Zutto Suki Ramen is, as its name implies, a (Japanese) ramen restaurant. It’s a new addition to the multitude of eateries surrounding the Centurion Star Tower and the Deira City Center Metro Station. It has a narrow interior, youthfully decorated in bold red and black. In addition to the ground floor, there is a long spiral staircase taking you up to a landing which offers a more private dining experience. The toilets are upstairs too. Outside there is another dining area which is pretty much useless during day, but I suspect it’s still usable in the evenings (for another couple of weeks). It’ll be the place to dine in the cooler weather.
Long spiral staircase leading up to the floor above 
Narrow interior 
Bold colours used for the interior 
Outdoor dining area
My food adventurer buddy (who shall remain anonymous) and I ordered the Karage and Yakitori to start – both were surprisingly good although the yakitori was over seared, the result of impatience or over-zealousness on the part of the chef. Ramen was the reason we were there, so it was what we ordered next – Tan Tan Men Ramen and Shio Ramen to be specific. Let’s get something straight, there is a myth that only ramen broth made with pork stock is authentic – poppycock! Dashi, chicken and even vegetarian stocks are all commonly used to make ramen. Zutto Suki uses chicken stock; the broth of both ramens had a cloudy, thickish consistency but neither had anywhere near the umami either of us were looking for. Like the yakitori, the noodles had been rushed and/or left unattended and as a result were overcooked and clumped together (=sacrilege). No!
Tan Tan Men Ramen 
Karage (right) and Yakitori (left) 
Shio Ramen 
Noodles clumped together (=sacrilege).
Service is friendly, fast and accommodating – no complaints there. But service and a slick interior does not a restaurant make. Zutto Suki falters where it matters most – the food; its ramen to be precise. It simply wasn’t as good as it needs to be to compete in this market. And I’m not comparing it to Daikan or YUi; they’re in a different league altogether. I’m comparing it to food court-based Umami and Bento-ya Kitchen (Jafza). That said, there’s nothing wrong with the ramen at this newcomer. It’s just not as good or authentic as other options available for the same money. My advice – consider the other options before deciding…
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Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) 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 his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.