CHEF’S BITES YOTTO
Japanese cooking at Yotto A chic authentic Japanese restaurant situated in Cipriani Yas Island, Yotto merges tradition and innovation in delicious ways. BBC Good Food ME learns to create new salmon sashimi and torched sushi with head chef Yutaka
How would you describe the style of cuisine at Yotto? Authentic Japanese cuisine using the freshest products reflecting the Cipriani tradition of simplicity. What are the essential ingredients of traditional Japanese cuisine? Rice, soy beans, salt, mushrooms, soy products, noodles and fresh seafood, sake, mirin, bonito flakes and kelp. How would you describe the flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine? In authentic Japanese cuisine, you will find all the essences of the fundamental flavours; saltiness, sweetness, acidic, bitterness and sour, at Yotto you will find them in a distinct and most elegant way. Can you describe the style of sushi you create at Yotto? All noble cuisines in the world have a history. Japanese is certainly one of them. We are practicing an updated, innovatice style of cooking style respecting the roots of the Japanese ancestors. What are some of your favourite dishes on the menu? The new sashimi salmon, langoustine scampi with creamy wasabi sauce, black cod, and the torched sushi. What are your top three tips to successful Japanese cooking? Experience the different ingredients, learn the techniques and practice, practice, practice. You need the knowledge, but you need passion too. Where can we find good quality japanese ingredients in the UAE? At Yotto, we do not source any Japanese ingredients in the UAE, our ingredients are imported from all parts of the world. However, certain ingredients can be found at Waitrose Dubai Marina Mall and Deans Fujiya Supermarket. Currently, the Japanese import market is on a halt due to the tragic Tsunami disaster. 52 BBC Good Food Middle East July 2011
Other than Yotto, what is your view on the quality of Japanese restaurants in the UAE? Honestly, medium to low. You can find only a few decent quality Japanese restaurants in the UAE. What can diners expect from Yotto that is unique to the UAE? Diners at Yotto will always find up-scaled service, unique delicacy on the food and authentic and honest flavours.