) The lightest of light batter on this seabream miso made it perfect and non greasy.

Finishing off with the red bean Daifuku wagashi and passion fruit ice-cream was perfect. I wanted more even though the portion was just right. Not too sweet with a perfect chew on the mochi.

Honestly nothing to complain about and all items were very reasonably priced for an establishment of such reputation. It is even fair to say that the pricing was quite...

Konjiki Hototogisu: Hands Down the Best Ramen in Dubai! If you're looking for an unforgettable culinary experience in Dubai, look no further than Konjiki Hototogisu, home to Michelin-starred ramen that truly lives up to the hype. Founded by the dedicated Chef Yamamoto in 2006, this renowned establishment has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a small Shibuya alley. With multiple accolades including five first-place wins in Japanese ramen critiques and a Michelin star from 2019 to 2023, this place is a must-visit for any food lover. Our Culinary Adventure: We kicked off our meal with some delicious appetizers. The steamed and salted edamame was a perfect palate teaser, followed by a refreshing wakame salad that combined seaweed and pickled vegetables drizzled in a tasty ginger white soy dressing. The crab salad, lightly dressed in miso yuzu, was an equally delightful choice. When it came to the ramen, I was lucky enough to try the Shio ramen, a true masterpiece with layers of flavor from Japanese dashi, white truffle oil, and a rich chicken broth. Each spoonful was an umami explosion! My daughter opted for the spicy chicken ramen, which was perfectly spiced and further enhanced by adding a soft-boiled egg. We also explored the extensive menu, with highlights including honey chicken karaage, breaded seabream fillet with a unique plum flavor, tuna tataki, and mixed gyoza that was packed with umami goodness. The beef and chicken kushiyaki skewers were exceptionally tender, but the black Angus beef tenderloin skewers stole the show with their juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To accompany our meal, we indulged in Japanese beverages including a tropical yuzu mocktail that perfectly complemented the flavors on our plates. Service and Ambiance: Our server, Azar, provided attentive and friendly service, ensuring we had a wonderful dining experience. The ambiance of Konjiki Hototogisu beautifully blends contemporary and traditional Japanese elements, creating a cozy and inviting environment. Sweet Endings: We couldn’t resist dessert and opted for the warm Japanese sweet soft bun paired with ice cream, which provided the perfect ending to our meal. The Kakigori shaved ice was light and refreshing, while the Daifuku wagashi offered a delightful balance of flavors. Conclusion: Overall, my dining experience at Konjiki Hototogisu was excellent. Each dish showcased a dedication to flavor and presentation, affirming the restaurant's Michelin-star status. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or new to Japanese cuisine, this restaurant offers an exceptional experience that will have you coming back for more. If you're in Dubai, make sure to treat yourself to a meal at Konjiki Hototogisu—you...

🌟 5 stars - A truly memorable first visit! 🌟

We had our first dining experience at Konjiki Hototogisu (Mall of the Emirates) and it was nothing short of exceptional. It is no surprise that this restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The quality, flavors, and service clearly reflect the recognition.

We ordered: • Shoyu Ramen (the signature dish) • Spicy Chicken Ramen • Seabream Miso • Chicken Gyoza • Black Dragon Milk Tea • Tropical Yuzu Mocktail

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by Len, who truly made our evening special. His attention to detail, warm hospitality, and genuine enthusiasm for the menu enhanced our entire experience. Since it was our first visit, he patiently explained the key ingredients and even guided us on how to enjoy the Shoyu Ramen properly. He suggested tasting the broth first, then slowly mixing in the truffle paste to appreciate the rich umami layers.

The Shoyu Ramen was packed with flavor. The broth was deep, rich, and beautifully balanced with subtle truffle notes. The Spicy Chicken Ramen offered a comforting heat that did not overpower the broth. The Seabream Miso was delicate and perfectly cooked, providing a lighter contrast to the ramen. The Chicken Gyoza were crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and well-seasoned.

For drinks, the Black Dragon Milk Tea was creamy with a roasted flavor that stood out, and the Tropical Yuzu Mocktail was refreshingly citrusy and balanced the savory dishes well.

At the end of our meal, Len suggested we try one of their most popular desserts — the Daifuku. We went with the Matcha Mochi, paired with their in-house coconut gelato. It was the perfect way to end the meal. The mochi was soft, chewy, and full of earthy matcha flavor, while the coconut gelato added a refreshing, tropical finish.

The atmosphere is cozy, calm, and inviting, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. What impressed us most was the genuine service from Len and the team. Their warmth and professionalism made us feel valued and comfortable throughout.

We are so happy we discovered Konjiki Hototogisu and cannot wait to return. Congratulations once again to the team on the Bib Gourmand recognition. It is truly...