How to Order Fresh Sea Urchin Delivery in Macau: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Ordering fresh sea urchin (uni) delivered directly to your home or business in Macau is simpler than many people assume — if you know the right steps. This guide walks through everything from choosing your uni variety to storing and serving your delivery, with specific instructions for ordering through Uni Express by Inari Global Foods, Macau's leading Japanese sea urchin delivery service. Follow these steps for a consistently excellent fresh uni experience.

Step 1: Choose Your Japanese Sea Urchin Type

Before placing an order, determine which variety of Japanese sea urchin best suits your intended use. Uni Express offers two primary species with distinct characteristics:

Bafun Uni (馬糞海膽) — Premium Choice

• Origin: Hokkaido prefecture, northern Japan
• Season: Peak quality June through September; limited availability outside this window
• Flavor profile: Intensely rich, deeply sweet, with complex oceanic notes. The premium choice for uni connoisseurs.
• Color: Deep golden to bright orange roe
• Best for: Pure sashimi, nigiri sushi, uni toast with minimal accompaniments, or any preparation where uni is the star ingredient
• Price point: Higher — reflects Hokkaido's strict harvest quota system under Japan's MAFF regulations

Murasaki Uni (紫海膽) — Best Value Year-Round

• Origin: Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, northeastern Japan (Tohoku region)
• Season: Available year-round with consistent quality
• Flavor profile: Lighter, cleaner ocean flavor with natural sweetness. More accessible for everyday enjoyment.
• Color: Pale yellow to light golden roe
• Best for: Pasta, risotto, sauces, egg dishes, and recipes where uni integrates with other flavors. Also excellent for first-time uni delivery customers.
• Price point: More affordable — excellent daily-use option

Seasonal White Uni (Shiro) — Winter Special

Available during winter months (November through February) when available from Uni Express. White uni has an exceptionally delicate, almost creamy flavor. Contact Uni Express directly to confirm seasonal availability.

Choosing Guide

For a first order: start with Murasaki to understand your preference. For a special occasion: order Bafun during peak season (June-September). For cooking applications: Murasaki integrates better and costs less. For the ultimate uni experience: Bafun at peak season, consumed raw.

Step 2: Place Your Order with Uni Express

Ordering from Uni Express follows a straightforward process with clear cut-off times and flexible options.

Ordering Options

1. Online: Visit inariglobal.com.mo to browse current availability, seasonal specials, and place orders directly through the website.
2. Direct contact: Contact the Uni Express team via the website's contact form or WhatsApp for custom orders, bulk quantities, or corporate accounts.

Cut-Off Times — Critical Information

• Same-day delivery: Orders must be placed before 2:00 PM. Orders received after 2:00 PM are scheduled for next-day delivery.
• Special events and bulk (10+ pieces): Place order 48-72 hours in advance to guarantee quantity and grade availability.
• Weekend orders: Check directly with Uni Express for weekend delivery availability, as this may vary by season and stock.

Payment Options

Uni Express accepts standard payment methods. For corporate and recurring orders, invoice arrangements are available. Contact the team directly for bulk pricing and account setup.

Delivery Fee Structure

• Standard delivery fee: MOP 30-50 depending on district and order timing
• Free delivery: Orders above MOP 300 qualify for complimentary delivery
• Delivery window: 2-4 hours after order confirmation for same-day orders

Step 3: Receiving and Storing Your Sea Urchin Delivery

How you handle your uni delivery in the first 15 minutes determines much of your final eating experience. Follow these steps carefully.

Prepare Before Delivery Arrives

1. Clear space in your refrigerator at the coldest section (typically the rear or bottom shelf), targeting 0-4°C.
2. Have a flat, clean surface ready to transfer packaging without tilting or shaking.
3. Note the delivery time so you are available to receive the order promptly — do not leave uni sitting outside at room temperature.

Upon Delivery

1. Check packaging integrity: Confirm the insulated packaging is intact and gel ice packs are still cold (should be 0-2°C). Uni Express uses insulated boxes maintaining this range throughout delivery.
2. Transfer immediately: Move the uni to refrigerated storage within 5 minutes of receipt. Do not open packaging until you are ready to serve.
3. Do not freeze: Fresh uni must never be frozen. Freezing ruptures the delicate cell structure and destroys texture and flavor irreversibly.

Storage Guidelines

• Temperature: 0-4°C (standard refrigerator setting, rear shelf)
• Maximum storage time: Consume within 24 hours of receipt for optimal quality. 48 hours is the absolute maximum.
• Do not store near strong-smelling foods: Uni absorbs ambient aromas. Keep separate from garlic, onion, or aged cheeses.
• Keep in original packaging: Until serving. The tray and packaging help maintain shape and prevent drying.

Quality Check on Receipt

Before serving, verify freshness: fresh uni should have a mild, clean oceanic scent (not ammonia), bright golden to pale yellow color (not brown or grey), and firm texture that holds its shape. If you have any concerns about freshness, contact Uni Express immediately — the company guarantees quality.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying Your Sea Urchin

Proper serving technique maximizes the investment in premium Japanese uni delivery.

Serving Temperature

Remove uni from refrigeration 10 minutes before serving. Slightly below room temperature (around 10-12°C) allows aromatic compounds to volatilize, enhancing the flavor experience. Serving directly from refrigerator temperature suppresses aroma and flavor complexity.

Classic Serving Methods

Uni Sashimi (Pure)

The simplest and most revealing preparation. Arrange uni pieces on a small plate or directly on ice. Serve with a small amount of soy sauce on the side (do not drown), a touch of wasabi, and optionally a shiso leaf as a base. This preparation shows the uni's true quality — choose your best Bafun for this.

Uni Toast (Uni on Buttered Toast)

Toast a thin slice of quality Japanese milk bread or brioche. Butter lightly while warm. Arrange 2-3 pieces of uni. Optionally add a small amount of crème fraîche beneath the uni or a few grains of sea salt on top. One of the most accessible and satisfying preparations for first-time uni delivery customers.

Uni on Sushi Rice (Gunkan or Temaki)

Press sushi rice (seasoned with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar) into a small mound. Place 1-2 pieces of uni on top. Optionally wrap with a nori band (gunkan style). Serve immediately — the rice's warmth enhances the uni's creaminess.

Uni Pasta (Warm Application)

Cook spaghetti or linguine al dente. Toss in a light sauce base (butter, splash of sake or white wine, a touch of cream). Remove from heat before adding uni — cook with residual heat only to preserve texture and flavor. This is where Murasaki's cleaner profile excels.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sake: Junmai or Junmai Ginjo — clean, slightly dry profiles complement uni's sweetness without competing
• Champagne or Blanc de Blancs: High-acid sparkling wine cuts through uni's richness
• Dry white wine: Chablis or white Burgundy for European pairing
• Japanese beer: Light lager as a casual pairing

Quantities for a Dinner Setting

For a uni-focused tasting: 3-4 pieces per person. For a larger dinner as one course among several: 2-3 pieces per person. For a full omakase-style home experience: 6-8 pieces per person across multiple preparations. Contact Uni Express for event quantity guidance — the team regularly assists with home omakase planning.