The Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, will host a master class led by Chef Yukitaka Kitade on Oct. 19. Chef Kitade, who oversees the hotel’s UMI restaurant, will teach participants how to prepare authentic Japanese dishes with a strong focus on presentation and aesthetics. The session will include hands-on instruction in teppanyaki techniques, using a hot iron griddle to cook ingredients with precise timing and skill.
UMI has recently introduced a traditional multi-course Kaiseki menu that celebrates Japan’s culinary heritage through an artistic and carefully composed dining experience. Kaiseki emphasizes balance among taste, texture, appearance and seasonal color, and UMI’s interpretation highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with fragrant leaves and edible flowers. Each course is crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the components while presenting them with visual harmony and refined plating.
The hotel’s dining room provides a dramatic backdrop for this cuisine. Interior design elements include gleaming onyx-colored pillars and walls finished with a chainmail-like texture, creating an elegant and contemporary atmosphere. A semi-private dining area curves around a floor-to-ceiling chandelier, offering an intimate setting for small groups. For private events, a room outfitted with vibrant pink seating and bamboo lighting adds a lively, modern touch to traditional dining.
Chef Kitade’s class will appeal to both home cooks and food enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of Japanese culinary principles. Participants can expect instruction on ingredient selection, knife skills, temperature control on the griddle, and the thoughtful arrangement of each component to enhance both flavor and visual impact. The practical workshop aims to demystify techniques often seen in fine Japanese dining and to give attendees the confidence to recreate elements of Kaiseki and teppanyaki at home.
In addition to technique, the session will explore how seasonal produce drives menu planning in Japanese cuisine. Emphasis on locally sourced, in-season items ensures that dishes reflect current flavors and textures, a core tenet of Kaiseki dining. Chef Kitade will demonstrate how subtle garnishes—aromatic leaves, citrus peels, and edible flowers—can elevate a dish without overpowering its primary ingredients.
UMI’s approach blends tradition with contemporary presentation, inviting diners to experience Japanese cuisine as a multisensory event. The hotel’s commitment to refined service and a distinctive dining environment complements the culinary program, making the master class an appealing cultural and educational opportunity for visitors and residents alike.
This event underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s growing culinary scene and the Waldorf Astoria’s role in bringing international chefs and authentic dining experiences to the emirate. Guests attending the class or dining at UMI can expect professional guidance, carefully curated menus, and an elegant setting that respects the heritage of Japanese cuisine while presenting it with modern flair.