Each year from March to April, the whole nation of Japan is obsessed with sakura. The streets are pink, the iced coffees are pink; everyone and everything is swept into the celebration of ‘Hanami’ (花見) aka, “flower watching”. Blossoming sakura and ume trees dominate Japan's scenic landscape as millions gather to observe their beauty and thus participate in the historic Hanami festival. Friends and families celebrate the blossoms by sharing food in picnics underneath the trees. As a symbol of spring, communion, and temporality, the blooms last only a very short time, reminding festival-goers of the fleeting nature of life. This aspect brings into sharp clarity the importance of appreciating the present, spending time with loved ones, and sharing food as a means of connection. Convicted by these poignant reminders, we are excited to announce Umami Mamma’s second restaurant pop-up: the Hanami Banquet. Nestled in the heart of NR2, Norwich.

Within this one-of-a-kind pop-up event, we will explore these themes of beauty and temporality through a 3-course pescatarian menu, inspired by bento-style foods typically eaten during hanami. Exploring the cross-cultural realms of taste, umami and memory, our set menu encourages visitors to reflect and appreciate the transient beauty of each dish, as we spread the joy of sharing food with one another. Each dish also presents an opportunity to learn more about Hanami and Japanese traditions, with an accompanying biography to each course.

The evening will be split into two 2 hour slots, with a max capacity of 20 people per slot. To reserve a space, individual tickets will need to be purchased ahead of time via the eventbrite. Due to licensing rules, the time slots for the event cannot be exceeded. This ticket will act as pre-payment for the 3-course menu, with drinks being paid on the night. The slots are as follows:

1. Afternoon: 17:30-19:30

1. Evening: 20:00-22:00

All food will be pescatarian, with the starter and main containing ingredients with fish paste. Due to the small scale of the event, we cannot make any additions or amendments to accommodate allergies or intolerances. Please see the full allergen list below regarding our menu before reserving.

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THE MENU

Okonomi Wawa / お好み焼き

A wafflized version of a beloved Japanese street food.

Okinomiyaki waffle with shredded cabbage, dashi, pickled ginger and tenkasu, topped with plum kewpie mayo, okonomi sauce, aonori, pickled radish and watermelon.

Tempura Calimaki / 太巻き

Californian sushi rolls with surimi, avocado and cucumber, wrapped in nori and deep fried in panko. Drizzled in black bean mayo. Served with all the typical garnishes, plus pickled lotus root and sakura.

Hanami Dango / 三色花見団子

Sakura, vanilla and matcha mochi on bamboo skewers, caramelised with a blow torch. Served with black sesame and white chocolate sauce.

DRINKS

Ume Ume - 8

18 month-preserved plum sake with tonic and candied sage

Hairy Sakura - 3.5

Sakura and lychee syrup served with sparkling water and blossoms

Asahi Super Dry - 4.5

SEE ALLERGY LIST BELOW BEFORE RESERVING

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No celebration is complete without gifts! Alongside the 3 course menu, each guest will receive a personalised fortune, tasting guide and name holder at their table. Guests are encouraged to pick a couple flowers from our table bouquets to take home with them, reminding them to cherish the spring holiday.

As always, expect the decor to be delightfully kitsch, colourful and maximalist! Inspired by my cafe-hopping trips in South Korea, the event’s decor is a hommage to the sharp attention to detail and love for all things cute which defines the lively cafe culture in S. Korea and Japan. Think picnic vibes, think cottage core, think kawaii bento boxes!

We can’t wait to see you there!!

Lots of love,

The Umami Mamma Team

xoxoxo

Follow us on instagram: @umami_mamma

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ALLERGENS

Starter:

Gluten

Lupin

Egg

Mustard Powder

Soybean

Sesame

Sulfites

Fish

Main:

Fish

Egg

Sesame

Soybean

Sulfites

Mustard Powder

Gluten

Lupin

Desert:

Dairy

Gluten

Lupin

Sesame

Drinks:

Sulfites