A branch of ZUMA, the famous restaurant of modern Japanese cuisine in London, opened its doors in Dubai at the end of August 2008.
ZUMA is the brainchild of German chef Reiner Becker, who offers a completely new, graceful culinary philosophy based on an informal food style in Japan - isakaya, which is essentially a drinking establishment where sake tastings are held. In a word, we were fortunate enough to meet with Reiner in Dubai, where he put the finishing touches, together with his team, in anticipation of the opening of the restaurant. ZUMA at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).
- Reiner, you come from Germany, where does such a passion for Japanese cuisine come from?
I lived in Japan for six years and realized that the philosophy of this country and its culinary preferences are very close to me. I really love Japanese cuisine, it is replete with natural and, in my opinion, light ingredients that are good for health - vegetables, rice, fresh fish, seafood and soy. I really like to cook traditional Japanese food, bringing my elements to famous recipes and treating my customers.
- Please tell us a little more about your ZUMA restaurants.
I opened my first restaurant in 2002 in London. The restaurant begins with an extensive bar area, where guests will be offered a wide selection of soft drinks and spirits, including various types of sake and Japanese beer. Then you can move to a restaurant, which is divided into several thematic zones - from the counter, where fresh sushi and sashimi is prepared, to the open kitchen, which serves dishes of chicken, fish and vegetables. Following the success of the London restaurant, I opened the second ZUMA restaurant in Hong Kong in 2007 and the third in Istanbul in 2008. And now - the Dubai restaurant.
Is ZUMA in Dubai somewhat different from its already well-known “brothers”? Fundamentally no. At the core is the same concept. The convenience of this restaurant is that it is located in a very good place - on the territory of DIFC. The restaurant has two entrances - one from the territory of the DMFC, which is very convenient for business people, and the other from the parking lot, for evening guests who will immediately get to the bar area, and only then to the restaurant.
- There are many Japanese restaurants in Dubai that will distinguish ZUMA from the rest?
Fine and expensive dishes. There are more than 300 of them in our menu, 100 of which are copyright ones. All dishes are prepared in two open kitchens, where 40 professional chefs work. In the preparation of our delicacies, we use all the traditional ingredients of Japanese and Asian cuisines, adapting them to local tastes. Among my regular customers in London, by the way, there are many emirates and residents of other Arab countries.
- So you decided to declare yourself loudly in Dubai?
And therefore also. Dubai attracts me because it is growing and developing rapidly. Ten years ago, it would be early to talk about the opening of a ZUMA-type restaurant, but now is the time. Therefore, I am here.
- Do you want to continue the expansion of ZUMA in Russia, for example?
What do you really want. Russia attracts me like no other country. I was in Moscow, had lunch at the restaurant "Pushkin" Arkady Novikov. I really like Russian cuisine, and, of course, I really want to open ZUMA in Russia, but the competition is great. I will probably think of a joint project with one of the leading Russian restaurateurs.
- Who owns the idea of interiors in ZUMA restaurants?
All restaurants were decorated by designer Nurioshi Muramatsu from Tokyo-based design team Studio Clitt. One of our best cocktails is named after him. ZUMA's design is lightweight and unobtrusive, based on four elements - Earth, Water, Fire and Air. The interior uses natural materials - wood, stone, there is even a block of slowly melting ice installed in the bar. We add this ice, made using special technology, to our cocktails so that guests can enjoy their drinks all evening. And, actually, it’s better to see once. Come to ZUMA, you will definitely enjoy it.
- Do you have to reserve tables?
For dinner, yes. At lunch, you can safely chat with colleagues in the bar and at the counter from the land, without prior reservation. The restaurant is located on two floors and can accommodate up to 300 people at a time. But for the first time we will use a limited reservation system. Therefore, do not be lazy, call: 04 425 56 60.
