De Soto has a new Asian food option.
Yung Lee, 43, of Eureka recently opened a stationary food trailer called Umai Hibachi Express at 12909 Hwy. 21 in De Soto next to Drummond’s Florist. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday with the business closed on Tuesdays.
“Our story is so simple,” Lee said. “We set up this trailer because we found this neighborhood is good over here; people are nice.”
He said he couldn’t find a good spot to open a full-size restaurant, so he decided to start in a trailer, opening the business in October. He rents a small space next to Drummond’s Florist for storage.
Lee, who moved to the United States about 10 years ago from Malaysia, has two full-time employees and a part-time employee.
“Everybody is so supporting to us,” he said. “I’m just really thankful for that.”
Lee said customers asked for a table to sit down, so he put two picnic tables under a tent just outside the food trailer. On really cold days, he provides a heater.
“Whenever the customer (provides) feedback to us, we try to accommodate to make everyone happy,” he said.
Lee said the establishment is just a small trailer without the “hibachi show,” adding that instead of customers having to pay extra for a show, he focuses on what matters most: good, honest food.
He said he is proud of the large portions he serves.
“If you order like the hibachi single or hibachi combination, our food is completely full in the box, so when customers (become familiar with) us, they will just order one or two (entrees) and then they will share among their family,” he said.
In addition to hibachi, the restaurant sells fresh sushi rolls, crispy fried sushi, egg rolls, spring rolls, fried dumplings and crab Rangoon, as well as entrees like teriyaki chicken, sesame chicken and orange chicken.
Lee said some of his customers had never tried fried sushi before and gave his a “10 out of 10.”
He said all the food is fresh and made to order. Customers may place an order by calling 636-337-5111, visiting umaidesotomo.com or ordering through DoorDash. He said customers will receive a notification when the order is ready for pickup.
“You can place the order online or you can call us, so you don’t have to come and wait,” Lee said. “Whenever you order, you can customize it. If you want to add or if you don’t want a vegetable, just let us know.”
He said he has been selling party trays for company holiday parties.