Review: Umenomoto

An Umeshu-focused Japanese tapas bar with over 100 varieties of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic plum wine in the heart of Saigon’s “Little Japan”.

Source: Umenomoto

Cute, pink and playful interiors set in intimate spaces

Brought to you by the same guys behind Sushi Tiger, Umenomoto is a cute, pink and playful two-storey restaurant cum bar that’s split into two cosy six (perhaps seven) seat counters across two floors. On the first, you’re greeted with an intimate open kitchen counter where plates and plates are swiftly served up across the counter alongside shots of Umeshu. The second floor, on the other hand, is reserved for Umeshu purists and for clinking cups with friends and bartenders.

While I am a big fan of Umeshu (I grew up with Choya when I was a child), food is my forte so I snag myself a seat at the kitchen counter downstairs and order myself some snacks as well as a honey and Strawberry shot of Umeshu to start. If you’re unsure what to get, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly team for recommendations - I was personally very happy with their choices for me. The Strawberry Umeshu (VND 60,000) with a side of sparkling soda water is delicious and a must for anyone who enjoys fruity Umeshu flavours.

Source: Umenomoto

Choose from over 100 varieties of Umeshu from both Vietnam and Japan

Have you had Vietnamese plum wine? Well, now you can. While many of Umenomoto’s plum wines are imported from Japan, there are a few bottles of local Vietnamese brands including Mơ Rừng VIP (28% ABV apricot wine) as well as my personal favourite Apricot craft liquor from Phung Thi.

For Umeshu purists, sip on one of many Japanese imports including Ume Hajime to Fukunaga and Hananomai Umeshu that range from 34,000 VND to 500,000 VND per shot (on average 80 to 100,000 VND) Umeshu varieties are constantly being restocked so don’t be surprised to return and find your favourite Umeshu taken off the menu.

Creative Japanese tapas with equally creative (or crazy) names

The food menu is cosy and portions are bite-sized so it’s easy to find yourself ordering at least five to dixx plates to share between two. For food, think creative Japanese tapas with a twist and that’s what you get at Umenomoto. Dishes are cheekily named so expect to order a “Smush your heart” with a side of “Grab the edamame”. So we did, we grabbed our tapas and tucked right in.

To start, a single portion of “I Know Like This (160,000 VND)” is easy to share between to two. The quality of the ingredients here is top-notch - fresh seared salmon, ikura and even the rocket. Though I found the lemon sauce a bit strong at the begining, the dish paired well with the sweetness from my Umeshu. Here, the main focus is the Umeshu hence the dishes complement the drinks. So in essence, drink up!

Taco Ebi Tempura

The menu highlight for me is the crispy seaweed-shell tacos filled with raw salmon and mayo topped with chopped chives (42,000 VND) which arrives equal parts moreish, sweet and savoury. Plus, the best pairing with Umeshu is fried food since the crispness of the plum wine so beautifully cuts and balances the oiliness of the taco salmon. My dining partner and I ordered one of each taco on the menu - Taco Maguro (68,000 VND), Taco White Fish (27,000 VND), Taco Ebi Tempura (18,000 VND) - but the salmon is my favourite.

If you’re still hungry, Umenomoto offers two rice dishes - Oyako Don (68,000 VND) and Shirasu don (88,000 VND) - but I say opt for the Shirasu don especially if you’re a fan of white bait.

Source: Umenomoto

Overall, there are many reasons I’d happily return to Umenomoto. At the top, the playful pink interiors and ever-changing generous selection of Umeshu varieties (there are even two non-alcoholic options) and friendly-over-the-counter banter and pleasant service. The prices are reasonable, the food is playful and the Japanese tacos are deliciously moreish.

The only problem? It fills up quickly and can get crowded (and loud) pretty fast. All part of the fun but just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you make the trip. I won’t recommend it for a romantic date night out let’s just put it that way.

Nonetheless, at VND 350-500,000 per person for both food and drink, Umenomoto is great for those looking for a change of scene and something more refined yet casual amidst a sea of boisterous izakayas and ramen joints in Le Thanh Ton or more affectionately known as Saigon’s “Little Japan”.

• Address: 15B/8 Le Thanh Ton, District 1

• Opening hours: 530 pm - 1 am (closed on Sundays)

• Price per head (including drinks): approx 350 to 500,000 VND

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