‘Authentic But Not Traditional’ - Zuma Makes it German Debut at The Charles Hotel
After two decades of success with his innovative take on Japanese cuisine, international restaurateur Rainer Becker is bringing Zuma to Germany for the first time with a hotly anticipated summer pop-up at The Charles Hotel. Becker, who honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany before falling in love with Japanese food in Tokyo, returns to his native country 22 years after launching the first Zuma in London.
This seasonal takeover comes at an exciting time for Munich, as Becker expands: “Munich is our first venture into Germany, and it is a special place for many reasons. Not only is it where I began my culinary career, but this year it is the stage for the UEFA Euros starting in June, and the destination for incredible music artists to perform.”
The Charles Hotel was Rainer’s first choice for Zuma’s German premier –, “The location along with the hotel’s 5-star reputation for service resonate strongly with the Zuma brand and its ethos.” Indeed, not far away from Maximilianstrasse, a popular shopping district, and close to Kunstareal - the historic arts quarter that is home to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s Water Lilies - The Charles Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Bavarian capital.
Becker, Rainer
“Munich is our first venture into Germany, and it is a special place for many reasons"
An inspired pairing
With the restaurant’s light, airy aesthetic matching the modern elegance of Zuma’s menu, guests are reminded that dining itself can be an immersive journey. The sushi counter - spotlighting the culinary theatre of Zuma’s meticulously trained chefs - features in the main dining area, whose floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the terrace, where Zuma’s robata grill promises to steal the show.
This smart yet relaxed service style derives from Rainer’s time in Tokyo: ‘Izakaya in Japan is what inspired the creation of Zuma. An izakaya is a place where people meet from all walks of society – artists sit alongside businessmen and everyone enjoys the food, drinks, and the ambience. Zuma is a more refined and sophisticated experience, set in stunning surroundings with expertly sourced ingredients to create authentic Japanese cuisine.’
With its signature claim to dishes that are ‘authentic but not traditional’, Zuma adds a contemporary twist to the quintessential Japanese experience. So which dishes should you try if you’re visiting this summer? Rainer suggests: ‘Our fillet of Chilean sea bass, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame or the thinly sliced sea bass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe, are not to be missed.’
Zuma Munich launches at The Charles Hotel on 31st May, and is taking bookings now.
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