UMAI Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine — Restaurant in Rogers

tl;dr: not bad tasting food, but if you want authentic hot pot, this isn't it.

Review: I actually got really excited when this place opened because there aren't many places in this area that focus on a hot-pot experience. Overall, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. For those familiar with traditional hot pot (where it's very communal and you order meats and veggies to share in one pot) this is a vastly different experience.

First, nothing on the menu indicates that the hot pots you order are individual hotpots. Second, there seemed to only be three wait-staff working when we went and trying to find someone to get information from was somewhat difficult. Third, once we had ordered, there was a HUGE time difference between my wife and I getting ours (we received our order pretty quickly) and the other couple we were with getting theirs (a difference of about 25 minutes). The last thing that was a bit frustrating was the actual hot pot itself. They seem very unstable (since they are individual sized hot pots) and one wrong move and half your broth is on the table when you are trying to stir in condiments.

Aside from this, I found the flavor of the hot pots to be pretty tasty, though, the broth was certainly lighter than I'm used to for hot pot. I echo some of the other reviewers in saying that they almost seemed more like uncooked soup rather than actual hot pot (similar broth style to, say, Pho). I had the Black Bean Paste hot pot with pork belly. There was a lot of pork belly and plenty of other vegetables in the pot. Tasty broth, but again, not really what I think of when I think of hot pot. The eggroll appetizers and the Korean chicken wings were very good. We also had the pork dumpling appetizer which was also very good. I definitely feel that the appetizers outshined the main courses.

All-in-all, not a bad place. I thought the prices were pretty average with what you'd pay at other places. Not sure I'd go there again just because it's not what I look for when I look for hot pot experiences, but for those of you not familiar with that and would go in with no expectations, you would probably find this place pretty good. I'd give it a 3/5...

🤤🤤🤤 you're on the hunt for an extraordinary culinary experience, look no further than Umai. Nestled in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, this gem of a restaurant delivers a flavor journey like no other.

From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that exudes warmth and hospitality. But it's the food that truly steals the spotlight. Let me start by raving about their chicken soup with ramen noodles. Picture this: a bowl filled to the brim with a broth so rich and flavorful, it's like a symphony for your taste buds. The chicken? Oh, don't even get me started. It's so tender, so succulent, that it transcends the mere label of "chicken" – it's a whole new level of poultry perfection.

But what truly sets Umai apart is their dedication to catering to every diner's needs. For those with dietary restrictions, especially those with Alpha-Gal sensitivities, rejoice! Umai is your haven. Their menu boasts options that are not just delicious but also considerate of dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone can indulge without worry.

And let's talk about the waitress, Alexis, shall we? The epitome of exceptional service, Alexis elevates the dining experience to new heights. Her attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine warmth are a rare find in these parts, making your visit to Umai all the more memorable.

In a region brimming with dining options, Umai stands out as a true culinary oasis. So, whether you're a local looking for your new go-to spot or a traveler seeking an unforgettable meal, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Umai. Trust me, your taste buds...

Very cute place. I’m getting older, so the music is a little touch too loud for me anywhere I go but younger crowds may like it. But very cute happy energetic K-pop music I think. I prefer what I call dining music. Just a soft volume is all.

I ordered the spicy noodle. Which is risky for me. I’m supposed to be doing gluten-free and this was a bad choice for me. I will go back and order something else on another occasion.

This is a large amount of noodles, a little chicken on top of very small amount of carrots and zucchini I really felt like the vegetables was more of a large garnish amount than a serving of veggies. I got this with lemonade. I think my ticket was around $19.

I’m the kind of person that prefers more veggies, a little meat, very little carbs . If you want big carbs comfort food this is a good choice for you.

It’s a little spicy, but not too much. I feel like if they will add kimchi and some green onions and some fresh veggies to sprinkle on top or put on the side, fresh jalapeños, cilantro for people to ask on the side, these meals can go to 5 star.

It’s a different flavor and love to see these type of restaurants coming to the area. I will come back .

And I really don’t like writing a restaurant review on just one meal. I really prefer to eat somewhere several times several different meals to give a rating. I do believe this can move to five stars easily.

I will update after my next...