Delectable is possibly the best way to describe the array of fabulous tasting dishes at the latest Japanese restaurant in town, Yumi. Yumi is located where the former Mix Bar was, at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo.

The hotel itself looks fantastic due to the white walls making it feel larger and more welcoming and walking into the former bar after many years took me by surprise, pleasantly of course, as the renovations and refurbishments had made a massive difference. The restaurant has a far more spacious and hip feel which is complimented by DJ Angelika’s house and lounge music and the restaurant also serves some delightful spirited beverages courtesy Yumi’s mixologist, Atilla.

My first tingling of taste buds began with our first dish, Othoshi, which is amuse-bouche,  compliments of the Chef. It consisted of a Crispy Volcano of Tempura Crisps, Crabsticks, topped with Tobiko (salmon fish roe) and Spicy Tuna Tatake (half grilled tuna) on the side. This was followed by some of the freshest Sashimi I had dived into, in quite a while. The platter we were served had Maguro (tuna), Salmon and Modha with fresh and I repeat, fresh, Japanese horseradish as well as sweet pickled ginger. The fish was as fresh as you can get while this was the first time I had tried fresh Wasabi (Japanese horseradish). The experience was a completely different one for my taste buds, and one that I don’t mind trying out again. It is far more refined in taste than the commercially produced stuff that you get out of a tube in the supermarkets.

So far the tone was set for a fabulous evening and more was to follow courtesy the Maki platter. This divine experience consisted of the vegetarian options of Spicy Avocado Maki and Kappa (Cucumber) Maki as well as the California Maki which had Crab Sticks, Avocado, Cucumber and Lettuce all three in a roll of Japanese seasoned rice. The platter we were given also had some Yu Mi Special Maki which was a delightful mix of Tempura Prawns, Crab Meat and Cucumber with the chef’s special rainbow rice.

Among the list of items I enjoy in Japanese cuisine is tempura and I was quite thrilled when we were presented with Ebi Tempura among the two appetisers we tasted. Ebi Tempura is essentially Crispy-fried Prawns with Tempura sauce. The tempura batter was light and crunchy while the prawns were cooked just right. The next item among the appetisers for our tasting was Crispy-fried chicken served with a spicy sesame sauce or Chicken Karage.

Vegetarians need not fear as Yumi serves up a really light and flavoursome Miso Shiru (Japanese miso soup with tofu) and even Yasai Tempura. This vegetarian option which consists of mixed vegetable tempura with tempura sauce looked quite tasty. I was honestly pretty full at this point but there were a few more goodies in store for us at our tasting, which included some delicious Teppanyaki served with plain sticky rice. The Teppanyaki included Chicken teriyaki and Seer Fish Steak along with some crunchy grilled vegetables. The soft boneless chicken cooked with mouth watering teriyaki sauce had so much flavour while the seer fish was firm but at the same time not over done. Our evening ended with Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream. The ice cream was light in texture, subtly creamy and not overly sweet but I am quite certain that it is an acquired taste.

Yumi also has a special lunch menu served in traditional Bento Boxes, from 12.30 to 3pm. Among the list of items are Tempura Bento and Tori teri Bento, to name a few. These two items come with Miso Soup, Yu Mi salad, Chef’s choice of Sashimi, Japanese Sticky Rice and Japanese Pickle. The Tempura Bento consists of Mixed Tempura as well as Fruits while the Tori Teri Bento has Teriyaki Cooked Chicken and  a dessert as well.

All in all the menu at Yumi has quite a number of options to choose from while the food is fresh and delicious of course. The items on the menu, might leave a dent in your wallet but if you feel like spoiling yourself or your significant other with some delicious Japanese food, this is most certainly the restaurant to head to.

Ratings:

Variety of dishes – *****
Atmosphere – *****
Cleanliness (Restaurant and Toilets) – *****
Service and friendliness of staff – *****
Parking – *****

By Natasha Fernandopulle

Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte