I love Umami Kushi! Everyone I've ever interacted with is super chill and kind. The interior is really cute and there are a few tables to sit at to enjoy your food. I love the kimchi tofu okazu pan most (I'm mainly vegetarian), & egg salad sando when they have it. The beignets are delicious a must if you can get them - pretty sure they're a weekend special. My husband's favorite is the jerk chicken one. We've tried a lot of the flavors and they're all delicious, but we have our favorites :) Highly recommend coming for a comforting and satisfying treat read more

Ordered the beef curry and Peruvian chicken, both are super delicious! Owner is also super nice. Highly recommend and would definitely come back! read more

Umami Kushi - Peruvian chicken, absolutely delicious - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The plantain chicken afropan was amazing! I loved it. It was so god I forgot to take the picture until after I ate most of it. read more

Umami Kushi - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Food was delicious - owner was nice. We tried a variety of flavors. The texture of the breads are perfect - the perfect amount of crunchy exterior followed by soft pillowy texture for the bread itself. The middle was filled with different ingredients. They have vegetarian and vegan options as well. Ask the owner for what's inside, or how they prepare them! For example, the salmon is actually more of a creamy salmon mashed-potato than a sockeye or smoked salmon. The bulgogi and jerk chicken have some spice to them. Some of the breads come with sauces on the side - for example the 3 listed already. Beef curry was our favorite. Butternut squash was seasonal. Today was their first day offering it, so maybe that's why the bread to filling ratio was a little heavier on the bread side. All the rest of them were perfect. We came just before 11am on a Wednesday, but turns out they have customer appreciation on Tuesdays with 1/2 off all the breads. There's very limited seating - a couple tables seating parties of 2 outside, no seating inside that I noticed. This is mostly a grab and go place - I even saw a few bicyclists stopping by for a bite. Would absolutely swing by again! read more

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The food was so good! I had the egg sando and the vegan tofu kimchi bun and my partner had the BBQ pork bun. Everything was super tasty. The server was very friendly and helpful with questions. He also brought out some beignets on the house which was very kind! We came around 1:30 so they were winding down for the day and we were the only people inside. The eating area is small but the murals are really bright and cute! I was excited to try their stuff directly from them as I've only tried their stuff that they sell at other cafes more towards downtown. read more

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The food was delicious!! I got to taste the option with the lentils and it was great!i I am usually picky on my lentils but these were great! read more

Food was delicious!! going back for seconds right now!! Roses are red violets are blue this food was delicious thank you!!

I had the croquette which was very flavorful and soft, I had it at a UW tent and I was pleasantly surpised!

Best food I've ever had! Customer service was amazing and the workers were so kind. Got the jerk chicken and it was bomb!

Their afropans are so delicious and unique, I love the different fillings and the outside is crispy

Finally got a chance to stop into this Black owned anime cafe in south seattle and it did not disappoint! Such a cool cafe offering up a variety of Japanese style buns, drinks and even has a vending machine inside staying true to the Japanese theme. Llimited seating but right across from the water so you can go across the street and eat your buns while they're hot outside on a nice day. I got the beef curry which was my favorite, very comparable to the curry buns I've had in Japan. I also tried the jerk chicken which came with a small jerk sauce on the side and a fried sweet plantain slice on top, the plantain added something I didn't expect and I wish there was more, the jerk sauce wasn't a flavor I'd prefer so without the sauce the bun was a little dry. I will definitely be back and hope to catch their chicken adobo bun before it sells out. read more

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Super friendly folks and such a cute vibe when you go in. When my wife and I came in, they were playing some choice city pop tracks. Can't recommend this place enough. The food is so good so many flavors to try definitely worth going with some friends getting one each and then sharing. Love that they have a customer appreciation day with half-price goods. read more

Very great food and amazing service! The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were even better. I ordered three pans, their chips, and the lemongrass chili crisp. I absolutely loved the mofongo pan the most, followed by the black-eyed pea one. My least favorite was the adobo, but it was still very tasty. I didn't realize two of the pans came with sauce -- that could definitely be highlighted more clearly when serving, since it really took everything to the next level. Even without the sauce, everything was delicious, but once I added it, the dishes went from great to phenomenal. The chips were perfect for snacking -- super crisp and addictive. I also loved the chili sauce and even used it in my ramen! I really wanted to bring a box back to California with me, but I was there on business and didn't get the chance. Next time, I'm definitely stocking up so everyone at home can try it too! Highly recommend. read more

