We spent Eid in Dubai this year. We had lunch with our closest friends, and spent the rest of the holiday catching up on pending chores and eating from the finest Dubai has to offer. M and I have a little Eid tradition: if we are in Dubai, we must go catch a firework display at JBR. The fireworks take place for 3-5 days, and they’re my favorite thing about Eid.
Whether you buy a couple of Banana Puddings from Magnolia Bakery and sit on the sand, or go to Ramusake and watch the fireworks from the terrace, you’ll absolutely love it either way- this I can guarantee. Parking is easier and your inner glutton will be more satiated in case of the latter, so that’s where we went: Ramusake, our favorite new Japanese hot spot in town.
I first tried Ramusake a couple of months ago and was absolutely floored by how downright umami all the dishes were. Everything was PERFECT. I had high expectations going in a second time, and while the service and overall experience remained intact, I feel that the entrees we chose this time did not offer value for money.
I shrieked with joy when I saw that the new manager is Edwardo- he and I have known each other since his days at Fume, and Ramusake have scored themselves one heck of a winner 🙂
We started off with the Spicy Tuna Rolls and the Ebi Tempura: both were excellent.
Next we had the Crispy Pepper Fried Squid and the Chili J-Dog. I remember seeing the Chili J-Dog on someone’s table on my way out the first time I went, and like a total creep, I made a mental note to try this the next time I visited. Wisest decision ever. This was the BEST hot dog I have EVER had, and one of the BEST things I have ever put in my mouth. Ever. The “sausage” was actually very well seasoned, beautifully juicy chili, and it was topped with a spicy mayo. Oh man, oh man- this was SO good. The Crispy Squid however, pass.
While everything was so good the first time we visited, a few things resonated a lot, two of which were the Miso Brined Chicken, and the Teriyaki Salmon. Every cell in my body wanted to order those two entrees again, but the experimenter in my won and I ended up ordering a Miso Black cod for myself and Grilled Smokey Lamb Chops for M. I wanted to see how the Miso Black Cod weighed up against that of Zuma’s and let’s just say, the former isn’t even a contender. It was ridiculously overpriced at AED 200 for a tiny piece that didn’t even have ay extraordinary flavors to justify the price.
M HATED his lamb chops. They were so very fatty and the smokiness offered little redemption. M just couldn’t get past the blobs of fat that kept landing in his mouth since it was too dark for him to see what he’s trimming off or not. If it helps, they were perfectly tender though.
We ordered a side of Japanese Mushrooms, and sadly we enjoyed these more than both our entrees. With a hint of citrusy tanginess, these were the perfect side to a rich, meaty entree.
Dessert was my favorite: Mochi! Praise the Lord for enabling man to create Mochi. On the manager’s recommendation, we also tried the Japanese Donuts, and my belief in Edwardo and his recommendations was reaffirmed. I don’t like Boston Cream donuts, not do I like anything that has been rolled in caster sugar, but these donuts was the bomb dot com, especially once dipped in the raspberry coulis they came with.
Will I be going back to Ramusake? Hells yeah. For SURE. I’ll also continue recommending it to everyone, but I’m definitely sticking tot he Miso Brined Chicken and Teriyaki Salmon for my mains henceforth. Piece of advice: order ALL the sides. They’re all SO good and it would be unfair to pick favorites.
Have you guys been to Ramusake? Tell me what you thought? 🙂
