Sashimi and Tempura at Umai, London
There are few things I like more than a bowl of steamed rice and a pot of green tea so imagine my delight at discovering Umai, a deli renowned for fresh, handmade Japanese food.
It is interesting how some experiences are long forgotten but others stay with you for years and possibly forever. I still recall the first time I tried tempura; it was at a little restaurant in Higashinakano (Tokyo) where I lived. Biting into that piece of pumpkin, swiftly followed by a piece of ebi (prawn) is a memory I simply cannot forget. How could something fried taste so light and oil-less? Delicious! That brings me to Umai, where last week my taste buds were transported back to Japan without the need of a costly plane ticket.
When it comes to Japanese food, I can be a wee bit particular. Authenticity is vital and Umai did not disappoint. Naturally, I had to try a bit of everything just to give a fair review, of course. We ate tendon (steamed rice topped with tempura) presented as one would find it in Japan, fresh sashimi (raw fish) including sea bass, tuna, salmon, octopus and my personal favourite, mackerel served with real wasabi (and not that hideous stuff that comes in packets), chicken yakitori, (the most amazing) seaweed salad and finished off with sweet inari (tofu covered rice balls) and a sake tasting, all whilst sitting at the sake bar. Surrounded by Japanese speaking staff, Japanese produce and the countless Japanese customers (a testament to authenticity), one could be forgiven for forgetting that you’re in Stratford, not Japan!
Umai has two locations: Westfield Stratford and the Japan Centre (in Piccadilly). You may just see me grabbing a few things to take-out and enjoy in the sun.
Do you eat Japanese food often? Are there many Japanese restaurants/delis where you live? I’d love to know what your favourite dishes are.
The food looks so good..love Japanese food
Hope you have a great day!! xx
Japanese food is so nice, right? Plenty more to come on the blog…
Have a great Monday!
x
I don’t remember trying Japanese food…well, the sushi from Wasabi but I assume there are quite a lot of other things to discover! Thanks for the review, that looks really good!!
Oh Lucie, there is so much more than sushi. I haven’t been to Wasabi, but I haven’t heard good things. Everything is fresh and authentic at the Japan Centre, which is the main attraction to me. Try Umai and let me know what you think.
I have recently discovered tempura vegetables….yum! A sushi place just opened beside my work so whenever I want some yummy veggies to warm me up (after all, it’s winter!), I go there. My sushi rolls normally consist of california rolls and anything with chicken or tuna. I’m afraid of raw fish. Maybe you can change my mind
I know you’re a little scared of raw fish so take it slow. I have the perfect place to take you in January for a gentle introduction to the world of sashimi. As my former Japanese teacher would say, California rolls aren’t sushi!
Tempura is great because you get to eat Japanese food without going raw. Do you like Japanese rice? Oh Sarah, you are in for a treat
wuaaaaaah you’re killing me with these japanese food pics! everything looks jut as it should, so fresh amd delicious!!! I love tempura
Coming from you, that is a major compliment! Thank you! I cannot even look at your blog when I’m hungry.
I LOVE inari and chicken yakitori! Aren’t Japanese salads amazing? I’m usually torn between avocado salad and seaweed salad. Omg I’m drooling just typing this!
I usually get both salads! When it comes to Japanese food, I cannot show restraint. Are the Japanese restaurants really good in Malaysia. I still remember the sashimi I had in Singapore. A-ma-zing!