SAVORY & SWEET SISTERS | Umai Aji-Ya In Naperville

SIMPLY DELICIOUS Noodle shops have been popping up everywhere with ramen in demand. These days ramen is so much more than what you would find in a college dorm! Devin and Laura Hill found the perfect location in Naperville and opened their doors last November. Along with Chef Jenny Espinoza they have been satisfying customers ever since. We found Umai-Aji-Ya Japanese grill and ramen stop trendy and fresh. The delicate layers of flavors can be found in every dish. The simple clean design, comfortable ambiance and delectable menu makes it a great meeting spot for friends and families. Starting with the crispy brussels with umai sauce, cayenne, lemon and garlic chips is a good option. Another customer favorite is the Gulf Shrimp Buns with umai sauce and scallions, they bring great textures to the dining experience. Ramen is a Japanese dish that translates to pulled noodles and dates back to 1910. Every region in Japan has its own variation. What makes ramen so appealing? The smell of the savory broth, the bright colors, gooey egg, perfectly cooked ramen noodles, the crunchy sprouts all make it a culinary and sensory delight. Espinoza has embraced the authentic Japanese style, from the eighteen-hour cooking process for the ramen broths to the precise presentation. Tonkotsu is the traditional ramen with a rich pork broth, marinated chashu pork belly, bean sprouts, Naruto, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, seaweed, sesame seeds, green onion, soft boiled egg, and drizzled with garlic oil. Umai rice bowls are light and refreshing with a choice of brown or white rice. We enjoyed the burst of flavor in the Salmon Crunch. Like a deconstructed sushi roll the raw salmon marinated in their signature sauce sits on top of the rice along with avocado, masago, red onion, spicy aioli, nori, sesame and jalapeno. The kid’s menu is just as fun! Ramen mac and cheese, rice bowls and mini ramen bowls are a few choices. What child doesn’t enjoy slurping up a noodle? Umai Aji-Ya offers lunch or dinner along with a good vibe. But most importantly the food is simply delicious.

Umai Aji-Ya 760 Rt 59, Suite 112, Naperville (630) 423-772 • www.umai-ajiya.com Owner: Hill Investment Group Chef: Jenny Espinoza

Due to the recent COVID-19 Shelter In Place Order, Umai-Aji-Ya is offering free delivery, free kids meals and discounts for the first responders and local medical personnel. Call direct to support this local business. New hours are as follows, closed Sunday and Monday, Tuesday through Thursday they are open 4:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday they are open 4:00pm until 9:00pm.

ABOUT THE CRITICS Stephanie (right) & Tiffany (left) Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together. They came from a family of 7 and grew up on farm with fresh fruits, veggies and more. Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine. Invite them to your eatery at editorial@glancermagazine.com.

FLIP THROUGH APRIL 2020 ISSUE

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