Weeks of intermittent heavy rain had our cravings working in direct proportion to the precipitation: the harder the rain fell, the more intense our hunger for a good Japanese feast became.
It was a Thursday morning. Classes were suspended, traffic was predictably brutal, but nothing was stopping the handsome hubby and I from heading out for our 66th Michelin adventure at Michelin Selected UMU at Dusit Thani Manila.
What better place to escape a gloomy, rain-soaked day than a Japanese sanctuary?
Tucked within Dusit Thani Manila, UMI feels like a secret garden cocooned from the city’s chaotic rhythm. Step inside and the urban cacophony seems to dim, replaced by the gentle shimmer of a koi pond, the sculpted beauty of a Japanese garden, and the lively choreography of open cooking stations. Every corner feels thoughtfully composed, inviting you to pause, linger, and savour the moment.
For our 66th Michelin date, we came hungry and left appreciating that Michelin Selected UMU is about more than just the food. It’s the whole experience.
A LA CARTE
UMU offers both à la carte dining and thoughtfully curated set menus, showcasing premium ingredients, refined techniques and the delicate balance that defines Japanese cuisine. We ordered Kanpachi (P1700) , Salmon Sashimi P975, Uni Sushi 2 pcs P775, Tempura Moriawase P1,050 , Dobin Mushi P650, homemade black sesame seed ice cream P450 for dessert.
They also have Business Executive Menu
TEPPAN .There’s something wonderfully mesmerizing about the teppan experience, like having a front-row seat to a culinary spectacle, where flames leap and flicker, aromas billow into the air, knives flash with precision, and the griddle crackles like an orchestra warming up for the main act.
Teppan dishes are available à la carte, while set menus are designed for sharing with up to four guests. Set menus require at least 24 hours’ advance reservation and are available for lunch and dinner.
BEYOND THE MENU. Want to try something off the menu? Try their Wafu Hambagu in Curry Sauce P1650. The pan-seared patty is juicy and tender, its beef richness lifted by a thick, velvety curry that coats each bite. Warm spices : turmeric, cumin, and hints of garam masala , rise with every spoonful, adding a slow-cooked depth.
Like a purple twilight sky, Murasaki Twilight P450 blends blue pea-infused sake, vodka, and citrus into a luminous cocktail inspired by dusk. It opens with floral notes and soft plum and dark berry undertones, followed by a smooth, cooling sip. Its gentle sweetness and crisp finish refresh the palate, cutting through the curry’s richness for a balanced pairing.
For celebrations and intimate gatherings, UMU’s private dining rooms accommodate 6 to 20 guests, offering a discreet and comfortable setting for lingering conversations over good food.
What we particularly love about UMU is how seamlessly the experience comes together. The garden, the koi pond, the Japanese aesthetic, the live teppan theatre and the attentive hospitality all create a sense of escape.
Outside, Manila was drenched. Inside Michelin Selected UMU, we were exactly where we wanted to be.
UMU is located at the ground level of Dusit Thani Hotel along Pasay Road Makati
Full Disclosure: PiggingOutOnSundays was invited to dine at Michelin Selected UMU. The thoughts and taste buds? 100% ours 🥰
Pigoutmanila 