Lede:
The arrival of crisp autumn weather signals the peak of Pacific Saury season, and 鵜舞 (Ubu) —the 3,500-square-foot izakaya at D2 Place, Lai Chi Kok—is marking the occasion with a dedicated Sanma Matsuri menu. Sourcing premium fish from the cold northern waters of Hokkaido, the restaurant’s culinary team has developed five distinct dishes that explore the versatility of this prized seasonal catch, widely celebrated in Japan as the “King of Autumn Flavors.”
A Festival of Five Facets
Ubu has built a strong following for its transportive atmosphere, which recreates the nostalgic charm of a Showa-era Japanese fishing village through dark wood finishes and traditional lantern lighting. The Sanma Matsuri extends that authenticity to the plate. Pacific Saury is known for its firm texture and high fat content, making it ideal for a range of cooking methods, from raw preparations to grilled classics.
The limited pop-up menu is designed to showcase that range:
- Whole Sanma Sashimi (HK$228): Presented as a striking whole fish that highlights the natural marbling of the premium catch. Diners can customize each bite with grated ginger, scallions, or a savory house-made miso dip.
- Sanma Sansho Kamameshi (HK$228): A warming claypot rice dish featuring Niigata rice slowly steamed in bonito broth. As the fish roasts on top, its rich oils seep into the grains, while ground Japanese sansho pepper adds a bright, citrus-like finish.
- Sanma Tempura (HK$218): Available in two distinct profiles—the Plum and Shiso version offers a tart, herbaceous contrast, while the Spicy Miso Cheese delivers a hearty, umami-rich indulgence wrapped in a thin, crispy batter.
- Salt-Grilled Sanma (HK$218): The quintessential izakaya preparation. The whole fish is expertly grilled until the skin is blistered and golden, served simply with a wedge of sudachi citrus to cut through the richness.
- Sanma Sashimi Donburi (HK$228): A purist’s option, featuring thick slices of fresh saury over a bed of tangy sushi-zu seasoned rice.
All dishes are priced between HK$218 and HK$228, offering an accessible entry point into a high-end seasonal tradition.
The Seasonal Shift
For Ubu, this focused menu represents more than a promotional event—it is a celebration of shun, the Japanese culinary philosophy of honoring ingredients at their peak. In a dining scene that increasingly values hyper-seasonality and single-origin sourcing, the Sanma Matsuri provides diners with a rare opportunity to explore the depth of a single ingredient across multiple preparations. The team recommends pairing the grilled and tempura options with a crisp, dry sake to complete the experience.
Actionable Takeaways
The Sanma Matsuri is running now for a limited window, depending entirely on the availability of wild Hokkaido stock. Due to the exclusivity of the catch and the expected demand, advance reservations are strongly advised.
- Location: Shop 2, G/F, Phase 1, D2 Place, 9 Lai Chee Street, Lai Chi Kok (1-minute walk from MTR Exit D2)
- Contact: 2743 8011
- Hours: Mon–Sun (12:00–15:00, 17:30–23:00)
- For best experience: Visit with a group to share across the full menu, and book an evening slot when the izakaya’s lantern-lit ambiance is at its most atmospheric.
As the season turns and the city leans into cooler evenings, Ubu offers a compelling reason to gather around the table and savor one of Japan’s most celebrated fleeting flavors.