Usually the destination for long, luxurious weekend brunches, Zuma has recently launched its ‘Ebisu’ express business lunch, designed for busy office workers who want to eat quality food, but can’t take too much time from their desk. We were recently invited to sample the lunch and test out just how express it really is.
The Ebisu lunch is only available in the lounge, and the relaxed and casual environment is perfect for enjoying a quick catch up with friends or colleagues. The menu includes a starter of miso soup, green salad and then a choice of one of five main courses for $269. The portions of the mains are smaller than standard main courses, but ideal for a lunch that won’t then leave you falling asleep at your desk.
To kick off the lunch, the white miso soup with spring onions served with a green salad with salad, tomatoes, and barley miso dressing promptly arrived at the table and although I’m usually not a fan of miso soup, this light broth with crunchy spring onions was the perfect starter. The green salad was fresh, crunchy and the barley and miso dressing worked beautifully with the asparagus and complemented the soup.
Following on from the starter, I chose the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy, accompanied with rice. My beef was cooked perfectly medium rare, and was perfectly sticky with soy on the outside with a good crunch from the sesame seeds and a definite kick from the chilli. My good intentions to eat minimal rice were promptly disregarded as soon as I tried the sauce – I couldn’t help but drench the sticky rice and soak up every last bit.
In addition to the beef, other main course options include:
- Chef’s selection of sashimi fish over sushi rice
- Udon soup with tofu and shimeji mushrooms
- Grilled salmon fillet with teriyaki sauce and pickled cucumber
- Caramelized spiced chicken thigh with toasted cashew nuts
I was impressed with both the quality and flavours that the lunch delivered. The beef was incredibly tender and with just the right amount of spice. It also didn’t leave me feeling full and heavy afterwards, and made a really refreshing change from the set lunches available around Central.
The Zuma team have also developed a mocktail menu for diners to enjoy with the Ebisu lunch. Three distinctly Japanese influenced options are available and they are all designed to complement the flavours found in the menu. To accompany my steak I had the Grassy Fresh with lemongrass, yuzu and ginger beer ($50). Lemongrass can often be overpowering in a drink, but the blend was refreshing and light – just what is needed before heading back to work.
The other options available are:
- Ginger Mash with cucumber, ginger, yuzu, rose, orange juice and soda water
- Berries Boost mint, raspberries, strawberries, mandarine, blood orange and soda water
Overall I was very impressed with Zuma’s new concept. I finished my lunch in 40 minutes, but at no point felt rushed and the quality of the ingredients, cooking and presentation will ensure that I’ll definitely be back in the near future.
Top tip: If you do have a little bit of space left after your main, I’d highly recommend the green tea and banana cake with coconut ice cream. It was quite rich, but the light and fluffy sponge and delicate ice cream were the ideal end to a fantastic lunch of Japanese flavours.
Zuma
Level 5 & 6 Landmark
15 Queen’s Road
Central Hong Kong
t +852 3657 6388
f +852 3657 6399
info@zumarestaurant.com.hk
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