Japanese cuisine is arguably among the most popular and sought-after in the Philippines because of its fresh ingredients and timeless taste. But despite its extreme popularity in the local culinary scene, not all Japanese restaurants are created equal and some will surely stand out because of the dining experience which seems to transport them to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Step into UMU, the iconic Japanese outlet of Dusit Thani Manila, and discover why it is among most sought-after international dining haunt in the metropolis.
Known for its authentic flavors, masterful culinary artistry, and a Japanese vibe in its interiors, UMU offers a classy gastronomic journey just the way the modern Japanese does, and offers a wide array of dishes with premium ingredients—from fresh sushi and sashimi to delicately grilled teppanyaki and A5 Wagyu.
Literally meaning “born of nature,” its interiors is a serene eclectic vibe which blends traditional and contemporary elements of a Japanese abode which evokes the feel of being in a Tokyo suburb.
On a typical day, guests can feast on an assortment of appetizers, okonomi-sushi vinegared rice, makimono rolled sushi, temaki, hand-rolled simmered nimono, deep-fried tempura, grilled yakimono, dishes, teppanyaki, noodles, rice dishes and nabemono hot pot (sukiyaki, shabu-shabu and kaisen nabe variants).
For a complete meal, there are set menus which come with appetizer, two kinds of sashimi, miso soup, pickles and dessert, or the four-person Kikyou Teppan, Sazanka Teppan, or Fuji Teppan sets and the popular Umu Business Lunch.
For premium dishes, you can opt for Chef’s Recommendation, with variants of Sustainable Australian Live Lobster, Chutoro Sashimi, Hamachi Kama Yaki, Wagyu A-4, and Wagyu A-5.
Immerse in Japan’s centuries-old culinary heritage and experience the art of kaiseki dining for lunch or dinner featuring a flavorful five-course menu.
On weekends, don’t miss fresh high-grade fishes such as chu-toro and kampachi which are flown in from Japan.
The hotel’s largest dining outlet in terms of floor area, UMU’s guests are greeted by the welcoming vibe at the spacious Robata station, with a live cooking area.
Further inside are three private rooms good for four, eight, and 12 persons, and three live cooking stations for teppanyaki, tatami rooms for a more traditional way of dining, and an al fresco setup beside a koi pond and Japanese garden, which have been part of the hotel’s long history as a favorite spot for snapshots.
Overseeing UMU’s rich gastronomic tradition is chef Hiroyuki Fukata, who takes pride in his over 25 years of experience, which includes eight formative years serving at the official residences of three Japanese ambassadors.
Outside the kitchen, the amiable chef extends passion to education, as he conducts cooking classes and workshops for adults and children.
UMU’s quest for perfection hasn’t gone unnoticed and has been rewarded by being constantly named as among the 30 best Japanese restaurants in the country by the prestigious Tatler Dining Guide from 2023 to 2025.
For more information, log on to www.dusit.com/dusitthani-manila/dining/umu/ or follow Dusit Thani Manila on social media platforms.