Zuma due to debut in the Middle East

London's award-winning restaurant, Zuma, is opening at The Gate Village in Dubai International Financial Centre this month.

Zuma, the brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, will offer Japanese cuisine in an informal environment "with an emphasise on great food, design and experience," according to Zuma co-founder and chief executive officer Rainer Becker.

The Dubai outlet is the fourth Zuma restaurant to be opened, following launches in London, Hong Kong and Istanbul.

"It's an international concept that we believe will suit the market in Dubai because, like London, it is a diverse and multicultural city."

Chefs from Zuma's London-based flagship outlet will be brought in to run the Dubai operation explained Becker.

"It is important that chefs understand the Zuma concept.

"My head chef knows the Middle East market well and has a lot of experience from working here previously," he added.

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Becker said that the menu and restaurant would follow Zuma's trademark style with designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu on board to design the Dubai outlet.

"The menu in all Zuma restaurants is 90% the same and, depending on the market location and demographics, we change aspects to incorporate local produce and tastes.

"We will still source some spices and certain specialist ingredients from Japan and Asia, because we don't compromise on authenticity."

Becker said he believed the Middle East - and Dubai in particular - held a great deal of potential for the Zuma concept.

"It's not too far from London, has good weather, and I would like to bring our sister restaurant, Roka, to the region in the future," he revealed.