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Umami Kushi started serving dinner and it's katsu! The chicken katsu we had was cooked perfectly crispy outside and chicken was moist. Served with house made condiments of mustard, tonkatsu sauce and pickled veggies with cherry. With a large bowl of shredded cabbage was perfect for a warm summer evening. Served beautifully on a wood plank. We decided to dine in and so glad we did had a wonderful chat with Harold the owner and ideas he has going forward with his Okazu Ya evenings Thursday-Saturday. Excited to cone back! Need to try the Silog and Chicken and Beignet soon read more

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A Seattle favorite of ours, this place serves okazu pan which are stuffed buns with a crispy coating on the outside. Our favorite flavor is the jerk chicken, but this time we tried the chicken adobo, beef curry (second favorite), and bbq pork. They were all fresh/hot and the bbq and adobo came with their own individualized sauces too. The adobo was made with ube dough and had a slight sweetness to it. All were solid. The place itself is nicely decorated and it has its own small lot. They were open at 9am on Friday, but Apple Maps still says 10am. We always recommend this place to friends. Beignets unfortunately only served on the weekends, but anytime we're in the Seattle area we will be back! read more

Umami Kushi - Okazu Pan (BBQ Pork) - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I loved every treat I tried from this cute place. The business owner was so friendly. Everything was fresh and tasty. I will be back.

Food was delicious!! The decor was cute. Flavorful and unique options. I had the Peruvian chicken and the black eyed pea (vegetarian). Really close to the airport so it was perfect stop for a quick bite coming off our flight! Definitely will be back. read more

Wow! Unlike anything I've ever had! Perfect flavors, perfect sauce! I wish I had room to try more. Black eyed pea and Peruvian chicken were today's choices and they were EXCELLENT! Highly recommend and I will be back to try more. read more

Stopped by on the way home from my salon appointment. The pleasing aroma greets you as soon as you walk in the door. I wanted to try EVERYTHING, but I settled on the jerk chicken and yakisoba, Beignets and 2pc. chicken and the pastry, made in an individual iron skillet!!!! The inside is small and quaint, four 2-tops, but the exceptional mural on the wall if more than selfie worthy! read more

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Amazing. I love the taste of everything I have tried. One of my favorite spots in the Puget Sound. I can't wait to go back.

great textures. great flavors. get the chicken adobo bun. matter of fact, get anything in there!!! it'll be good.

This place is amazing! Having lived in Japan for a long time I love anything related to it. So after finding this spot I had to try. The owner is super nice and friendly. The food was so good too. I've been back several times and have tried most of the flavors but the curry pan will always be number 1. If you're in the area I'd highly recommend stopping by for good vibe, good music, and great food. read more

Their okazu pans are incredible! I got the kimchi pork and beef bulgogi. The crust is cripsy, the fillings are savory, and salt level is perfect. Would come back to try more flavors! read more

4.5 stars. I was under the weather when my partner and I walked to Umami Kushi from Lakeridge Park, so I'll have to come back and fully enjoy this cute experience. Staff is incredible, and it felt like dining in someone else's home. Small place and best for pickup. If I was a local, I can see myself regularly getting these for potlucks and catered parties. Between the two of us, my partner and I tried the Kimchi Tofu, BBQ Pork, Lentil, Black Eyed Peas, and Kimchi Pork pan. Love how they display all the different options in the window, which makes it tempting to get one of each. Good reason to bring more people. My favorite pan had meat and kimchi. They're so tasty and filling! Wasn't a fan of the dessert one, but I'm getting an entire smorgasbord again the next time I visit Seattle. read more

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Very nice owner, makes incredible food. It's really like nothing you ever tried before and the hospitality is amazing!! Can't wait to try everything on the menu, the jerk chicken bun is soooo good ask for the green sauce read more

absolutely loved this place. will definitely be coming here more frequently. it's a black owned bakery with asian mixed savory and sweet treats and it's pretty good but kind of disappointed with the filling only being very little for the pastries but well baked. read more

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Came in on a Sunday and decided to order a few of each of their okazu pans. Staff was very friendly and informative as they made sure to ask if it was my first time there. Although my order was quite large, the wait time was quick. I'm glad i'm within walking distance as the walk there is also nice. I think my favorite was the yakisoba and bbq pork. I didn't get a pic, but the beignets were also sooo good!! read more

