Tales From The Other Side: Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

There was a time when the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue was nearly devoid of any food spot.  A decade ago, there were only a handful of notables, including Conti's (the original branch), Hanakazu, and Little Quiapo.  Today, Aguirre is a bustling neighborhood of cafes, bars, and restaurants.  Often neglected and forgotten is the lesser known far end of Aguirre.  Away from the traffic nightmares so common these days, this area houses a treasure trove of good finds.  I aim to start this series of posts as I discover the tales from "the other side".

Much like the more famous restaurants I mentioned above, Rio has been a resident of BF for a long time.  Under its original title "Little Rio", it slowly gained popularity as a homey, quaint Japanese joint.  It served (and still does) a unique, hitherto unconventional twist with its crispy chicken teriyaki.  Of course, since then, many restaurants have followed suit.  Quite so suddenly, it closed down but resurrected just a couple of years ago with a bigger shop.

The charm of its simplicity, combined with the affordable menu, keeps its loyalists returning.  I, for one, swear on the goodness of their chicken teriyaki.  So, on a rainy and lazy Sunday lunch, we trooped to this quieter side of town.  We had the shop to ourselves when we arrived, and we proceeded to order the usual Japanese fare they offered.

Shoyu Ramen, P190 (Regular)

With the cold downpour of rain outside, sis and Mom deemed it fit to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen.  Mom's choice was the regular sized Shoyu.  The regular bowl was sized similar to the higher end ramen restaurants, but at a much lower price tag.  I don't really fancy eating noodles, but Mom professed it was hearty and fulfilling.  Tossed into the mix were ample slices of chasu pork, half an egg, and some bean sprouts.  I took a little sip of the warm broth and the saltiness was not overpowering.  The pork was tender but lacked a bit of seasoning or flavor.  I'm not sure but the egg should have been a bit more runny.  The thin noodles were okay.

Seafood Ramen, P210 (Regular)

On the other hand, the Seafood Ramen was packed with more contents.  Slices of tuna, squid, and shrimps swam deliciously in a clear broth.  Sister claimed the seafood was fresh enough.  I took a sip of the soup and it was saltier than the shoyu.  Perhaps the natural salinity and brine of the seafood contributed to its denser flavor.  

Clearly, I am no ramen connoisseur, but the ladies enjoyed their bowls down to the last slurp.  Happily though, their 2 orders of regular ramen qualified us to avail of a promo for free 8 piece gyoza!

Gyoza, P160 (8 pcs)

It seemed like the steal of the day with the gyoza worth 160 bucks if ordered outside the promo.  Nevertheless, my expectations were not high for this version.  The dumplings were average-sized and appeared plump.  The skin was all right, not too thick.

At first bite however, it was a little deflating.  The filling was too little as evidenced by the space within.  Still, the mix inside was flavorful with the ground pork and chopped veggies.  Luckily we didn't have to pay for this since I would have regretted ordering it.

Ebi Tempura, P160 (3 pcs)

As usual, I ordered shrimp tempura which I intended to eat on my own.  But of course, the ladies grabbed a piece each.  The tempura was light, the batter thin and crisp.  The shrimps were only average-sized yet still fresh and juicy.  Not exactly award-winning, but definitely better than the regular fast-food variety.

I succumbed to my beef bowl cravings and ordered a serving of gyudon, after missing it for so long.  I eagerly waited for my order to arrive.  My heart (and stomach) has a soft spot for beef served in immaculate pristine white bowls.  This was no exception. 

Gyudon, P210

Lost in the messy presentation were thin slices of beef, a few onions, and an entanglement of noodles topped with a fresh golden egg yolk.  I actually forgot to ask the server to remove the noodles, since I was not too fond of having my gyudon in this manner.  It added too much bulk to the dish.  The mirin sauce was a good combination of savory and sweet, although inclining more to a sweeter side.  The beef, I noticed, was fewer in portion compared to a couple of years ago.  Talk about inflation (and deflation of serving sizes!).  Nevertheless, it was tender and not tough, easy on my jaws.  The rice portion was hefty and I dared not to polish it all off.  

