Kurobuta Pork Belly Shabu Shabu ($23.50)
During these colder winter months (yes, it’s been chilly in Hawaii), one of the best meals you can warm up over is hot pot, whether it be nabe, shabu shabu or sukiyaki.
Located next to Liliha Bakery on Nimitz Highway, Umami-ya Shabu Shabu features a casual, elegant setting that is family-friendly. There also are six private dining rooms that can seat anywhere from eight to 40 people, and there also is free parking in front of the restaurant.
At Umami-ya, patrons can enjoy a unique Asian-fusion menu of 70 percent authentic Japanese-style cuisine, along with 20 percent Korean flavors and a 10 percent local influence.
Niku Gyoza Kimchi Nabe ($22)
When it comes to the restaurant’s shabu shabu — which you cook at your table — director of marketing Angela Choi recommends Kurobuta Pork Belly ($23.50). The selection comes with an umami-rich vegetable platter, zosui or udon, 7-8 ounces of kurobuta pork belly, house-made ponzu sauce with momiji oroshi (grated daikon radish mixed with red chili peppers) and goma sauce (contains peanuts). Broth choices include house, miso, spicy miso or paitan (add $2).
There also are a variety of tasty appetizers you can add to your meal, as well as a nice selection of shochu, sake, beer and cocktails.
ALL THE BEST IN ONE POT
Umami-ya Shabu Shabu’s Niku Gyoza Kimchee Nabe ($22) is a perfect example of the eatery’s diverse menu. The nabe features more than a dozen items, including homemade fermented kimchee, 5-6 ounces of U.S. Choice-grade ribeye, gyoza, aburaage, enoki mushrooms, kabocha, tofu, glass noodles and more — all served in a beef-based broth flavored with gochujang (Korean chili paste), and served with rice.
“It’s a really good, high-value dish, especially if you like spicy, but you can also request to have it not spicy,” says director of marketing Angela Choi.
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