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| Yabu's Premium Tonkatsu Set - Kurobuta Pork Set (P515 for 90g/ P575 for 120g) |
I have been in Japan last 2007 and I truly love eating Tonkatsu every time I'm there. I'm glad that I had a project this year where it required me to be in Kobe often so I can reunite again with my favorite food. I was able to visit a place there that only serve Katsu and it so great with all the sesame seeds and sauce with it (wait for my blog post soon). Since then I wished that there's a similar Katsu place in Manila with the same quality. Most probably I'm just dreaming as most of the "so-called" Japanese restaurant here in Manila does not really have that Japanese authentic taste at par as how you experience it in Japan.
I have been hearing rave and fuzz about a new Japanese restaurant in Megamall called Yabu but never tried it and not had much of energy since I'm thinking it is just one of the many trying hard Japanese restaurants out there. Especially, having tasted a great Katsu in Kobe will definitely raised the bar of my expectation on Japanese food especially on tonkatsu. Well, since I'm just in Megamall and nothing to do, I gave it a try to see for myself whether it is really worth a try.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was able to smell the great aroma of Japanese ingredients which seems to be promising as it already sets my mood. I was quickly seated by their staff and already checked their menu for what they can offer. See here for a copy of their menu:
Since I'm just alone, I tried ordering their dish that could define their restaurant which is their Kurobuta Pork Set, which already includes unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing and a bowl of fruit. I wished to try out other dishes but I might not be able to finish all of them that time. I said to myself then, this should really be worth its price since this could really make or break my decision with this restaurant.
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| Kurobuta Pork Set as served with miso soup, Japanese rice, cabbage, and fruit |
Verdict:
Food - Definitely authentic Japanese from presentation to its food. One thing I noted that helped me on my basis is from the sauce. Back in Japan where I used to eat this great Katsu they serve us a small mortar with sesame seeds and wooden pestle to grind it. I'm happy that Yabu still have this here and what is different from what I have in Japan is the variety of sesame seeds on it. I think Yabu's sauce became better because of this variety as per the sauce they are very similar in taste. I also liked their miso soup here as it is not that strong as compared to the ones I tasted in Japan. In terms of cabbage, I liked the dressing as well because it is not so overpowering. I already liked the dressing of what I used to taste in Japan that I really wanted to buy one to take here in Manila. I think no need for me to buy that one as this one is better for me. In terms of the rice, unfortunately I don't eat one so I can't justify if it is really good.
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| Up close encounter with the Kurobuta pork! Yum!!! |
In terms of the Katsu, thankfully I was not disappointed with it. The Kurobuta pork was really soft and tender just like I wanted it. You can really feel the marbling fat combined with the soft and tender pork as it seems to melt in your mouth. Even though this is the only food I ordered, I was so full after eating it. I really enjoyed the food as it really matches the great quality of katsu I tried in Japan. Finally, a Japanese restaurant that I can quickly for "authentic" Japanese taste especially for Katsu. I wished to try their other Katsu soon so I can also share my verdict for it.
Service - It is also a definite thumbs up! Their staff are so quick and friendly. Upon entering, I was already greeted and quickly provided with a place that I can seat. With my set meal, they are so fast in ensuring I don't have to raise my hand for a refill of my favorite cabbage or even water. They are so attentive to my needs when I was there. My entire experience was really good!
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| Yabu's staff quickly giving my 3rd serving of cabbage! |
Over-all - 5/5Plates!
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| Definitely a must try! |
I just do hope they offer other price friendly meals so more Filipinos can taste great authentic Japanese cuisine at its finest. Another thing I want to see in the future on their menu is a combination katsu set. In Japan, they offer a combined standard and premium katsu set offering half of each kind for their customer to enjoy the best of both worlds. I hope they can offer the same as I wanted to taste both in one sitting rather than ordering both set or an ala-carte of the Rosu/Hire meat. Hope they can offer it soon. :)
If you want to try it, see their contact details and store hours below:
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| Yabu is just located at 2F of Mega Atrium of SM Megamall! |
Yabu House of Katsu
2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, 1552 Manila, Philippines
Tel: (+632) 576 3900
Email: yabuphilippines@gmail.com
Website: http://www.yabuhouseofkatsu.com/
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/yabuhouseofkatsu
Store Hours:
Mon - Thu: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
See some more pictures taken during my visit:
Disclaimer: The food was not in case sponsored by the restaurant and during my visit I did not inform them that I'll be reviewing their food to ensure unbiased review.
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Thank you so much for the kind words! :) We're happy you found our authentic katsu at par and even better than the you've tried in Japan.
See you again soon at Yabu!
The Yabu Team
hope they open in makati or fort so i can try it!