Bubba took me out on a dinner date two Saturdays ago and Kikufuji was our choice of restaurant. That specific visit didn’t impress me much, particularly service and menu price –I found it on the expensive side. Last Saturday, Richard and Irene who are pioneers of Kikufuji went to revisit the Japanese restaurant since they haven’t in two months. Bubba and I thought of tagging along.
The dining area looked cleaner during lunch than in the evening. Chaos seemed to be down a notch too. On both sides of the restaurant is the usual Japanese sit-down where you take off your shoes –it was booth type that allows a bit of privacy.
On the Table
Appetizers/Side Dishes – Free
Kikufuji’s lunch sets come with free appetizers and side dishes like cabbage salad, miso soup, black seaweed salad and spicy tuna starter
Enoki Bacon Tare PHP 52
The grilled items on the menu are quite extensive and it’s hard to go wrong because it’s the Japanese chef who manages the grill. The bacon had grilled marks that looked appetizing and the cured meat wasn’t salty at all. There’s a bit of sweetness in the skewered meat that probably came from the enoki mushrooms as well.
Katsudon PHP 265
A week ago during dinner time, Bubba ordered the same thing but this time, their Katsudon was cheaper. It was priced at PHP 300 during dinner, which is way more expensive. Plus factor is it comes with unlimited Jasmine rice.
Unaju Don PHP 345
I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time. Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste. The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent. Serving was generous that I was only able to finish half while Bubba finished the other half.
Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185
Between Richard, Irene and Lauren, the three of them ordered Tempura, Gindara, Shake, Maguro and Beef Teppan. Yes, they are a family who loves to eat.
Other than those, Richard also ordered Shoga Yaki which is like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks. It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side. It’s a must-order on the next visit.
Service was mainly more attentive and gracious this time around and I think Irene being with us had a lot to do with it. It is certainly best to visit Kikufuji during lunch time than dinner time because dish prices are cheaper for some reason and they give you more bang for your buck with all the side dishes that go with your lunch meal. They also include cold tea drink and cold coffee after your meal. Get authentic Japanese dishes at Kikufuji at an affordable price when you go during lunch.
Izakaya Kikufuji
2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City
(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131
Open for lunch and dinner
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Recent Table Guest