Despite the influx of more hip restaurants and more exciting cuisines, Rio has managed to retain its humble charm and "old-world" magic.  It reminds long time residents of BF how our place used to be so quiet and peaceful, with shops such as Rio offering a homey take on old-time Japanese favorites.  Although admittedly, Rio is not as creative and innovative as other hole-in-the-wall joints.  But neither do they intend to do so.  As such, prices are kept at a minimum (even doing away with service charge) but quality is certainly above any regular fast-food joint.  Therefore, don't expect to be blown away.  Rio is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the other side, as it rightfully sits on the more serene end of the foodie street.

Jones

Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

303 El Grande Avenue, corner Havana Street

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/thelittlerio

Read more

Sushi Tei: More Than Just Sushi

This long overdue post was borne out of my insatiable craving for Japanese food.  Finally getting some downtime, I browsed through my laptop's pictures folder and realized I hadn't posted this yet.  Amazingly, I had only sampled one Japanese restaurant here in Singapore after all these months.

It's not that there is a paucity of good quality Jap joints here.  In fact, the locals are quite crazy over Japanese food, especially sushi.  So, the long queue I often see just outside ANY branch of this restaurant was of little surprise.  Still, I was curious to taste what they had to offer, having been craving good old comforting Japanese food I so thoroughly missed.

Sushi Tei seemed an obvious favorite among locals.  Luckily, we went to the Vivo City branch early to avoid the long queue.  Nestled on the second floor and fronting the harbor, the place was large and brightly lit.  Bamboo fixtures adorned the facade and the interiors, recreating an authentic, oriental feel.  Naturally, a whole section was devoted to an open kitchen featuring fresh sushi and sashimi being prepared by their chefs.  We picked a cozy spot overlooking the harbor, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset.

The menu was expansive, which was a delightful surprise.  Sushi Tei was a full board Japanese restaurant, offering Jap treats from appetizers down to bento boxes.  It wasn't just about the raw stuff.  We weren't in the mood for gobbling sashimi, and we missed real tempura.  Those quick fried ebi in hawker courts were simply just too cheap imitations.

Choosing our orders was therefore easy.  Nevertheless, it was hard not to compare the prices with those back home.  We stuck to our all-time favorites, just to get an idea how Japanese food fares in Singapore.

Ebikko Tempura Maki, SGD 6.20 (approx. PHP 220), +10% service charge

To start off, we picked a non-raw maki.  The Ebikko Tempura Maki was a scene-stealer, with the prawn tails jutting out from two of the rolls.  It was a nice visual treat, but noticeably the two rolls holding up the fins appeared to crumble easily.  It was a portent of things to come.

As I proceeded with my first bite, the whole thing came apart easily.  It was reflective of the skill and manner of how they prepared this dish.  The sticky rice wasn't holding up, the salmon roe falling off easily.  It was a shame, since the prawn was quite good, tasting plump and fresh.  The tempura breading remained crunchy though, saving this dish from a crumbly end.  To be honest, I've had better back home, for a much lesser price tag.

Ebi Tempura, 5 pcs, SGD 10.60 (approx. PHP 380), +10% service charge

As if we weren't getting enough of ebi, we still ordered for actual prawn tempura.  The five piece collection was reasonably sized and priced.  However, it still paled in comparison to what Kenji Tei and Jozu Kin boasted of.  But this was definitely better than the average ebi tempura in food courts.

Crunchy goodness.

Taking cue from its maki cousin, the breading was crunchy but not too thick.  It was fried perfectly, leaving very little traces of oiliness.  The average sized prawns within were fresh and juicy, a bit briny but complemented well by the ever reliable tempura sauce.  Satisfying, yet a bit falling short in terms of value for money.

This poor fella saved the day.

The highlight of the meal though, was snagged by another all-time fave.  As I've previously mentioned, I often believe there are a few dishes that define the quality of a Japanese restaurant.  One of that, of course, is the tempura.  The other is how well they deliver on their salmon teriyaki.

