The Birthday Ritual: A Night at Ukemochi

They say the best gifts aren’t always wrapped in a bow—sometimes they are served 22 floors up, beneath a canopy of glass birds and architectural timber.

Last year, my birthday dinner was set at Ukemochi, a space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a private, modern sanctuary in the heart of Kuching’s newest sleek hotel.

The Mystery: “There is No View”

Prior to the booking, the receptionist over the counter gave us a curious warning: “Yes, you may come, but there’s no view.“

In a location where “rooftop” implies a riverview skyline, we wondered: What could “no view” possibly mean? Regardless of the mystery—or perhaps because of it—we wanted to try it. We took the lift to the 22nd floor in Sheraton Hotel to find out for ourselves.

Arrival: The Barakah of Front-Row Parking

The experience began before we even hit the lobby. Perhaps it was the barakah of my pregnancy, or simply the hospitality of the hotel staff for their diners, but the bellboy gave us a thoughtful gift: hotelfront parking. For a heavily pregnant lady during the tail-end of Ramadan, this was a massive win. Parking at UTC (across Sheraton Hotel) would have been a journey too far, and with Iftar already passed, the ease of arrival was the first “present” of the night.

The Bold Move: Kani Tofu

The evening began with a dish that was visually stunning: the Kani Tofu. Presented in a delicate, heart-shaped bowl, the lady serving us promised a “smooth” taste.

As a fan of silky textures, I was intrigued. However, the topping of minced Century Egg is undeniably an acquired taste. While I’m always up for exploring new culinary territories, the pungent depth of the egg is a daring choice that may be a step too far for those who prefer their flavors clean and classic. It’s a provocative starter—one that demands a certain level of food-connoisseur curiosity.

The Redemption: A5 and Ocean Gold

Where the starters were an experiment, the mains were a total jackpot. This is where the kitchen’s mastery over fire and premium sourcing really shines.

A5 Wagyu Hoba Yaki: The undisputed star of the night. This isn’t just beef; it’s butter in solid form. Slices of A5 Wagyu rest on a scorched magnolia leaf, infused with the earthy aroma of forest smoke and sweet miso.

Hotate Garlic Yaki: For a long time, I’ve been chasing the craving for the famous Garlic Hotate from that iconic sushi spot in Brunei overlooking Kampong Ayer. Ukemochi finally delivered. These scallops were giant, plump, and seared to perfection.

Kawahagi (Leatherjacket): A sophisticated choice that elevates the small-plate category.

Locally known as Leatherjacket, the taste is fascinating—it’s like a refined, elevated version of keropok. It has that familiar umami sweetness and a satisfying, delicate chew that feels both nostalgic and high-end at the same time.

The Service: A Guided Escape

Our waitress was a standout; she walked us through each course one by one, explaining the nuances of how to eat each dish. Without her, we would have been clueless.

But beyond the technique, there was the feeling of escapism. Being heavily pregnant, travel is currently off the table for me—and Ukemochi filled that craving perfectly. The atmosphere, the precision, and the foreign aromas provided a much-needed sense of wanderlust. It’s a “flight” to Japan without ever leaving the 22nd floor.

Ukemochi: 22nd Floor, Sheraton Hotel Kuching (directions here)

Did you know: The Goddess Behind the Name

Some might think it’s just a different mochi name, if one didn’t dig deep.

Ukemochi-no-Kami is the Japanese Goddess of Food. Legend says she created the staples of life—rice, wheat, and beans—from her very own being to feed the world. Her story is one of ultimate abundance and the sacredness of a feast.

The Sweet Finale: A Cake Alternative

We traded the traditional heavy birthday cake for a cleaner, more vibrant finish: Matcha Pudding and Yuzu Ice Cream. The earthy bitterness of the Matcha served as a grounded counterpoint to the sharp, citrus brightness of the Yuzu—a perfect palate cleanser after the richness of the A5 Wagyu.

The Verdict: It’s the Thought (and the A5)

Ukemochi is more than a meal; it’s a mood. Even if the Century Egg was a bit too adventurous for my liking, the evening itself was a masterclass in atmosphere.

As for the “no view”? When the interior architecture is this stunning, you realize the “view” is exactly where you’re sitting.

Bring your Inner Foodie to the Next Level

Craving more travel narratives and deep-dives into the hidden corners of Kuching? This review is just a taste of what’s coming. Pre-order the next edition of our magazine for exclusive stories, curated maps, and the lifestyle narratives you won’t find anywhere else.

Or, you can grab a copy of our current issue, Homecoming, where a Muslimah explores the simple, salivating savors of Taiping, Malaysia.