Shams El -Mutwalli Dubai

Standing out from the crowd, Yugo Sushi differentiates itself from the saturated Japanese food scene in Dubai by offering food abundant in quality, and flavour– and doing so with flair.

Yugo is a restaurant with a story and prides itself for how it brings together “the three main elements of the Japanese cuisine – health, taste and aroma. These three elements are part of every ingredient of the cuisine. The idea behind the décor, and style, is simplicity and minimalism, as in the Japanese culture,” said Business Manager, Doy Sakazawa.

Yugo’s best-sellers include their Miso Ramen, Salmon Usuzukuri, Uramaki Platters, Chicken Gyoza and Tiger Shrimp.

“We offer a wide variety of food, right from the traditional miso soup to our Mochi ice cream. One of the most popular appetizers among our guests is the Chicken Gyoza with a dash of soy vinaigrette and white sesame seeds,” he said.

Yugo aims to meet an array of needs through their diverse menu offerings ranging from sushi platters, to bento boxes.

Sakazawa expanded by stressing that customers should try their different platters “like the Uramaki platter featuring 32pcs of our signature Maki rolls” and continued by assuring that they also “serve Teishoko, a set meal, comprising of small portions of everything from Miso soup and Sushi to our delicious appetizers and main course,” he said.

Among their star items is their home-made soy-sauce—a blend made using water, mirin and soya sauce that differs from the standard strong-tasting sauces typically of Japanese restaurants in the region.

“Given our dynamic, fusion menu, we created all the sauces from scratch. From our finest soya sauce to our spicy mayonnaise, they’re all prepared in-house. We combined different flavors to enhance the taste and aroma of every Japanese delicacy that we serve,” Sakazawa told Arab News Japan.

The Yugo concept was also largely informed by high-end Japanese restaurants, like Zuma.

“We were inspired by Zuma, a luxury food chain that is classy and elegant. It’s an expensive place to dine at, which is why we come up with an affordable alternative,” Yugo’s manager said.

They strive for this goal by utilizing ingredients that are 100% authentic Japanese products, sourcing ingredients from a Japanese supplier, and treating guests with the utmost hospitality.

The ambiance at Yugo is also an added advantage, as it is also influenced by Japanese cultural elements. Considering the homey nature of restaurants in Japan, Yugo offers a similar atmosphere through its wooden furnishing and dim lighting, Sakazawa said.

Sakazawa played a fundamental role in the restaurant’s culinary growth, as well as its overall branding. His passion for Japanese food and culture stems from his own ties to Osaka–his grandfather’s hometown.

“I enjoy preparing different sauces, experimenting by mixing them together, and innovating different styles that have a modern take on authentic Japanese food,” he told Arab News Japan.

Sakazawa works hard to create products and menu options that are distinguishable to work in line with their overarching aspiration of providing food that is of the same quality found in Japan.