Salmon Teriyaki, SGD 12.80 (approx. PHP 460), +10% service charge

This sizable chunk of fresh salmon arrived at our table, its fragrance slowly wafting upwardly. The scent of grilled seafood was really enticing.  The outer skin was charred beautifully, contrasting with the freshness of the salmon meat it wrapped within.

The flesh was flaky but not dry.  The teriyaki glaze was sweet yet not overpowering, coating the salmon lightly and infusing deep into the meat itself.  Despite a rather hefty price tag, the dish was worth it, and conjured memories of the salmon teriyaki from the now defunct Origami restaurant back in Greenbelt, Makati.

Sushi Tei's other dishes should receive more attention, especially the salmon teriyaki.  They offer more than just the usual sushi and sashimi, for which the locals go gaga over.  I'm quite sure there are other hidden gems on their menu just waiting to be discovered.  

Overall, my first experience of Japanese cuisine in Singapore was okay but not mind-blowing. Sushi Tei appeared to cater to the mid-level crowd, and for the price, it seemed reasonable for the locals but not for foreigners like me who couldn't avoid comparing stuff back home. Nevertheless, a testament to Sushi Tei's success and popularity are the long queues and numerous other branches all over the island.  I could find myself back in Sushi Tei, but I would rather try out some other joints.  Although that salmon might be enough temptation.

Jones

Sushi Tei

1 Harbourfront Walk

#02-152/153, Vivo City

Singapore

https://www.facebook.com/SushiTei.Singapore

www.sushitei.com

  

Read more

Tokyo Drift: Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant

Dining at a Japanese restaurant has become almost customary for us whenever there is a special occasion.  Nothing beats the crisp flavors of the tempura and the savory-sweet mix of teriyaki.  But then, Japanese joints are dime-a-dozen, so selecting the right place is an adventure in itself.   A precarious one at that too, especially for a special date night.

Can't go wrong with tempura.

Scouring the web for delicious yet affordable Japanese cuisine, with a good ambiance of course, I stumbled upon a few blog posts about this relatively new establishment in the foodie center of Kapitolyo in Pasig.  The brainchild of the owner of Cafe Juanita, Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant was an intriguing suspect.  Curiosity led us to try out this joint to see for ourselves.

On a Friday night the Kapitolyo area turns into a food street.  Going down West Capitol Drive and the United Nations of cuisine welcomes you - Asian, American, Mexican.  It's a virtual journey across the globe.  But Japanese was the craving for the night, and as early as 6PM Haru's parking lot was packed!  I guess the only drawbacks in Kapitolyo is finding a good spot to park so as not to get too tired (or too hungry) from walking from your car to your foodie destination.

Outside, the restaurant is imposing with its glimmering red signage and a Japanese gateway column welcoming you.  The interiors are well lit and somewhat off-theme with chandelier fixtures.  A few lanterns should have set the mood better.

This small bridge crossing is easily a favorite photo spot.

Despite the off-theme tables, the wooden panels and sliding doors are in tune.

The cat is way cuter.

Nevertheless, the restaurant's other parts seem to transport you instantly to Tokyo.  Sections are divided by wooden panels reminiscent of quaint Japanese houses.  Colorful traditional kimonos adorn the corners of the shop, along with cute little Japanese dolls.  There's even a small wooden bridge crossing a man-made indoor river to replicate the iconic image of bridges in rural Japan.  Haru manages to bend the seams of time and space and warp you into this mini representation of Japan.  I've yet to visit Little Tokyo in Makati, which boasts the same authenticity, but Haru is a class on its own.

The food, though, still had to prove itself worthy.  With a backdrop as charming as this, the chefs behind Haru had the daunting task of keeping in step with the genuine Japanese experience.  We skimmed over the menu and pretty much ordered our favorites - except for one little detail.  We were craving for Asparagus Bacon wraps, and lo and behold, our eyes nearly popped out when we saw the exorbitant price!  Almost 400 bucks for an appetizer?  Is their bacon made of gold?  We never found out since it was highway robbery ordering it anyway, so we sadly skipped it.

