Krys Whitely, the owner and chef behind Umami, is proving that you don’t need a large team to create an exceptional dining experience. At Umami, located in the Village of the Valley in Elkton, Virginia, Whitely handles everything herself. From taking orders and cooking meals to serving customers, she is the sole force behind this small yet flavorful restaurant.
Born in Vietnam and raised in Houston, Whitely’s love for cooking began at a young age. “I’ve been cooking since I was 12 because I was a latchkey kid,” she shared. “My first job was at a restaurant, and I just fell in love with it.” Over the years, she honed her culinary skills by experimenting with ingredients, inspired by her childhood when her parents owned a grocery store.
Today, Whitely’s restaurant is a fusion of two diverse cuisines—Asian and Cajun—creating an exciting and unique menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
A Culinary Fusion of Asian and Cajun
Umami’s menu offers a combination of dishes from both Asian and Cajun traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Cajun shrimp or homemade potstickers, there’s something for everyone. Whitely also includes rotating weekly specials to keep the menu fresh and exciting. One week, you might find Cajun Butter Shrimp Skewers, while another might feature Tonkotsu Ramen made with a pork broth that takes 18 hours to prepare.
For those craving Asian flavors, Whitely’s Chinese Pepper Steak Sub and Hibachi Rice Platter are among the restaurant’s most popular regular items. She also makes her own potstickers weekly, ensuring that her customers enjoy something fresh and homemade each time they visit.
“I make everything from scratch if I can,” Whitely said. “Sometimes I do like a pork belly bao bun, and I make the bao buns from scratch.”
Her commitment to creating everything from scratch is what sets Umami apart from other restaurants, as she goes the extra mile to provide an authentic and homemade dining experience.
Serving the Community and Building a Loyal Customer Base
Though Umami is tucked away behind Squirrleys Ice Cream in the Village of the Valley, word of mouth has been crucial to its success. “I didn’t really advertise much,” Whitely explained. “I don’t have the budget for it.” Instead, her loyal customers spread the word, bringing in visitors from nearby areas like Elkton, McGaheysville, Grottoes, and Harrisonburg.
While the restaurant’s small size means there are only two indoor tables, outdoor seating provides additional options. Whitely also delivers meals to nearby businesses like BrewHaha, located in the same restaurant complex. Despite the small setting, the community has embraced the restaurant, and Whitely has seen better business this winter compared to her first year in operation.
Plans for Growth and Expanding Offerings
Since opening on Black Friday of 2023, Whitely has had her sights set on expanding Umami’s offerings. One possibility she is exploring is obtaining a liquor license to serve Asian beers and sake. “We’re not sure yet,” Whitely said. “We’re still looking into it.”
Another challenge she faces is managing wait times, especially with so many items made from scratch. “It can take about 45 minutes for customers to get their food,” she explained. However, most customers are understanding as long as she communicates the wait time in advance.
Umami’s Name and Philosophy
The name “Umami,” a Japanese term, perfectly encapsulates the flavors of Whitely’s cooking. “Umami ties all the flavors together—sweet, salty, sour. I feel like that’s how my food is,” she said. It reflects the balance and complexity of her dishes, which mix different culinary traditions to create something new and exciting.
Whitely is also passionate about sharing her recipes and showing people that there’s more to Asian cuisine than the typical takeout options. She’s proud to offer healthier alternatives that incorporate unique and flavorful ingredients.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the challenges, Umami has carved out a niche in Elkton, providing a space for both locals and visitors to experience unique flavors from two very different cuisines. With plans to grow and a menu full of fresh, scratch-made dishes, the future of Umami looks bright.
Umami is open Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch served Thursday through Sunday, and also offers catering. For more information or to see the current menu, visit their Facebook page under “Umami, Essence of Deliciousness,” or contact them at (540) 417-8003.
Located at 11702 Spotswood Trail Suite 2, Umami is a small gem that’s ready to serve up big flavors for everyone who walks through its doors.
Related topics: