Playful and decadent new dining spot UBA has launched on Great Eastern Street, taking its enthralled diners on a gastronomic journey through the bustling streets and aromatic alleys of Asian’s most vibrant cities.
The menu gravitates around accessible sharing plates, served-up against a backdrop of decadent interiors and a vibrant soundtrack. Each dish reflects on the diverse nature of South Asian cuisine, incorporating a wide range of flavours, textures, and aromas rooted in tradition, but with a creative flair.
The menu is the masterpiece of globetrotting Chef Paul Greening, renowned for other London hotspots such as Aqua and Novikov, with dishes inspired directly by his epicurean exploits across Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The menu runs the gamut from silky sashimi and new-style sushi through to fluffy hirata buns and dim sum, gorgeous gyoza and soul-soothing ramen. Signature must-tries will include stuffed boneless chicken wings with coriander, lime and ginger miso dipping; spicy salmon tartare served on an ice plate with Japanese herbs, salmon roe and nori rice crackers.
Larger plates come from the robata and teppanyaki with dishes such as yuzu shisho marinade lamb cutlets with nashi pear tomato miso and kimchi; yakiniku beef ribeye with sweet potato nest, onion miso and wasabi furikake; and crispy salmon belly with gochujang brown butter ponzu.
Playing centre stage is a bar serving a selection of perfectly paired cocktails, wines and spirits inspired by the team’s personal travels through Asia. The drinks list will offer a selection of much-loved favourites with a twist, as well as some exceptional signatures unique to UBA.
The interior has been carefully thought out to complement the dining experience whilst paying homage to Asian culture and mythology. Bathed in auspicious red and gold, banquettes are upholstered in scarlet velvet and tabletops are lava stone, whilst counter dining for up to 14 is available at the statement marble bar. Illustrative artwork, calligraphy, colourful porcelain plates and tiger statues and graphics, symbolising strength and grace, complete the picture.
A private dining room will provide an intimate experience for up to 12 guests whilst a downstairs event space for larger parties and celebrations will open come summer.
From the team behind the acclaimed Sucre, Alma and CLAP London, UBA is more than just a restaurant. Reflecting Shoreditch’s eclectic vibe, it’s a multi-sensory celebration of Pan-Asian flavours, creative cocktails and serious sounds, wrapped in a lively and playful package.
And it’s not just about the food and authentic experience – the new restaurant plans a lineup of events and DJ nights that are sure to put the opening on the map as one of Shoreditch’s hottest dining destination.
You can find UBA at 51-67 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HU.
