It is no secret that I am a fan of the Umami restaurant chain and have visited most of their food-court based outlets throughout Dubai. So, I was quite excited when I found they had started delivering to Arabian Ranches from a delivery kitchen in Motor City. I enjoy their ramen. It’s not (nearly) as hardcore as the ramen at Daiken or even veterans, Bentoya, but for the price and consistency, there aren’t that many alternatives – even today. I quickly ordered a Chicken Katsu Ramen with Shoyu Dashi Broth and Beef Gyoza to start.
Well wrapped but all plastic…and cold because of delayed delivery 
This is how it arrives
Unfortunately, the delivery guy got my address totally wrong and as a result I got my food unacceptably late. By the time it eventually reached me, it was cold as my heart; I’m afraid that’s what happens when you keep me waiting for ramen. My anger was and is directed towards Zomato, not Umami. In addition to charging us, the home diners, apps like Zomato and Deliveroo also charge restaurants an exorbitant amount to get simple things like delivery right. Remember this, people, if ordering through an app and your delivery is late, don’t vent on the restaurant, vent on the app.
Unboxed and unwrapped 
Noodles and condiments separate to the broth 
Mixed together and nuked for a minute 
Breaded Katsu chicken 
Beef gyoza 
Poor build quality; most dumplings were either broken or broke on touch
Thankfully, Umami packs the noodles and condiments separate to the broth so it was nothing a minute in the microwave couldn’t fix. I wasn’t impressed with the build quality of the gyoza, which I was having for the first time; they kept breaking open. They tasted ok though (and even better when filled with a little of my home made chili soy sauce). The Chicken Katsu Ramen was interesting and will definitely appeal to people who like Chicken Katsu. I don’t, but I enjoyed the change. I am on a low carb diet now so noodles and dumplings are a no-no. But I will certainly order again from Umami Motor City on one of my cheat days…
#1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018 and 2019 and beyond…
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.