Umami Fusion Kitchen

About Umami Fusion Kitchen

Umami Fusion Kitchen offers a dynamic, contemporary dining experience where traditional Japanese techniques meet innovative Southeast Asian and Pacific flavours. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of Japan's izakaya culture, the menu is designed to introduce even those unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine to its delights.

Using locally sourced New Zealand ingredients and seasonal produce, dishes are served fresh the moment they're ready and designed for sharing with friends and family. The friendly team is happy to accommodate dietary requirements and vegetarian requests on request.

Beyond regular dining, Umami offers a Chef's Seasonal Banquet and a dedicated Gluten Free Banquet Menu for groups of four or more, along with private functions, happy hours, gift vouchers and online ordering for pickup.

Umami Fusion Kitchen: Japanese Asian Fusion Dining in Pyes Pa, Tauranga

Umami Fusion Kitchen brings a dynamic, contemporary dining experience to Pyes Pa, Tauranga, where traditional Japanese techniques meet innovative Southeast Asian and Pacific flavours. Drawing on the energy of Japan's izakaya culture, the restaurant's menu is built to introduce even newcomers to Japanese-inspired cuisine.

A modern fusion menu

Using locally sourced New Zealand ingredients and seasonal produce, Umami's kitchen serves dishes fresh the moment they're ready, designed with sharing in mind for tables of friends and family. The team is happy to accommodate dietary requirements and vegetarian requests — guests are simply encouraged to ask.

Banquets built for groups

For larger groups, Umami offers a Chef's Seasonal Banquet featuring a welcome drink followed by a selection of the chef's finest creations — house-made Blue Cheese Potato Wonton with plum coulis, wok-tossed Edamame Beans, Japanese Eggplant Tempura with sticky sesame caramel, Market Fish Crudo with burnt capsicum and yuzu, crispy Karaage Chicken, Chilli Caramel Pork Belly, and Beef Tataki, finishing with a Chef's Choice dessert.

For guests with coeliac disease or a preference for gluten free dining, a dedicated Gluten Free Banquet Menu is also available, featuring wok tossed edamame, a Tuna Salmon Avo Roll, gluten free Karaage Chicken, a Crispy Asian Slaw, and the same standout Chilli Caramel Pork Belly. Both banquet menus require a minimum of four people, and the team asks to be told in advance about any coeliac requirements.

A dish that keeps showing up

Across both banquet menus, the Chilli Caramel Pork Belly stands out as a genuine signature — pork belly steeped in five spices and hoisin, twice cooked, and served on a creamy kumara and cauliflower puree with toasted sesame, pork crackling and a chilli caramel glaze.

Beyond the banquet table

Umami also runs happy hours and caters for private functions, giving groups more ways to celebrate beyond a standard sit-down meal. Gift vouchers can be sent by email for anyone wanting to treat someone special, no matter the distance, and online ordering is available for pickup for those who'd rather enjoy the food at home.

Visiting Umami Fusion Kitchen

Umami is closed on Mondays. Dinner runs Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to last order at 8:30pm, and Friday to Sunday from 4pm to last order at 9pm, with lunch also available Friday to Sunday from 12pm to last order at 2:30pm. The restaurant is located at Unit 2, 83 Pyes Pa Road, Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

Signature items

• Chilli Caramel Pork Belly
• Beef Tataki
• Karaage Chicken
• Japanese Eggplant Tempura
• Blue Cheese Potato Wonton
• Tuna Salmon Avo Roll

Menu

Gluten Free Banquet

• Wok Tossed Edamame — Edamame with sesame oil and wasabi salt.
• Tuna Salmon Avo Roll — Spicy fresh tuna and NZ salmon with spring onion, wrapped with avocado, topped with sriracha mayo.
• Karaage Chicken (GF) — Crispy fried chicken thigh with nori salt, vegan mayo and lemon wedges.
• Crispy Asian Slaw — Cabbage, granny smith apple, mung sprouts, mint and coriander with crispy shallots, sesame seeds and sesame miso dressing.
• Chilli Caramel Pork Belly — Five-spice and hoisin pork belly, twice cooked, on kumara and cauliflower puree with toasted sesame, pork crackling and chilli caramel glaze.

Chef'S Seasonal Banquet

• Blue Cheese Potato Wonton — Filled with house-made blue cheese potato, served with plum coulis.
• Edamame Beans — Wok tossed with sesame oil and wasabi salt (GF/DF/V).
• Japanese Eggplant Tempura — Tempura eggplant with sticky sesame caramel, mung bean sprouts, crispy shallots and fresh chilli (V/DF/GF).
• Market Fish Crudo — Fresh market fish with burnt capsicum and yuzu sauce.
• Karaage Chicken — Crispy fried chicken thigh with nori salt, Japanese mayo and lemon wedges (DF/GF without mayo).
• Chilli Caramel Pork Belly — Five-spice and hoisin pork belly, twice cooked, on kumara and cauliflower puree with toasted sesame, pork crackling and chilli caramel glaze (GF).
• Beef Tataki — 200g beef eye fillet lightly seared and sliced, on cucumber and red onion with truffle ponzu and shaved parmesan.
• Chef's Choice Dessert — A dessert selected by the chef.

Frequently asked questions

What cuisine does Umami Fusion Kitchen serve?

Japanese Asian fusion, blending Southeast Asian flavours with a Japanese modern twist.

Is there a banquet option?

Yes, both a Chef's Seasonal Banquet and a Gluten Free Banquet Menu are available for groups of 4 or more.

Are dietary requirements catered for?

Yes, the team accommodates dietary requirements and vegetarian requests, and a dedicated gluten free banquet is available.

What are the opening hours?

Closed Monday. Lunch Friday-Sunday 12pm-2:30pm; dinner Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-8:30pm and Friday-Sunday 4pm-9pm.

Can I order online for pickup?

Yes, online ordering for pickup is available.

Does Umami offer gift vouchers?

Yes, vouchers can be sent by email.

Is Umami suitable for private functions?

Yes, happy hours and private functions are available.

Tips

• {"body":"A standout dish featured on both banquet menus.","title":"Try the Chilli Caramel Pork Belly"}
• {"body":"Important if booking the gluten free banquet.","title":"Mention coeliac disease in advance"}
• {"body":"Requires a minimum of 4 people.","title":"Book ahead for a banquet"}
• {"body":"Available if not dining in.","title":"Order online for pickup"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"A dedicated Gluten Free Banquet Menu is available; the team accommodates dietary requirements and vegetarian requests on ask."}