Sakura: The Unchanging Charm of the Cherry Blossom

Restaurants come and go.  That is the sad truth.  Those that do not churn out something unique in the menu are likely to disappear within months.  Those that do not learn to adapt, are equally risking their existence.  It is thus a wonder how some joints, albeit simple and unassuming, have managed to weather the years and maintain a loyal following.  

Sakura: the delcious cherry blossom

Just adjacent to the spanking new wing of the Glorietta mall, unfazed by the fresh and newfangled joints all around this brightly lit section, Sakura continues its long tradition of dishing out affordable and delicious gustatory pleasures.  As far as I can remember, back when Glorietta used to be known as Quad (I'm not that old, I assure you), Sakura and its twin, Ji-Pan (I believe they do not have the same owners), had occupied this busy section of the mall.  Its quirky tables and chairs rested amidst the busy flow of mall-goers, while the whiff of the good food brewing in the kitchen invited passers-by with the weakest self-control.  Its unique selections of Japanese goods were sought by many, at a time when Japanese groceries were relatively few.  Roughly two decades later, Sakura remains in the exact same place, with its die-hard fans still patronizing the quaint little spot.

And in fact, it was my first time to ever dine here.  For Sakura to have lasted this long, I was absolutely sure there was some sort of magic in their dishes.  The menu was unambiguous, offering well-known Japanese traditionals: sushi, sashimi, tempura and the like.  For this visit, we chose our favorites, just to experience why people never forget about this place.  Do mind the prices though, I tried best to remember the actual prices.  As a testament to Sakura's unpretentious reputation, the net barely had anything about its menu.

Crunchy Tuna Maki, P180-220 (+5% service charge)

Though visually unappealing, the Crunchy Tuna Maki was definitely filling and did not disappoint.  Almost a meal in itself, a bed of rice rolls filed with crabsticks was generously smothered with crunchy Japanese breadcrumbs and fresh and raw tuna strips, sprinkled with chili powder and chopped onion leeks.  Bursting with flavor, this was a sure winner with its contrasting texture and complementing taste.  

Chicken Teriyaki, P200-220 (+5% service charge)

For the main entrees, I got the familiar Chicken Teriyaki.  Perfectly grilled with just the right crispy skin and juicy and tender meat, this dish was well executed.  The teriyaki sauce exuded a masterful blend of sweet and salty.  Although I was biased to the more modern take of chicken teriyaki (crisp and fried), this more subdued version abided by the true taste of Japanese food tradition.

Ebi Tempura, 3 pcs, P185 (+5% service charge)

We did not forget the ubiquitous Ebi Tempura, of course.  The medium-sized shrimps were flawlessly fried to a crisp, with the batter thin enough to conceal the succulent meat within.  The price was reasonable for the size of the shrimps, as a 5-piece set was just a tad under 300 pesos.  A definite choice for those craving for a quick fix of deep-fried wonders.  My only complaint was that it was a bit oily, perhaps due to the thinner batter.  Nevertheless, the dish went well with a cup of gohan and the rest of our orders.

Really, there was nothing unique about the menu of Sakura.  You could have anything on it in a different Japanese restaurant, perhaps with more elaborate presentations and even larger serving sizes.  But the magic of Sakura, is in its simplicity.  True to the Japanese minimalist ways, it executes its dishes to a T.  The ingredients are fresh, the selections are cooked well and fast, and the taste is familiar.  Even if no dish we had tasted blew our minds, except perhaps for the rolls, Sakura delivered an authentic Japanese experience.  For those searching for genuine Japanese food for an affordable price yet do not mind dining amidst busy passers-by, go beyond the bright corners of Glorietta and settle on this side of the mall.  A restaurant with this longevity, despite having no advertisement or promotions, is certain not to disappoint.  And like its namesake, the cherry blossom, its beauty is in its unsophisticated and unwavering charm.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant and Grocery

Second Floor, Glorietta 4

Ayala Avenue, Makati City

(02)-728-2512