Leandro
Google
Umami by Han on Overtoom promises a sophisticated take on modern Asian fusion, blending traditional dim sum and inventive sharing dishes in a sleek, contemporary setting. Unfortunately, while the kitchen shows promise, the overall experience leaves much to be desired.
The food, to its credit, tastes good. Flavors are balanced, and the kitchen clearly understands seasoning and texture at least, what the texture should have been. My crispy pork arrived only lukewarm, its once-crunchy exterior now softened and soggy. The dim sum, particularly the ha kau, suffered a similar fate delicate in taste but tepid to the touch. One can’t help but assume that the dishes had been left standing too long before service, which is a shame considering the culinary potential.
What truly undermined the evening, however, was the service. We waited a full ten minutes at the entrance before anyone acknowledged our presence. Once seated, things didn’t improve: ordering drinks became an exercise in patience, and our pre-dinner cocktails meant to set the tone took nearly twenty-five minutes to arrive. Ironically, the only thing that came swiftly was the bill.
Seated at the back of the restaurant, the atmosphere proved more bustling than buzzy. The space was overcrowded, and the noise level made conversation a strain. Any sense of refinement that the menu aspires to is quickly lost amid the din.
In the end, Umami by Han delivers food with promise but fails where it matters most in execution and hospitality. Warm flavors can’t compensate for lukewarm dishes and cold service. A restaurant experience, after all, is about more than taste it’s about care, timing, and the feeling that guests are welcome. On this visit, sadly, that ingredient was missing.
