More Dishes at Yabu, More to Love!

You know how some kids pronounce “love” as “yab,” barely getting that right roll of the tongue for L.  I tell you, I yab Yabu… and my tongue is rolling for more dishes.  Since the first time I have gushed about Yabu here, Bubba and I have been back countless of times.  We are not big mainstays of Megamall but because of Yabu, and Bubba’s total addiction to it, we’ve returned time and again. 

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Yabu, House of Katsu 

From its minimalist modern comfortable interiors that were only one spacious dining area before the renovation, they have expanded to take over the space from their neighbor.  Still despite the expansion, people who have come to love Yabu like us have continued to grow and flow.  Good thing, their host by the front door who helps guests be seated is quick and fast and arrange for available tables efficiently.

Last time we visited, we decided to peruse the menu and order new items, alongside our usual favorites.  We couldn’t keep away from what they do best, that mmm-juicy inside pork cutlet with perfectly crunchy-flaky exterior.  But, there was more to discover and now I think, I’m torn between that and a new favorite. 

On the Table

Superior Potato and Egg Salad (any two appetizers for Php 195)

Chunks of potato and egg, tossed in creamy mayonnaise-mustard dressing

For any appetizers from their choices of 4 or 5, you can order two for only Php 195.  I was interested to try their seaweed appetizer but it was unavailable. 

Hiyayakko Tofu

Cold silken tofu cubes in ponzu sauce, sprinkled with bonito flakes

Clean tasting tofu cubes in semi sweet ponzu sauce is a good started to prime the palate.

Kurobota Pork Set Php 575 (120g)  

Bubba decided that instead of ordering either the regular hire or rosu, he opted for the Kurobota Pork Set.  This is a 3/4 inch cutlet made from rosu or pork with a trimming of fat.  It is sometimes called the kobe beef of pork, due to its rich marbling, softness, and flavor.  Kurobuta, also known as the Black Berkshire pig, is the world’s finest pork. 

During that visit, we bumped into two friends, Ricky of Dulcelin-fame whose Wagyu Tri-Tip has made Bubba and me salivate endlessly and DeDet of Pepita’s Kitchen enjoying a Saturday lunch with her lovely girls.  Tita DeDet swears by the Kurobota set, which was initially her daughter’s favorite, until she tried it and became a convert herself.  It’s definitely tenderer and is packed with a little more flavor than a regular pork cutlet. 

To add a little more body and kick, Bubba in the last 2-3 visits have been ordering the chili-garlic sauce on the side.  I get the exhilarating flavorful kick from the mustard splotch Yabu serves on the side but this was a good differentiating taste.

Hire Special Katsudon Php 350

Instead of ordering their regular katsudon, we’ve gone adventurous and tried the Hire “Special” Katsudon version.  It is also served with miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing and a bowl of fruit. 

It’s the same 3/4 inch thick, flaky pork cutlet with no fat, but instead of egg already slightly mixed with the rice, the “Special” has a fried sunny-side egg for your own breaking pleasure and for the yolk to coat all the good things you want to coat in your donburi of Katsudon.  There are other components too like seaweed strips and bonito flakes that add that salty shade.

Ripe Mango Php 100

Bubba’s order for drinks -fresh ripe mango

Seafood Katsu Set 2 Php 515

Salmon, black tiger prawn, crab, oyster

I had enough lucid interval to finally order and try Yabu’s Seafood Katsu Set.  Same as the sets above, it comes with the usual serving of accompaniments.  The salmon, I was a bit skeptic, but it turned out that they didn’t overcook it, which was great.  In fact, it’s slightly on the medium side with the middle having a rich orange color, still retaining that natural salmon juice and texture. 

The Black Tiger Prawn, part of the Seafood Katsu Set 2, is huge and can’t be doubted that it is tiger prawn –I even shared it with Bubba. 

The oyster was also huge and I welcomed its unique taste amidst the other items.  I bite into the ball of crab and took pleasure in the creamy inside that’s like a crab salad with loads of crab meat strips.  Good to order if you are a non-pork lover.   

Fish Php 105.00 (60g)

This was the biggest revelation of all in the new items we ordered at Yabu and clearly has battled to be my favorite against a big contender –pork. 

I totally loved the delicateness of the fish, perfectly cooked, with its natural subtle texture melting behind the flaky exterior.  Taste is fresh and clean yet brimming with the innate sweetness of fish.  I’m so glad it is part of ala carte so I can order it singly together with the pork cutlet if I’m not on a diet –which is the case most of the time.

Ozeki Yamada Nishiki Php 335

Bubba and I also ordered a carafe of sweet sake for shots to end our delicious over the top dishes at Yabu.

He’ll kill me for posting this… but life’s short so…!

Yabu, how can Bubba not love thee?  Let me count the dishes.

Yabu, House of Katsu

2/F SM Megamall, Julia Vargas Avenue,

Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

(02) 576 3900

Yabu Flickr Album