As hidden culinary gems go, none catches my attention more than when it claims to boast fresh, seasonal ingredients from Osaka AND a mysterious Japanese beer garden. Might I also mention the all-you-can-drink happy hour for only HK$160 from 5:30pm-7:30pm? I'd never heard of Ura prior to this, despite it being sandwiched between two well-known restaurants (VEA & Momotaro) in The Wellington, and I was excited to give it a try.
The Chang brothers, also behind Indonesian restaurant IR1968 and soon-to-open Tsujiri matcha dessert shop in IFC, are the masterminds behind Ura & its modern Japanese concept. I was very happy to find that Ura had that intriguing element of surprise - in its food quality, decor and ambiance - that sets it apart and ahead of any other Japanese-inspired restaurant that I've tried so far.
This is Ura's house-made sake, perfect for gifting as well as to enjoy in copious amounts on a weeknight - because get this - this sake is so pure it will never cause a hangover. Apparently, sake sold in stores are loaded with MSG (for preservation purposes) that actually causes the crippling hangovers the next day. Tried & tested folks - it's true. I demolished half a bottle of Ura's special libation on a Tuesday night, and went into work a happy camper the next day.
Loved the worn-out look of this menu. Pre-feastin'.
These were the Fried Tulip Kyushu Chicken Wing (HK$48). Perfectly crunchy batter, and artfully designed to look like lollipops!
This was one of my favourite dishes of the night - Osaka Style Egg Sandwich (HK$68). Basically, it's an oozy, medium-rare tamagoyaki with a black truffle centre, sandwiched between two pieces of toasted and buttered bread. What makes it that much more special is that everything has been sourced from Japan - and you can really taste it in the rich egg.
Charcoal Grilled Minced Chicken & Prawn Skewer (HK$48) - this wasn't a favourite at the table because of the bits of crunchy chicken cartilege, but I actually love the stuff and thought it added a nice texture. If you're Japanese and grew up with nankotsu, then I would 100% recommend this dish for a unique taste of home.
This was only on our table for a split second - apparently enough time for a picture - but now you know this tasty looking ikura/uni pasta is on the Ura menu too!
Check out the perfect centre of that egg! Our first taste of A5 Kagoshima Wagyu of the night in the A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Roll (HK$198) was heavenly. The wagyu pieces practically melted from tenderness.
And the whole shebang right here - the A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Steak & Sea Urchin Rice (HK$438). We could taste the quality of the wagyu in these thicker cuts. Combined with the uni, freshly grated wasabi on top and crisp nori, this was no doubt the highlight of the night.
And of course, the sashimi on ice. URA's Sashimi Set features 6 types of fish, and is priced at a valued HK$160.
Loved this Matcha Bavarian (HK$68) dessert. Perfect amount of gelatin that makes it come away smoothly on your spoon but immediately dissolves on your tongue. Try this when you go, even if it's just for tea!
URA Japanese Delicacy
Address - 2/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel - +852-2111-9381
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/urajap/?fref=ts
Instagram - @ura_japan
Lunch - 11:30am-3:30pm
Dinner - 5pm-11pm
Happy Hour - 5:30pm-9:30pm / Drinks available until 12:30am