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Restaurant review: Ginger

Pan-Asian opens its culinary door wide at Ginger, Ramada Jumeirah, Dubai. Sushmita Bose samples a gastronomic whirlwind of exquisite Japanese, Thai and Chinese flavours

The Ramada Jumeirah, off Al Mina Road in Satwa, has been on my mindscape for a while. It's located right across from where a good friend lives, and I've seen it a few times... but it's one of those rare hotels I've never visited... so when the opportunity to review Ginger, the pan-Asian restaurant at the hotel, came up, I was happy to do it. I've heard of its one-off 'Dining in the Dark' concept - where diners are blindfolded, and have to guess what is being served from a set menu; but even otherwise, Ginger has been notching up very good reviews.
As we entered Ginger, located on the hotel's ground floor, I loved the colours immediately. Dollops of green, orange, yellow: lightness and freshness infused into the settings. The live kitchen, spread across the space, adds to the sense of openness. The décor is contemporary, with sleek lines and fuss-free silhouettes. There's a small part that's more "formal" (read: traditional 'fine dining' seating) than the rest of it - that's where we sat; like a "private dining area".
The menu is comprehensive to the tee, though I personally thought Japanese overwhelmed the starters menu: sushi, sashimi, maki, temaki - you name it. Nothing wrong with that, on an afterthought, considering how "haute" (and healthy) Japanese food is currently. The service is great: waiting staff know exactly what's cooking and are ever obliging to give their inputs (if asked).
Finally, watching the "live action" was a treat. Always good to know that what you see is what you get!

TASTE
The crunchy Satay Chicken was among the best I've ever had. Loved the Gin Sai Maki - avocado, cream cheese, cucumber, mango, beetrook rice. Yum! The Tom Yum Goong Soup was a tad over-salty. The curries were flavourful. The Sticky Rice Pudding  was a disappointment.

AMBIENCE
I was bowled over at the entrance. Ginger sets the tone for a great gastronomical experience; it's like you know the food will be good. Positive vibes do the rounds, there's lots of light, the colours are fresh and cosy, lovely live kitchen... and smiling faces abound.

SERVICE
The waiters all seemed well-acquainted with the nuances of pan-Asian - the fact that "Oriental" is not about homogeneous flavours. The chefs at the live kitchen are all too willing to let you be part of the show - if you're interested, that is!

PRESENTATION
From dim sums in steamer baskets to bento-box offerings, Ginger has paraphernelia to make dinner time rather memorable. I particularly liked how I didn't have to ask for cutlery (I'm a no-go when it comes to chopsticks), like I do in most Oriental joints.

VALUE FOR MONEY
This is a beautifully starry restaurant with very grounded prices. The Pan-Seared Salmon Salad was Dh38, while the Chilli (Tiger) Prawns was Dh78. I was stunned to see Jasmine Rice priced at Dh17 - which is on par with food court rates. The portions are generous.
Overall rating: 4.5/5

Ginger, Lobby Level, Ramada Jumeirah Hotel, Al Mina Road, Satwa, Dubai
For reservations: 04-7027030
Avg cost for 2: Dh300
sushmita@khaleejtimes.com