I can vividly recall how creamy the Nankin Tofu tasted even though I had sampled it sometime ago. The texture was velvety-creamy, almost custard-like. The flavor of pumpkin rich but not overwhelmingly so. That it was, like most Japanese fare, picture-pretty with a garnishing of prawn, asparagus and wasabi, only made the eating all the more memorable.
But Umu, the Japanese food outlet of the Dusit Thani Hotel Manila, has other offerings to make the diner wax poetic.
Lagal[og] says: I really dig the Kanji-lined walls of the Robata grill and bar which lend a decidedly-Japanese look. The other zones — the Teppanyaki tables and main dining hall — overlook the lush garden which only enhance the dining experience.
Ironwulf says: The lighting is well-balanced and I enjoyed the simplest details from the kanji walls, liquor bottles and even how the table napkins were folded which lent a touch of elegance. The private rooms with tatami floors overlooking a serene garden was really like dining in a Japanese home by the garden.
Lagal[og] says: I’m not fond of raw fish but the Gosyumori Sashimi (Five types of Fish Sashimi) is excellent. The presentation is spot-on, too, with eye-popping colors and textures. We had Hamachi, Salmon, Toro, Red Snapper and marinated Mackerel and I must say, the Hamachi was particularly good with a delicate flavor enhanced by fresh, not store-brought, wasabi.
Ironwulf says: The mountain chunks of Rib-Eye Angus on mustard sauce was just waiting to explode with flavors. And it does taste good as each slice was tender and flavorful. Nothing was left on the plate, not even a morsel.
Lagal[og] says: I’m not much of an alcohol drinker but there’s the fruity Namachozo, among other types of sake, available to go along with your sashimi.
Ironwulf says: I suggest you visit during the Happy Hour buffet for Eat-all-you-can Sushi and Robata for only P750. This is from Mondays to Fridays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
UMU
Dusit Thani Hotel
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. (632) 867.3333
*Photos originally published on Seair Inflight May 2010 Issue