Tori Teba Nanbanzuke, P188 (+5% service charge)

We picked another appetizer instead, the Tori Teba Nanbanzuke.  These were deep fried chicken wings doused in a sweet-sour vinegar sauce.  Despite wallowing in the vinegar, the skin remained crisp and crunchy, while the meat within was tender and cooked thoroughly.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed the vinegar taste which paired well with the wings, much like the way mayo dips matches well with buffalo wings.  Sliced pickled onions and carrots were added into the mix too offer a contrast in texture and color.  The dish was highly addicting, in fact it could stand alone as a viand with rice.  Seriously.  Chicken wings value meal!

Dynamite Roll, P269 (+5% service charge)

The Dynamite Roll is a favorite among Japanese sushi bars, but so far I have tasted only a few who got it right (Omakase is one).  This version was large and plump and stuffed to the brim with fresh raw tuna and pink salmon spiked with hot spices and all sorts of shrubbery.  You know how one can predict if a roll is executed perfectly?  The roll should not crumble.  

Ah, but Haru's Dynamite Roll succumbed to the lightest of tension using my chopsticks, rendering it difficult to grasp and dunk in our specially requested spicy mayo dip.  The rice was fragile and the roll either broke apart or slipped into the wrong parts of the table.  Thankfully though, the raw seafood tasted fresh and plump, and had the ample amount of kicks.  If not for its inadequate construction, this would have been atop my list.

Yakimeshi, P80 and Gohan, P49 (+5% service charge)

In preparation for our feast, we ordered each a cup of Japanese fried rice (Yakimeshi) and plain rice (Gohan).  The fried rice was quite good, not too oily yet retaining its flavor.  The only drawback was the seemingly small serving size for that price.

US Beef Yakiniku, P276 (+5% service charge)

For the main offerings, we ordered one beef dish, the US Beef Yakiniku.  I loved the half-moon dish it rested upon, breaking the mundane symmetry typical of Japanese joints.  The beef strips were sliced just right, neither too thin nor too thick.  

The meat was soft and tender and not sinewy, with a cloying amount of fat in most of the pieces.  The yakiniku sauce was savory with mild sweetness, the flavor seeping into the meat lusciously.  The cabbage offered a break from the greasy goodness of the beef.  With the quality of the dish, I almost regretted not ordering my favorite gyudon, expecting the same perfection as the yakiniku.

Shake (Salmon) Teriyaki, P389 (+5% service charge)

I firmly believe that the Salmon Teriyaki makes or breaks a Japanese restaurant (along with the Ebi Tempura).  So I simply had to try it out to gauge Haru's competencies.  The fillet was long but thinner than what I've had, but it still had enough meat to it.  The teriyaki glaze was light yet flavorful, temptingly sweet and salty.  The salmon was grilled perfectly, leaving a few char marks towards the fatty end.  The meat itself was briny and firm, not too crumbly and flaky.  Although I'm used to heftier servings of such a dish, their version stood out simply because it was executed superbly.

Ebi Tempura, P278 (+5% service charge)

Of course, the star of the night was no other than the prawn tempura.  For less than 300 bucks, you get five pieces of prawns deep fried in a light batter.  The prawns were rather small, as these obviously were not the larger tiger prawns.  

In spite of its diminutive size, the prawns were fresh and sweet, with succulence gushing out with each bite.  Fortunately, the batter was also light and crisp and not too oily.  The dish was commensurate for the price tag, and should be a favorite for those craving for a quick tempura fix yet are tired of those buffet joints that churn out oily tempura like an assembly line.  At Haru, you can peacefully and deliberately enjoy each piece of deep-fried prawn in an equally serene environment.

Kiwi Shake, P79 (+5% service charge)

To douse off the intense flavors of all the courses, the Kiwi Shake seemed a refreshing sojourn.  But, the shake was too dilute to fully enjoy the cool flavor of the kiwi fruit. 

Haru achieves the perfect vibe for one unforgettable experience.  It was indeed a night to remember with a little anecdotal event.  A VIP was arriving just as we settled down to our reserved table.  Apparently he was a really important person that throngs of bodyguards and security personnel surveyed the place in advance, and then politely requested us to transfer to another table.  It was no less than the President of our republic who came that night!  So if he likes dining at Haru, then there must be no pork here (political satire intended).

