YUI is a ramen restaurant which (supposedly) has deep-rooted, Japanese authenticity. Yet for some reason, it simply does not live up to its potential. Could it be because it’s Korean owned?
Based in building 7 of Dubai’s swanky Design District in Business Bay, YUI remains a very, very difficult restaurant to find. Confusingly designed like something out of an IKEA catalogue, it takes focused imagination to get into the ramen zone.
Compounding the confusion is the fact that someone thought it would cool to turn half the restaurant into a boutique. Really? Meanwhile, on planet earth…
…their ramens are good. Not fantastic mind you, simply good. For starters, I’m not a big fan of their ramen bowls, which I feel need to be bigger. But taste wise, their ramen broth is good. And this applies to both Shoyu (soy) and Shio (salt). The noodles are authentic ramen noodles too, and have that special bite and chew. I was impressed that they offer Tsukemen, where noodles and broth are served separately (although the broth of this ramen is most usually pork based). Of course, not here in Dubai. Vegetarians rejoice, YUI serves a veggie version of their ramen. Hmm.
Service is good, with attentive, well-informed staff. All this said and done, unless you live or work in and around the immediate vicinity of YUI’s, I really don’t see the point of making the trek out. Today, there are far too many equally good options available in Dubai. If, however, you are in the area, put YUI’s on your bucket list as it does serve a decent bowl of ramen.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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