Be taken on a gastronomic journey through the bustling streets and aromatic alleys of Asia’s most vibrant cities, from Hong Kong and Hanoi, to Kyoto, Singapore and Bangkok at recently opened UBA in Shoreditch. From the team behind Sucre, Alma and CLAP London, UBA blends East London’s dynamic spirit with the flavours of South East Asia, providing fragrant sharing plates and innovative cocktails. Inspired by the rich heritage of Shoreditch, UBA is a celebration of authentic culture, where every dish and design detail tells a captivating story of craft. With their sophisticated ambiance and a commitment to inclusive luxury, UBA invites you to belong— to indulge, to connect, and to discover the art of contemporary Asian dining. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Inspired by the epicurean exploits of globetrotting Chef Paul Greening (Aqua Restaurant Group and Novikov), expect a menu which celebrates the vibrancy of South Asian cuisine. Featuring a plethora of Pan- Asian dishes, each plate is rooted in tradition, but with a theatrical twist from the freshest sashimi through to delicious dim sum, Hirata buns, ramen and smokey dishes from the robata grill.
Whilst the whole menu deserves to be discovered, highlights include super sweet corn with Tokyo butter and wasabi furikake, a chilled spinach salad and handmade soba tofu with a goma dressing; Larger plates from UBA’s robata grill include the baby chicken with barley ginger miso, crispy rice noodles, coriander and sesame; and yuzu shisho marinated lamb cutlets with a complex nashi pear tomato miso kimchi sauce.
Crafted to be consumed with childlike glee, UBA’s showstopping desserts include the lychee, jasmine and raspberry crème brulée with Calpis sorbet; and a vanilla tofu cheesecake, hidden beneath a fluffy cloud of Sakura floss.
The bar menu takes drinkers on a journey with libations that capture the essence of vibrant cityscapes, serene temple gardens, and bustling culinary scenes. Every sip promises a story, a connection to a faraway land, and a taste of authentic Asian culture. Must-tries from Head Bartender Alex Cernatu include the Jasmine Pearl with Roku gin, lemongrass and ginger cordial, jasmine pearl and peach soda, designed to whisk guests to the lush forests of Thailand; and transporting to Sichuan province tea plantation is the Smoky Dragon with Tarry Lapsang Souchong tea-infused tequila and Szechuan pepper infused agave.
A range of sakes from the Akashi-Tai family-run brewery,dating back to 1856, also feature alongside Japanese liqueurs and a carefully curated wine list.
Shoreditch’s new playful and decadent Pan Asian dining spot has also designed a lunch menu that’s set to make lunchtimes a whole lot livelier! With the Express Lunch, choose four flavour packed plates – either meat, fish or vegetarian options – and enjoy a noodle dish, salad, dim sum and a hot dish. Dishes across the meat, fish and vegetarian menu include highlights of Korean crispy chicken; rock shrimp tempura; spicy aubergine and spinach dim sum; and Tokyo corn with wasabi. Created by Head Chef Pavel Baranovs and a team of globetrotting chefs, the Express Lunch menu invites guests on gastronomic journey, inspired by the fantastic regions across Asia, at a great set price. With an elegant and experimental cocktail list to accompany, UBA is the perfect spot for a quick and tasty lunch.
Located within East London’s stylish Hart Shoreditch hotel, UBA’s opulent interiors are inspired by cultures and mythology across Asia. Painted in a palette of traditional and auspicious shades of red and gold, standout features include a statement marble bar offering counter dining for up to 14, red velvet banquette seating, lava stone tabletops with antique mirrors, Asian ceramics and decorative lighting. The restaurant also boasts a private dining room seating 12.
UBA – an indulgent journey through the streets of Asia, where East meets East London.
Excellent service which is both helpful and attentive; delectable dishes, buzzing vibe, upbeat atmosphere, tantalising cuisine, palatable drinks, chic decor, plush interiors, charming presentation, with flavours on point makes it a journey through the streets of Asia in London and a memorable meal experience…Highly Recommended!
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