Still, somehow the quality and taste of the food lagged behind the authenticity of the place.  The makimono is suspect, while the tempura just barely average.  Good things going for Haru though is the quality of their grilled dishes, namely the salmon and beef.  The prices are reasonable but the ambiance is exceptional.  So for a lovely date night and an idyllic experience, drift towards Tokyo in the middle of Kapitolyo, with Haru serving as your portal.

Jones

Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant

9 West Capitol Drive (beside Cafe Juanita)

Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Read more

Kenji Tei: Revisited, Redeemed

Some restaurants are just hard to forget, especially when they are close to your heart.  Never mind the change in venue, never mind the escalation of prices, never mind the tweaking of the menu.  When you know the food is still good, it's difficult to resist the temptation to pay them another visit.

Despite my previous rants about Kenji Tei (see here) and its inevitable changes, the mere knowledge at the back of my mind that they still serve one of the best Japanese comfort food is enough to entice me to choose Kenji Tei for a quick lunch at a snap of a finger.  Especially when it's past lunch time and my stomach had been grumbling for more than an hour.  The mere sight of their white and red signage was enough to raise my white flag of surrender.  Images of tempura soon wallow in my mind.

I missed you.

Kenji Tei has found a home on its lofty perch in Greenbelt 5, going toe to toe with the other classy restaurants here.  Easily fully occupied during any lunch or dinner time on any given day, its move to a high-end mall has done it wonders.  With a chic interior, a nice view of the Greenbelt garden below, and hip vibe, Kenji Tei is one of the sought after ramen places in town.  However, I still miss its homey feel that it used to exude back when it was cozily located in BF.

A happier home.

Still wary of the deconstruction of their Gyudon, I chose to avoid ordering it so as not to disappoint my day.  Instead, I wanted to sample my previous favorites which I raved about before, even with the current heftier price tags.  I wanted to see if they maintained the quality and taste of their best-sellers, enough to bring back my happy memories of the better days of Kenji Tei.

Cheese Gyoza, P198 (+10% service charge)

Always a fire starter, the Cheese Gyoza is the best way to jump start your lunch.  Some like their gyoza lightly fried with some parts of the skin soft.  But Kenji Tei does it differently, and has always done so consistently since its BF days.  The gyoza is perfectly deep fried to a crisp, yet retaining its internal softness once you bite into it.  Fully stuffed with pork meat blended with divine cheese, the mixture is magical.  Addictive in every bite, the spicy mayo dip amps up the explosion of taste dancing around on your tongue.  Perfect either as stand alone or a companion to your rice or ramen, the cheese gyoza is a best seller as evidenced by the fact that this was the last order left for that day.  Lucky us!

Crispy Chicken Teriyaki, P228 (+10% service charge)

One of the best things to ever happen to chicken, Kenji Tei delivers a unique twist to an old-time favorite.  With each bite, I distinctly remember my first moment with this inventive creation.  Only one other crispy chicken teriyaki could stand up to Kenji Tei (the Little Rio version).  Each morsel consists of a thin crispy chicken skin enveloping the succulent and tender meat within.  But the fun doesn't end there.  The teriyaki sauce is a merry mix of sweet and salty, necessitating a cup of rice as the perfect partner.  Best consumed immediately, it's comforting to realize that the quality of this dish has been maintained immaculately.

Gohan, P68 (+10% service charge)

Of course, a Japanese meal will never be complete without a serving of tempura.  My fondest memory of Kenji Tei was back then when we were served one of the largest prawn tempura I had ever seen.  My eyes popped out of their sockets.  And so, here I was again waiting anxiously for our order of tempura, hoping it would not disappoint.

