Umai is an introduction to the comfort and serenity of Japan; it is an exploration and celebration of a culture deeply rooted in food.

With over 80 delicious dishes that evoke the country’s rich heritage, Umai covers easy lunches, family favourites and classics designed for sharing, as well as simple and sweet desserts. Woven between the recipes are passages that will transport you to the enticing eateries of Japan. Venture to a traditional izakaya for classic small plates and recreate this at home, warm your soul at a no-frills hole-in-the-wall teishokuya or delve into unmissable delicacies at a local Japanese bakery – there’s plenty to guide you through what to expect on your journey.

Take this as your invitation to enter the Japanese home kitchen and gain a local’s perspective on a cuisine that is known and loved around the world.