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The food is always so good. If you are thinking of coming here YOU SHOULD. And in fact, you should come here ALL THE TIME. It's that good yall read more

Any foodie who has visited Japan would have taken a day of two just to sample all the yummy street food. And she would have encountered pans (pronounced pons), the ubiquitous grab and go filled-bread snack. Imagine a light and fluffy deep-fried doughnut, filled with beef curry, or smoked salmon, or bacon and potatoes,, or even spam. Covered in katsu breading and deep-fried fresh for you while you wait. Well, that's exactly what we found in Ranier Beach! Chef Harold Fields produces Japanese okazu pans and beignets in Umami Kushi, his production facility and outlet on the corner of Seward Park Ave S and Ranier Ave S. So good we finished the chicken mole filled and the hot dog on the drive home. They also sell a selection of exotic sake in little bottles. read more

Umami Kushi - Chef writes the flavor on the cover. - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I heard of this place a while back when one of my coworkers brought them to work. Its a little out of the way for me but I'm glad to finally check out their store. It was snowing that day but we braved the weather and tried our luck hoping they were open and it was worth it :) We got bbq pork, black eyed peas, beef bulgogi, and jerk chicken. The ladies felt bad that we waited a little long and gave us a free one as well, which was salmon. My husband and I agree that all of them has distinct flavor so that you can totally tell the difference between them. They aren't the best in flavors but it still good. In general for me, it was on the saltier side. However, the bread was amazing. We love the crunchy texture and soft interior. We had some leftovers and air fried them the next day and it was like eating a fresh one. I definitely will be back to try some of their beignets as it look delicious. read more

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Umami Kushi offers a variety of flavors of Japanese curry bread, adding their own twist of flavors. In addition to the classic beef curry flavor, you can also find other flavors such as Caribbean jerk chicken, kimchi pork, and chicken adobo! This bread is crispy on the outside, and when you take a bite it has a nice chewiness to it with a delicious filling inside. I have never had anything like this before. They also have really good beignets as well that I recommend trying! My favorite flavors were the kimchi pork, Caribbean jerk chicken, and beef curry. I recommend coming in early so you can secure the flavors you want! read more

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Super friendly counter service, okazu pan were crisp and delicate with unique and delicious fillings. Mofongo cane with a delicious chimichurri sauce. A fun adventure! read more

Tldr: beef Curry and salmon are the best. You can order a lot and freeze them and eat them later if you want. Environment: small bakery/resto. Minimal seating, maybe 4 chairs 2 tiny tables the last I came. Lost of art on the walls and the tables are cute and tiny with cute graphics on them. It's clean and well kept. Service: they were very helpful. I had tons of questions and definitely got great answers and suggestions from the girl working at the cash register. Food: there is so many choices. It was hard to choose, but I ended up with the beef Curry and the salmon. Definitely like the beef Curry more because I like it a little bit saucy, the salmon was really good too. I was informed that they were both the most popular choices. Some friends got the bacon gorgonzola which from what I am told is very cheesy if that's what you're looking for. Definitely coming back for more. read more

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This place needs to be brought to everyone's attention. Probably the best beef curry okazu pan I've ever had! Everything was perfect from the crunchy outer texture, which contrasted with a soft and airy inner bread, to the addicting curry flavor filling. I'm dedicating 5 stars alone to this one item. Close runner ups were the Caribbean jerk chicken and BBQ pork pan. I didn't care too much for the chicken adobo pan flavor, but it was nice to look at the unique ube dough. Although these aren't really meal worthy, at least 2 pans makes for a decent snack on the go. Part of me regretted not getting more, but I know $5/piece would've added up eventually. Through their website, you can online order at least 24 hours in advance for pickup the next day. It also seems they have limited quantity available for walk-ins as well. We met the owner briefly who was very welcoming. He even offered us beignet samples, which were very light, like a dough pocket of air with cinnamon sugar dust. I'm personally more of a fan of New Orleans style: denser, but soft and topped with powdered sugar... but nevertheless I appreciated the nice gesture. read more

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This was a stop on my route yesterday for a quick bite! I got three of the Ozaku Pans-the Salmon, Beef Curry and the Jerk Chicken. ALL of these were outstanding. Salmon is my favorite meat, so naturally I liked this one the most. It was nice-smoky, creamy, chewy and crunchy. The beef curry was wonderful-this has a nice kick to it. The jerk chicken was great too. All three were crunchy delights! The inside of their shop is brightly and vibrantly decorated-it is very happy. Hands down I would come here again! The only thing I wish they would do is post their prices on their snacks-like the jams and the chips. A small thing, but would be nice. read more