Ebi Tempura (5 pcs), P368 (+10% service charge)

At first glance, it was a sight to behold.  Each piece seemed large, but the breading was flowery and could have been an illusion.  The coating was crunchy and adequate, neither too thin nor too thick.  Sadly though, the prawns within were ordinarily sized.  These paled in comparison to those I previously had in other joints, and even during Kenji Tei's better days.  Nevertheless, the prawns were fresh and sweet, juicy and tender with each bite.  The bigger letdown however was the price tag.  I used to enjoy their tempura for just under 300 bucks for the 5 piece set.  Now I still believe it's overpriced at more than 300 pesos for these normal sized prawns.  For the same price tag I could grab a 5 piece set with humongous black tiger prawns at another shop.  Still, Kenji Tei remains commendable for preserving the quality of its tempura despite upping the prices.

My revisit at Kenji Tei was reassuring and redeeming.  Their best sellers retained their charm and addictive taste, keeping hungry diners hooked up for more.  On the other hand, my other personal favorites (gyudon and tempura) have fallen a notch lower, compounded by an increase in prices.  But there's just something about restaurants such as these that keep you coming back.  Maybe it's the magic of first love, or the fondness of my memories.  One thing for sure though, is that whenever I would be in Greenbelt, Kenji Tei should be the easiest choice for my Japanese quick fix.

Jones

Kenji Tei Ramen House

3rd Floor, Greenbelt 5

Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village

Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/kenjitei

Read more

The Hidden Gem: Yaku

There are a number of reasons why some restaurants remain relatively unknown.  For some, it is by choice, to perpetuate the public's curiosity and add an adventurous charm.  For others, it's just a bad location.  In the case of Yaku, it's a mix of both.

Remaining in the business for ten years now, it is remarkable how Yaku has kept itself under the radar of both foodies and the common hungry diner.  With nary an advertisement to make itself prominent, it still has maintained a loyal following.  Blame it on Feng Shui, some would say, since the first thing you notice as you finally discover where it is on the third floor, is that large silver column obscuring its facade.  It supposedly blocks the good vibes and blessings.  Blame it on the building: nobody goes to Podium to stay there for even an hour.  People just pass through going to Megamall.  At least I do.  Or blame it on the name: one wrong letter on Google Search and you end up browsing a katsu place instead.  A very famous one too.  Heck, even the word "yaku" in the bastardized vernacular means "don't want".  Go figure.

Whether by intent or by accident, Yaku has managed to instill an air of interest, a worthy reputation by word of mouth.  And I finally got to see for myself.

Indeed, Yaku is difficult to spot for those who aren't actually looking for it.  Sandwiched by a Chinese restaurant and a toy store, the tall silver column conceals its entrance.  Only a lonely menu card out front gives any indication that you're at the right place.  Inside though, is a totally different matter.  The place exudes a peaceful vibe, blending  rough stone fixtures and modern lighting into an indoor Zen garden.  In fact, Yaku's spot is envious.  The glass window panels provides ample view of the tall buidlings of Ortigas and the busy streets below, like a swanky hotel fine dine.

Concrete slabs and panels and a few bamboo shoots decorate this indoor Zen garden.

Tradition meets modern with its simple lighting on a bare ceiling background.

For the uninformed, Yaku started out as a dedicated yakitori grilling spot, hence its name.  Through the years though, clamor for a wider Japanese menu led to its expansion.  And the rest is history.  We were not too crazy for yakitori types, but we were here to sample their Japanese offerings overall.  The menu book was tattered and torn, another encouraging sign that this was  a frequented place.  After picking our orders, we could not help but notice their unique call buttons for the wait staff.  An ingenious method, a definite indication of good service.

Press button for tempura.  Now that's a button I'd love.

Straightforward menu, easy to choose, easy to love.

Can I have a cup of rice with this?

It would be a travesty not to sample their grilled specialties.  But we wanted room for a lot more, so we picked just one.  And it was the perfect choice.

Kawa, P69 (+10% service charge)

Three sticks of chicken skin perfectly grilled to a light crisp, the Kawa was sinfully addicting.  Each piece was crunchy like chicharon, yet with a hint of a typical fatty and smokey grilled taste.  A testament how Yaku has perfected its grilling technique and thus made its name as a grilling station.

