Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Japanese restaurant Hidemasa has hit the Dubai fine-dining scene with multi Michelin Star chef Hidemasa Yamamoto creating authentic and decadent Asian dishes. 

The restaurant hosted an exclusive chef’s table on June 15-16, providing diners with an up close and personal experience with the world acclaimed chef. 

Speaking exclusively to Arab News Japan, Yamamoto said he hopes to bring an authentic Japanese dining experience to visitors in Dubai, adding that many of the ingredients for his dishes are brought directly from Japan, specifically from Hokkaido. 

“We make sure we have the best fish, the best meat, bring it here and cook it in a simple way. People appreciate how we cook it, it sounds easy but it’s not,” he said. 

Yamamoto added that he wanted people in the UAE to experience a real, traditional flavor from Japan. “What we like to do is to bring, as much as we can, the best Japanese ingredients,” the chef explained. 

As Saudi Arabia’s fine dining scene continues to boom, Yamamoto told Arab News Japan that opening a restaurant in the Kingdom would be “very interesting.” 

“Saudi Arabian culture is totally different to any other country. It is a challenge but it is an interest,” Yamamoto added. 

The chef’s table was a one-of-a-kind experience with dishes such as: Soba Noodles Caviar with virgin olive oil, soy sashi broth as a starter, sashimi on ice appetiser inclusive of fatty tuna, Akami, Botan shrimp, salmon, and a main platter of marinated black cod and a selection of sushi. 

Chef Yamamoto also ended each evening with a show-stopping green tea fondant chocolat and vanilla ice cream dessert. 

The Japanese chef began building the foundations of his craft at a young age, which led to him becoming the Executive Chef of The Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. Following that, he had the honor of cooking for and serving three generations of American presidents, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton. 

In 2010, he was awarded the “Global Chef Award” from the World Gourmet Summit, who recognized him for his talents and excellent culinary skills. Yamamoto’s latest venture has brought his vision of true Japanese cuisine to Hidemasa in Dubai.

Hidemasa offers an authentic, multi-disciplinary Japanese fine-dining concept. The restaurant’s luxurious and fastidious interiors feature a carefully curated design inspired by authentic Japanese design. A vocal point of the venue is Hidemasa’s open sushi bar, and teppanyaki dining experience where diners can observe the chefs as they meticulously construct every delicious dish. The kitchen staff were trained for 15-years by Yamamoto himself.