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I ordered Beef Curry Okazu Pan through Coffeeholic House. I think this is a great collaboration and partnership. I have a weakness for curry buns and croquettes, so this was up my alley. I thought it was a perfect ratio of bread and filling. The outside of the okazu pan was crunchy with a soft inside. There are a variety of fillings for the okazu pan, such as BBQ Pork, Lentil (vegan), Jerk Chicken, Chicken Adobo, Kimchi Pork, Yakisoba, and Smoked Salmon. I'm curious to try the Smoked Salmon next! You can now order online for pickup on limited days at the Rainier Beach production kitchen. Online orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pickup. Along with okazu pan, you can also order Beignets Bakers Dozen (Saturday & Sunday pickup only), condiments like Aka (red) Kosho & Yuzu Kosho, Salmon Furikake, and beverages. Umami Kushi's okazu pan is also available at the Seattle location of Uwajimaya. read more

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A gem in Seattle! My favorites are the beef curry, bbq pork, lentil, and smoked salmon. Ive never had an okazupan before but the pans are crispy and airy. I saw a review saying that the pans were cold but its always been warm the times Ive gone. I'm also a very big fan of the beignets but you have to eat them fresh since they're not as great cold. I'm excited to see that they opened another location in the central district. read more

SO delicious! I only heard of them when Hot Cakes sold their beignets (which I didn't even have) and was determined to try them. It's a very small shop adjacent to a gas station the width of a single parking lot space. The employees are super chill and personable, and the owner is very thoughtful, and other customers are just as happy and delightful. The beignets are so perfect (especially the powdered sugar topping...I'm still dissecting just what all is in it) and worth the mess on your shirt because you don't want to wait to taste them when they're no longer warm. He also includes a varying side of whipped cream topped with a weekly changing delicious addition that really makes you feel like he cares. I've tried the BBQ pork, Jerk Chicken (I love a fried plantain), Teriyaki chicken, hot dog, and honey buns. I enjoyed the honey bun but it was a tad too sweet for my taste. My favorite pan is the BBQ pork but that's only because I've missed out on the crab pan. They also inspired me to try Seattle Fish Guys and THANK YOU for that as well. I woke up early and drove 40 minutes one way two Saturdays in a row to have the beignets (and even made my own batch at home for the first time)--worth. read more

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This spot has been on my list to try for a while & I finally had the opportunity to make a visit. Their service was extremely quick & welcoming. The beef curry and salmon okazu pan flavors were sooo good! Once I started eating, I couldn't put it down. Definitely looking forward to trying out their other flavors & beignets during my next visit. read more

Umami Kushi - Selection - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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4.25 stars! They typically sale wholesale to grocery stores, but due to COVID they started selling take out to general public... yay for us! Storefront present last 3 years. Food- who doesn't love fried food, with a soft chewy dough and variety of tasty proteins! As a snack 1-3 pans. As a meal 3-5 pans. All the flavors were spot on, can't pin point any, would eat them all again, even the lentil. Husband enjoyed the chicken teriyaki. Be warned the matcha azuki is not very sweet... I liked it not so sweet. Smoke Pork has a acidic note that was interesting (in a good way). Kids loved the hot dog ones. Salmon was flavorful. Beef curry is a classic flavor. Jerk chicken with touch of plantain on top was delicious. Fresh at pick up. If you don't finish you can take and bake, 350 degrees for 10-12 min or microwave 20-25 secs per their box instructions. Beignets only available Saturdays- nice and soft pillows of fried dough generously covered with powdered cinnamon sugar. Even tasty the next day. Beignets come with a special flavor of the the week whip cream, we got brown sugar boba with vanilla whip, it was delish eating alone. Service- wonderful crew. Owner is very sweet, neat story that has led him to this point. Ambiance- none, no sit down. Pre and post COVID. Value- fair for $5 average / pan, but to fill up, it gets expensive. I ordered 13 pans and dozen beignets ($95) and killed it in 2 meals. That was kind of expensive... this is where I knocked 3/4 stars. Also images on Instagram vs my reality was a bit different, the appearance of protein in realty seemed less. Maybe it was the way I cut it? Recommend- yes! Delicious treat, also support small local business. read more

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