First impressions of Umami in Hong Kong’s Regal Kowloon: sashimi, sushi and teppanyaki

The Regal Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui East has expanded its culinary offerings with Umami, a new Japanese restaurant named after the so-called fifth taste.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, the restaurant seems stuck in the 1980s with its conservative decor.The large space is sectioned off into dining room, sushi bar and teppanyaki area.

It still hadn’t received its liquor licence so the staff helped us buy sake from a nearby shop. But the prices on Umami’s drinks menu are reasonable, and there is a good choice of bottled Japanese craft beers.

The food selection features sashimi, sushi and teppanyaki, with a focus on sea urchin, shrimp and beef. Our amuse bouche of chopped octopus and cucumbers seasoned with wasabi was a strong kick-start to the evening.

The sea grape salad (HK$180) was a large serving of lettuce, frisée, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes and the aforementioned sea grapes – a type of seaweed that looks like tiny crunchy green grapes – in a light soy dressing.

The seasonal sea urchin sashimi platter (HK$580) featured uni from Japan, Korea and Canada, along with small rectangular pieces of nori.