Aspara Bacon, P109 (+10% service charge)

Another grilled favorite, the Aspara Bacon was a sure-fire hit.  These asparagus stalks were lightly charred and drizzled with a special marinade, wrapped lovingly in strips of heavenly bacon.  There was the familiar smokey taste, even penetrating the usually resistant asparagus.  The bacon was savory and chewy but not tough.  Still, the stalks looked thin and shabby, and I've tried stouter ones in other places.  Nevertheless, the grilled taste is so distinct and prominent that I have to coin the term, "the Yaku taste" in all my blog posts from here on.

Spicy Shake Maki, P145 (+10% service charge)

Yaku also offers a collection of maki and sushi / sashimi, to round up the Japanese menu.  But don't get too excited though.  The Spicy Shake (Salmon) Maki consisted of 6 rolls of fresh pink salmon showered in spices.  The rolls were flavorful and filling, but there was nothing spectacular in both taste and presentation.  A bit ho-hum but still a good choice for those craving for rolls.  I wonder if their other maki selections were as ordinary as this.  

Gyudon, P199 (+10% service charge)

I couldn't pass up on the Gyudon, my ultimate comfort food.  The Yaku version was simple yet savory.  Each slice of beef was tender and juicy, although a bit on the leaner side. I usually preferred slices that had a sliver of fat or tendon.  Curiously, the beef also had a hint of the Yaku grill taste, which was a good perk-up.  The mirin sauce hit all the right notes, neither too sweet nor salty.  The onion slices offered a contrast in texture and a hint of zest.  Missing in action though were the shitake mushrooms that would have added a bolder quality to the dish.  A serving of fresh egg yolk though made my day, since I missed mixing up the whole concoction into glutinous chunks of meat and rice.  Happily, the serving was just right for a very reasonable price, in fact, one of the most affordable yet better tasting Gyudon in the metro.  

Chicken Teriyaki, P189 (+10% service charge)

A staple of any Japanese meal, the Chicken Teriyaki was sweet and succulent.  Each slice was tender and superbly grilled with hints of charred skin.  Yet again, the Yaku grill taste was bursting forth in each bite.  Although I have tried more adventurous and bold versions of this classic, this version stayed true to its familiar taste.  Nothing really extraordinary but good and filing nonetheless.  And a steal at less than 200 bucks.

Beef Yakiniku, P215 (+10% service charge)

As if we didn't have enough of grilled dishes yet, we still picked yet another one.  The Beef Yakiniku was similarly grilled impeccably, again exuding that now familiar smokey taste.  Each morsel was  tender and easy to chew, although it was not typical of the cubed slices of other yakiniku joints.  The taste was almost similar to my Gyudon, and ordering this might have been redundant.  Still, for meat lovers, the Beef Yakiniku is an easy pick.

Ebi Tempura, P249 (+10% service charge)

Rounding up our Japanese feast of course is the ubiquitous Ebi Tempura.  These amazing prawns were huge and plump, lovingly covered in a thin crispy and crunchy breading.  I love tempura breading that bursts like a flowery and spiky explosion, as it often heralds a delicious secret within.  And that's exactly what it is here at Yaku.  The prawns are big and fat, juicy and sweet, as if oozing with the flavors of the sea.  Four pieces for roughly 250 bucks?  It's definitely a steal, a well-kept secret.  I now have another Ebi Tempura ranked up there with the likes of Jozu-Kin.

Another happy customer.

Yaku has stood the test of time.  It has proven that you don't always need a good location to reap the rewards.  You don't even need to advertise or promote a lot just to attract hungry customers.  All it takes is good food, fresh ingredients, and heartwarming service.  Despite some of their offerings just bordering on average, nonetheless the grilled dishes are critically acclaimed, and the tempura one of the best.  A hidden gem in a posh mall, Yaku seems blithe in its rightful podium among its more well-known competitors, remaining oblivious yet consistent in offering great tasting and affordable Japanese food.

Jones

Yaku Japanese Grill

3rd Level, The Podium

ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center

Mandaluyong City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yaku-japanese-grill/201990269950862

  

Read more