Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurant

 

 

If you do a backyard survey among your friends on their favorite cuisine, Japanese cuisine will definitely be on the top 2 list.  And what’s there not to love about the Japanese?  Er, except for territory invasion and similar events, Japanese are well lauded for their love for their country and most especially, the wonderful dishes they introduced to the rest of the world. 

 

 

Sushi, don buri, tamagoyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, yakiniku, and the best quality of beef, need I say more?  In Japanese cuisine, quality of ingredients and presentation are dealt with heavy importance.

 

Yes that’s me with the children of the foster family that adopted me for 4 days 🙂 

 

The Michelin Guide supposedly awarded Japanese cities by far the most Michelin stars of any country in the world.  Tokyo alone has more Michelin stars than the combination of Paris, Hong Kong, New York, LA and London. 

 

 

I have about 25 Japanese restaurants in my list but the 10 below are what I have compiled for my TOP 10 at this time.  Please don’t look for Seryna, Tsukiji, Yuu Jin, Haiku, Sushi Kappo Kobikicho and Nihonbashitei first and will have a different list for those.  I can’t find my photos for Senju 🙁

 

 

10. Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

 

Upon entering Nagomi, one would feel the Japanese vibe of the restaurant, with the usual rack stand of Japanese magazines, private rooms with sliding doors and certain pieces like the Japanese lantern and posters add to the whole appearance.  The very long sushi bar seals the deal. 

 

 

Nagomi sometimes has that old smell but it doesn’t stop Japanese business men from the Ortigas area to frequent the place.  This Japanese restaurant has a wide range of dishes to offer.  It shows in their extensive menu. 

 

 

If you don’t feel adventurous, their cold soba with tempura set satisfies your cold noodle craving at a reasonable price. 

 

 

READ MORE:

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

 

 

Nagomi Japanese Restaurant

El Pueblo, Real de Manila,

Doña Julia Vargas Ave. cor ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(632) 635 4546/ (632) 632 1736

 

 

9. Konbini

 

 

Before Royce Chocolates formally opened in Manila, Konbini Store is our easiest access point to Royce chocolates.

 

 

What’s interesting about Konbini Store is the way a customer has to order his/her meal.  They have this rack of cards with photos of the dishes and price tag. 

 

 

You just get the cards (dishes) you want and pay for them at the counter like paying for grocery at a convenience store.  Then they will serve the food on your table.

 

Miso Chasiu Ramen PHP 220

I was going to opt for the Shoyu Ramen but changed my mind and went for Konbini’s Miso Chasiu Ramen. 

 

 

I wasn’t expecting much but was delightfully surprised that the Miso Chasiu Ramen was really a warm hearty bowl of yum.  In degree of taste and cheaper price, it can actually rival Ukkokei Ramen Ron in my book. 

 

 

READ MORE:

Konbini Store’s Chasiu Ramen

 

 

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut Street,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

(632) 722 4263

 

 

8. Nanbantei of Tokyo

 

 

Nanbantei is a Japanese restaurant located at the 3rd level of Greenbelt 3.  It looks smaller from the outside but the inside is very spacious with three divided dining sections.  The open grill stands in the middle of the first dining area with a table outlining the front grill section. 

 

 

The grill section is where yakitori happens.  Yakitori is the process of roasting bite size pieces of meat, poultry, or vegetables, which Japan cooking is famous for. 

 

Nanban Yaki PHP 180 (2 sticks) –Bubba’s order

Beef with special Nanban sauce.  Square cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch of tender beef that has a peppery and smoked flavor.  The beef was tender, buttery and flavorful.  The sate sauce can append another layer of taste.

 

 

Yaki Niku PHP 170 (2 sticks) –2 orders, Jem and I had the same order

Grilled thin slices of beef, which were also good, but it was a tad bit saltier for my taste.  The cut of the beef is similar to the Sukiyaki cut but slimmer and softer. 

 

 

Nanbantei’s strength lies on their grilled dishes.  Order the platters that appear to have more value for money. 

