Japanese cuisine continues to enamor countless of Cebuanos with its fresh ingredients, distinct umami flavor, unique presentation, and diverse dishes. The preparation and culinary techniques present in Japanese cuisine is a testament to its dedication to the “less is more” approach.
At bai Hotel Cebu’s UME Japanese Cuisine, Chef Onuki does his magic in bringing authentic Japanese dishes with a twist to life, straight into the hearts of Cebuano foodies. Customers entering the restaurant are welcomed by a brightly decorated, intimate setting, where images of Ume trees adorn the walls, creating a serene atmosphere reminiscent of the Land of the Rising Sun.
For the past several years since the hotel’s inception, the restaurant has welcomed Japanese cuisine enthusiasts who crave not only Japanese dishes but also the first-hand experience of Japanese culinary culture. The Japanese restaurant offers specialty dishes that are made-to-order such as Sushi, Soba, Rice Bowls, Yakitori, and Sashimi. One of its best sellers is the Sashimi Moriawase in which slices of fresh sashimi are carefully placed on a tiny boat, and adorned with flowers and mint with wasabi on the side.
Having been UME’s executive chef for seven years, Chef Onuki brings in several years of expertise in crafting unique Japanese dishes under his belt. His dedication to culinary artistry is evident in each plate, bringing in a creative twist to each dish offered.
Back then, it was Chef Onuki’s first time working in a hotel, and has since shared a plethora of experiences that has etched deep into his heart. He fondly recounted, “Some of my most unforgettable moments working as a chef for UME is when the customer tells me before they go home that ‘chef, the food is good!’ and ‘I love the taste!’. That makes me very happy.”
Going about with an unassuming stride and working with quiet diligence, Chef Onuki is the driving force behind the success and indulgent dishes of UME. His passion and love for the cuisine that he’s worked and experimented on for decades has allowed him to showcase his talent on creating out-of-the-box dishes that is yet to be seen in other Japanese restaurants present in Cebu. His creative take on well-known Japanese dishes by using unusual yet unique ingredients in their dishes. An example of this would be the Hokkaido Soup Curry, the restaurant’s dish-of-the-month in September 2024. Chef Onuki creatively crafted the entire presentation on a plate; widely spread the curry sauce all over and placed a cup of rice, fried chicken breast, and adorn it with a cut of broccoli, squash, and green vegetables.
“We offer one-of-a-kind specialty Japanese dishes that are made-to-order right then and there,” Chef Onuki said, “That’s what makes us different from the rest.”
Chef Onuki shared the meaning behind the name of the restaurant, Ume, which is a beautiful pink flower that blooms at the end of winter, indicating the beginning of spring. This Japanese plum blossom symbolizes beauty, endurance, and resilience in Japanese culture. Bearing the name of a fruit with a rich history dating back over 4,000 years, UME Japanese Cuisine is a testament to the enduring spirit of Japan’s culture.
In its seven-year tenure, UME Japanese Cuisine has continuously given its loyal patrons and diners an experience to remember. Functioning as the heart of UME Japanese Cuisine, Chef Onuki’s dedication and devotion to showcasing unique and specialty dishes that people can indulge and experience time and time again.