Umaku - A Dash of Authentic Japanese Cuisine

An unpretentious foodplace serving Japanese menu with toned down 'contamination' from what's trending in the market. Chef having two way convo with patrons as he shows his skillful craft slicing the sashimi. Decor made to resemble, but not trying to hard to impress.

Umake are getting there. It's slowly turning into one of my go-to place, if it's not because of the miles I have to travel to reach it.

Whilst many are splashing in spicy mayonnaise, cheese and the likes into their fusion sushi, I liked the fact that here the fusions are second on their menu list compared to the traditional nigirizushi. Which is part of the reason why on my many visits to my clients located in Cibubur, I always made an attempt to squeeze an hour or less to visit them. Here's a quick walkthrough of what I had on my last visit.

Wakame Salad, is one of my favorite menu in any Japanese resto. It is a must have, and I liked Umaku portion and taste. Its sad knowing that they were not in stock on that day. Which was still a big question mark for me. I came at around 12, which meant they just opened, and they ran out of it already? Not to mention, the long wait I have to endure waiting outside just to have someone greet me and take my orders. Wasn't my lucky day I suppose. Good thing I have my cameras in hand to kill the boredom. That was 20 minutes worth of photo taking that I can share with you Biters ;)

Here's what I started my lunch with. Salmon Sashimi. One of the freshest I've ever tasted. Plus the slices were seriously thick! Maybe Chef Uki sensed the air of disappointment I was having. Wise move, Chef! =p

Sake Sashimi (Salmon Sashimi) 39k

Then came on a streak, Inari Sushi, Tako Sushi, and Salmon Sushi. You can see that my aim of eating out in a Japanese resto is to taste the rawness of the fresh ingredients, the hand rolled shari, and the nose-attacking wasabi.  Not against Fusion, but there are different days for that, this is not one of them.

Inari Sushi

Tako Sushi

Salmon Sushi

I was once again amazed with the Inari's jumbo size. It made all the other Inari I've ever had before into tiny midget. I enjoyed the sweet salty mix of flavor between the rice, the fried tofu, and the veggies. Splendid. The Salmon Sushi on the other hand wasn't particularly special, I could barely taste the salmon. The Tako Sushi was as I expected, fresh, and added the crunchy texture I'm looking for to compliment the whole meal.

As the name suggested, Umaku (translated as skillfully) knows what they're doing and where they're going. It is for me one of the top alternatives of eating in malls which I get sick of more and more. Plus, price wise, Umaku is more affordable. And who knows the extra trip to Cibubur, might just win you a memorable quality time with family. If that's too far, Tebet and Duren Tiga is their new branches to check out.

Arigatou Gozaimasu 

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist & Photographer


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Umaku Cibubur
Citi Walk Blok CW 1 No.26
Citra Grand Cibubur
Phone: +62 21 84303732, +62 21 84303733

Umaku Tebet
Jl. Tebet Raya no.141, Jakarta Selatan
Telp 021 83709132
Twitter: http://twitter.com/umaku_tebet

Umaku Duren Tiga
Jl. Duren Tiga Raya no.32, Jakarta Selatan
Telp 021 79170337
Twitter: http://twitter.com/umaku_duren3

Umaku Alam Sutera
Ruko ASTC (Alam Sutera Town Center) Blok 10E No 9
Alam Sutera BSD, Tangerang
Twitter: http://twitter.com/umaku_alsut

Sushi Groove: State-of-The-Art Sushi

There's only a number of sushi places that comes on top of my mind when I crave for it. Sushi Groove is definitely one of them. Pioneered by a strong concept, great food, and a remarkable team behind Ismaya, they have grown far since started. What I'm starting to admire from them is the continuous passion to embrace change and welcomes creativity.

This foodtasting panel is one of them. Ten people from broad range of background were gathered to taste firsthand their twelve new sushi menu. Instead of laying each out in details and run the risk of boring you, I'd simply mention the top three that gave a good impression on me. Also, this way, you'll still have your surprise factor on the other nine. I wouldn't take that from you. =)

1. Pirate's Roll 
It is rare to find spicy sushi. And by spicy I mean the kind of hot that ticklishly burn your tongue. You can see from the picture above. It's basically crispy soft shell crab inside on the roll. On top of it is this well marinated chunk of smoke beef, and the cherry on top is the tiny slice of chili rawit. This is 70% Japanese, 28% Western, and 2% Indonesian. You know which is the 2% don't you? ;)

2. Mango Megumi Roll
I'm sorry pictures aren't available for this one. At the time, the competition was getting intense and I had to fight for this roll, didn't get the chance to capture it properly. Anyway, this is one shocking sushi. You'll know the second the fresh tropical taste of mango meets your taste bud. It's all uphill from there. On the side note though, I reckon this would be better enjoyed together. Having four roll of these alone is kinda too much. I guess. But still. One good innovation.

3. Angry Bird Roll
Picture also unavailable. =P I just left it to make you curious. Its another spicy options. You know how I love spicy food. Its like catered personally for me. =) I enjoyed the fresh layer of lettuce, the crisp chicken karaage, and the mozarella cheese on top is just a feast.

All these new stuff are just a new kind of fusion. Tongue-wise, I'd say this fit our native Indonesia tastebud who prefer a little drama of flavor. Sweet, spicy, salty, crunchy, crispy, creamy, all in one. On the other hand though, I kinda feel they strand far from the original sushi experience. If you are looking for old-school sushi with a certain expectation of rawness, clean-cut sushi, where a dip of soy, and a lick of wasabi makes it complete, then these are not for you. On the good side, they add variety and oh really, on a personal level I love 'em.

I see you Biters on the next foodtasting panel. Hopefully ISMAYA would be glad to arrange another one. =P It was one happy day, and coming home with a happy belly surely widens my happy grin. ^______^

Smile on, Shine on
Fellexandro Ruby
Food Blogger & Photographer
Twitter: @Wanderbites