A cosy Berlin food spot, a very good salmon dish and an iced Vietnamese coffee I’m still thinking about.
There are restaurants you try once, enjoy, and then somehow never think about again. And then there are the places where you leave already knowing you’ll be back. Umami Ku’damm was the second one for me.
I originally visited without really planning for it to become one of those places. But after my first meal there turned out to be that good, I ended up coming back and yes, I ordered salmon again.
QUICK TAKE
If you like cosy interiors, comforting rice dishes and sweeter iced coffee, Umami Ku’damm is an easy Berlin food spot to keep in mind. I liked my first salmon dish so much that I came back for a second visit.
First Impressions
One of the first things I noticed about Umami was the atmosphere. The restaurant has this warm, slightly moody interior with lots of dark wood and rows of softly glowing lanterns hanging above you.
Especially in the evening, it feels incredibly cosy without being too formal. It’s visually interesting enough that I immediately want to take photos, but still relaxed enough for a casual dinner.
The Reason I Came Back: Fish Pot
On my first visit, I ordered the Fish Pot (No. 26): grilled salmon with vegetables, kimchi and jasmine rice served in a traditional clay pot.
It was so good that this meal is basically the reason there was a second visit. The salmon was the highlight for me. Combined with the rice, vegetables, kimchi and sauce, it was one of those meals where everything just worked together.
The combination felt comforting without being boring. The clay pot presentation, salmon, kimchi and rice made it feel like the kind of dish you want to order again before you have even left.
So… I Went Back
Usually when I return to a restaurant, I tell myself I should try something completely different. Apparently that rule does not apply when salmon is involved.
On my second visit, I once again went for salmon. After how much I enjoyed it the first time, experimenting suddenly seemed unnecessary. And once again: no regrets.
The Highland Refresher
The second visit did bring one new discovery: the Highland Refresher, a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee with caramelised milk and sesame.
It’s sweet, creamy and much richer than a regular iced coffee. The caramelised milk gives it that almost dessert-like quality, while the coffee still comes through.
If you normally like sweeter iced coffees rather than very bitter ones, this is the drink I would look at. The sesame on top was such a small detail, but I loved it.
The Little Details
Something I really like about Umami is that the experience isn’t only about the food. The lanterns, wooden furniture, ceramics and presentation all work together and give the restaurant its own identity.
Even from outside, the lanterns make the restaurant instantly recognisable after dark. It feels warm, slightly hidden away from the city around it and very Berlin evening dinner spot.
Would I Go Again?
Considering I already went back because I liked my first meal so much… yes. Obviously.
Umami Ku’damm has become one of those Berlin food spots I’d happily return to when I want something comforting but still a little special.
JASSI’S ORDER
Fish Pot (No. 26)
Grilled salmon, vegetables, kimchi & jasmine rice
+ Highland Refresher
Vietnamese iced coffee with caramelised milk & sesame
Would order again: 100%
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a cosy Berlin dinner spot with a warm atmosphere and comforting Asian-inspired dishes, Umami Ku’damm is one I would keep on the list. For me, the salmon was the clear favourite and the fact that I came back for it says enough.
This post is based on my personal experience and was not sponsored. Menu items and prices may change, so check the restaurant’s current menu before visiting.
Would You Try It?
Would you go for the salmon, or would you actually be brave enough to order something different on the second visit? Tell me in the comments. ♡
Art of Jassi 
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