Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Dubai has welcomed a new edition to its Japanese culinary experience with a gourmet restaurant offering a breathtaking beach view paired with a luxurious menu filled with the finest Japanese dishes. 

The restaurant, named Ronin, is located at Dubai’s beach resort FIVE LUXE and led by renowned South Korean chef Sin Keun Choi, who has more than 10 years experience in Japanese cuisine.

“I discovered my passion for Japanese cuisine while studying in Japan. Visits to a local sushi restaurant showed me the chefs’ joyful dedication, which inspired me to pursue that same excitement in my career,” he told Arab News Japan.

“The values of Japanese culinary practices, emphasizing respect for ingredients and spotlessness, really resonated with me,” he added. 

Choi embarked on a two-year culinary internship journey in Tokyo, alongside studying at Japan’s Hattori Culinary School. “I fine-tuned my skills in Japan. From there, my culinary journey spanned Tokyo to Seoul. I not only learned about kitchen operations but also deepened my expertise in Japanese cuisine, shaping my own unique culinary style,” the chef said. 

The chef began working at Dubai’s Armani Hotel before joining Ronin to expand on his Japanese culinary journey. “My vision is to bring a distinctive culinary perspective to Japanese food, shaped by my career’s diverse culinary experiences, cultures, and traditional techniques fused with modern twists,” he added. 

Besides the restaurant’s outdoor setting, which features extraordinary views of Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai, guests can also enjoy sitting indoors, where they can access a sushi bar to watch chefs roll up the sushi or a private dining room where chef Choi prepares his favorite dishes for the guests. 

Additionally, the restaurant is known for its iconic Omakase experience. Priced at ¥29,708, guests can indulge in 11 unique delights prepared by chef Choi, such as Crispy Truffle Rolls, a Suzuki Carpaccio, and Wagyu Truffle Gyoza.

Lastly, guests will conclude the experience with a Yuzu Hokkaido Cheesecake that blends the citrus flavor of Yuzu with the deliciousness of the cheesecake to cleanse their palate.

“Ronin breaks away from traditional Japanese fine dining by infusing fun and delivering high-quality cuisine with a unique culinary perspective,” the chef commented on the experience. “The goal is to craft an unforgettable experience from the moment guests step in. (All the elements of the restaurant) come together to create a dining adventure like no other.” 

Currently, Choi aspires to build Ronin as a world-class dining spot for Japanese cuisine in Dubai. “This year, our aim is to solidify our presence and thrive in this vibrant culinary scene,” he told Arab News Japan, adding that the restaurant has exciting events lined up. 

Ronin is open daily from 6pm to 2am.