Maru Udon’s second branch, opposite the venerable Al Ghurair Center in Al Rigga, is every bit as colourful, playful and authentic as the original in Business Bay. It offers the same unique, down to earth Japanese dining experience pivoted around those amazing in-house made udon noodles. Like ramen, which is so well known and popular outside Japan, Udon too has its own etiquette and culture. Chef Shinya Hongo has taken the art of udon to a different level and prepares everything in-house, from the thick wheat-flour udon noodles to the dashi, soup-stock that is the backbone of many Japanese dishes.
A view from the street 
Spicy Udon Chips 
Chicken Tempura (Toriten) and Chicken Karaage
On this occasion I was blown away by the tangy Yuzu Kosho Citrus Chicken Hot Pot. I also thought the Spicy Udon Chips were such a novelty – they’re easily as good as French Fries (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little). Other must-haves when there are the Tempura and my favourite, Chicken Karaage. Now that the heat is on it’s worth remembering that there are several cold udon dishes on the Maru menu, namely the sensational Ponzu Citrus Udon – the most refreshing way to have noodles on a hot day (or night). Great food, great service – a great destination for your next Japanese food fix.
Xerxes The Ravenous: #1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
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.