If you think you’ve tried every kind of Japanese hotpot there is, Umi Japanese Restaurant at Lexis Suites Penang might still surprise you. Its signature seafood claypot isn’t just a flavour bomb, it’s cooked with sake, giving the broth a subtle sweetness and warmth that might make those with a low alcohol tolerance feel just a hint of tipsiness.
Located inside the hotel, Umi combines quiet elegance with traditional touches such as tatami rooms, wooden interiors, and friendly service. But the real highlight here is the claypot series, which arrives bubbling at your table and could easily feed a small group.
Claypot heaven and generous portions
The claypot menu has two options: Claypot Clams (RM138) and Seafood Claypot in Sake (RM388). We couldn’t decide, so we got both. When they arrived, my jaw dropped. The portions were huge. The menu said “good for three,” but to me, it could feed five hungry diners.
The clams were fresh with no trace of that telltale brininess. Meanwhile, the seafood claypot came loaded with nama hotate, local prawns, and garoupa fillet, all simmering in a clear, sake-infused broth over a small gas stove. It came with Sanuki udon, which soaked up the broth beautifully, making every bite soft and comforting.
The sake gave the broth a light sweetness and gentle heat that lingered after each spoonful. Curious, I asked the chef what made the flavour so balanced. He only smiled and said, “There’s a secret ingredient,” before walking off. Fair enough.
Exploring their Nihon Setto menu
Beyond the claypots, Umi also serves what they call Nihon Setto, their signature Japanese sets. There are five in total, and we ordered four because we wanted to try as much as we could (and because self-control clearly wasn’t on the menu). We had to find out the hard way that each are portioned very generously for sharing.
Nabeyaki Udon, Gyoza & Tempura Set (RM99.90)
The broth was light, soothing, and perfect with the chewy udon noodles. The gyoza had crisp edges and soft centres, and the tempura came out golden and airy.
Sashimi & Sushi Set (RM129.90)
This one’s for sashimi enthusiasts. The sashimi was unbelievably fresh, with a soft, buttery texture and presentation so pretty it deserved a photo first.
Salmon Mentaiyaki & Temaki Set (RM118.90)
The salmon mentaiyaki had a slightly charred surface with a creamy, savoury topping, while the prawn tempura temaki gave the meal a good crunch. Together, they felt indulgent without being heavy.
Japanese Curry Chicken Katsu Rice Set (RM98.90)
My personal favourite. The curry was rich, and the chicken stayed juicy beneath its crisp coating. The dish genuinely kept a smile on my face. It came with Ebi Avocado Maki on the side, making it a complete and fulfilling set.
Each meal also includes the little extras that round off a Japanese dining experience: chawanmushi, pickles, fruits, and other small accompaniments that make your table feel like a feast.
Service that makes you want to stay
What stood out as much as the food was the hospitality. The staff were attentive but never intrusive, somehow knowing exactly when to step in and when to let us enjoy our meal in peace. Even as the restaurant filled up, the space remained calm and unhurried.
Satisfying end to a long day
Umi turned out to be one of those rare hotel restaurants that genuinely impress. Between the generous portions, thoughtful service, and that memorable sake claypot, it’s the kind of place you leave full, warm, and quietly content.
If you’re staying at Lexis Suites Penang or happen to be nearby, make a reservation and treat yourself. Go with friends to sample everything, or enjoy a quiet solo dinner in one of the tatami rooms. Either way, Umi will leave you with a pleasant memory not just because of the food, but because of how it made you feel.
Tip: Make a reservation early if you want a private tatami room. They’re limited and tend to fill up quickly.
UMI Japanese Restaurant
Address: Ground Floor, Lexis Penang
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm (Lunch: Tue – Thurs, Fri & Sat), 6pm – 10pm (Dinner: Fri, Sat & Sun), Closed on Monday
You should also check out: Mix-and-match tang yuan? That’s a thing at this Kepong shop that’s been around since 1988.
