Amin Abbas

DUBAI: The Middle East has finally welcomed the first restaurant specializing in Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake dish. Located in Dubai, JIMOTO opened in August and hopes to deliver authentic Japanese flavors.  

“While Okonomiyaki restaurants can now be found not only in Asia but also in Europe and the U.S., JIMOTO is the first in the Middle East,” Shun Kawakami, head chef of JIMOTO told Arab News Japan. 

“Therefore, our main challenge is to raise awareness about Okonomiyaki among customers who are not yet familiar with it. However, given the strong reputation of Japanese brands and the general awareness of Japanese cuisine here in Dubai, we believe it won’t take long,” he added.

Kawakami shared that JIMOTO received positive feedback from customers already. “We have already become a beloved spot for people of all ages, from children to adults, and even their pet dogs,” he said. “Customers who have never been to Japan have shared comments like, ‘It felt as if I were in Japan, with the atmosphere and taste,’ and ‘experiencing Japanese hospitality in Dubai was exciting.”

“At JIMOTO, we aim not only to provide a great dining experience but also to help people feel a deeper connection to Japan. For children, we offer unique touches like creating their names in Japanese kanji and making origami together,” he added.

Kawakami learned how to cook Okonomiyaki in 2021 after asking a chef in Tokyo how to cook it. In January 2022, he opened the first JIMOTO in Tokyo. 

“Japan has a long history, and its traditions have been passed down to the present day. Myself, along with the JIMOTO staff, never forget the heart of Japanese traditional culture and are dedicated to bringing Japanese cuisine to the world. In our cooking, we respect traditional techniques while incorporating modern elements, ensuring that we maximize the potential of each ingredient and share our culture through our dishes,” the chef told Arab News Japan. 

The restaurant is located in Damac Hills and offers three varieties of Okonomiyaki, chicken, beef, and vegetables.