 

 

READ MORE:

Nanbantei of Tokyo

 

 

Nanbantei of Tokyo

3rd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Makati City, MM.

(632) 757 4130

 

 

7. Hana and Kagura

 

 

Hana is a rather small restaurant, probably 30-32 sqm floor area that had a narrow bar on the right side and 3-4 tables inside and a private corner at the far end.  Hana is known as the best place to get the biggest and most delicious Takoyaki in town. 

 

 

Takoyaki PHP 120

Hana is quite famous in the block because of their Takoyaki.  They have a takoyaki stand set up outside of the restaurant and you’re ensured that you get the freshest of their Takoyaki balls right of the hot iron grill.  Takoyaki to some is considered as the best street food in Japan. 

 

 

6 pieces of giant dumpling, shaped like a ball, is from a Japanese batter with diced or whole baby octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. 

 

READ MORE:

Hana Restaurant, Little Tokyo

 

 

Hana Restaurant

Little Tokyo Compound,

Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

(632) 339 3855

Open from 10 am – 11pm

 

 

Kagura

 

 Kagura is in the same compound as Hana Japanese restaurant and they are actually right beside each other.  Kagura was actually our first choice but it was fully booked for that day.  Kagura is known to dish out the best Okonomiyakis or Japanese pizza.

 

 

 

6. Izakaya Kikufuji

 

 

As usual, Bubba and I found ourselves trotting to Little Tokyo –one of our favorite places to get an authentic Japanese meal.  Instead of visiting Urameshiya again, Izakaya Kikufuji is a favorite alternative. 

 

 

The dining space at Kikufuji is quite spacious with the sushi bar slash open kitchen right smack at the center of the restaurant.  The place was brimming with people, a lot were Japanese but I noticed that crowd also composed of Filipinos and we spotted eye candy Georgina Wilson.

 

 

Spicy Tuna Salad PHP 252

I love the tuna cutlets that tasted fresh and were coated beautifully with Japanese mayo that has a tinge of heat.

 

 

It’s better to visit Kikufuji during lunch than dinner.  Prices are cheaper, for one.  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.

 

 

Unaju Don PHP 345

I’m not a big fan of eel but I do order it from time to time being a small fan.  Kikufuji’s unadon is quite good, cooked well without the fishy taste.  The teriyaki sauce that they topped the boneless eel with is succulent. 

 

 

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki PHP 185

Buta Jo Roose Shoga Yaki was like shaved meat, similar to bacon, but sautéed with sweetened onions and leeks.  It’s served with shredded raw cabbage on the side. 

 

 

 

READ MORE:

Izakaya Kikufuji

 

 

Izakaya Kikufuji

2277 Pasong Tamo, Makati City

(632) 893 7319/ (632) 893 6131

Open for lunch and dinner

 

 

5. Ukkokei Ramen Ron

 

Ukkokei Ramen Ron is located along Pasay Road in Makati but it stands out from the rest of the scene since it garnered reputation as the best ramen in town, taking out Shinjuku who held the fame for the longest time off the top spot.

 

 

Ukkokei serves Ramen with three (3) different soup bases.  This is the best place to start –choose from Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt-based) or Miso (miso-based).  Then pick out the option you want under each soup-based category depending on the ingredients you want on your soup.

 

     

Miso Butter Corn Ramen PHP 360

Get served with a bowl of piping hot ramen that will bring you much comfort –both in taste and texture.  Ramen is freshly made with just enough bite but still retains its softness and excellent elasticity.  The miso-based broth tastes delicious but others might get turned off by the oiliness of the soup. 

 

 

I love Ukkokei’s Miso Butter Ramen.  There is generous amount of corn kernels and bean sprouts that adds a different crunchy bite while the butter adds creaminess to the whole deal.  If you find the pork slices or chayu too few like I did, order an extra plate for PHP 120.

 

 

READ MORE:

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

 

 

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building,

822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road),

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 856 4588

 

 

4. Chibori

 

 

Chibori is a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu.  In 2008, this was where my tongue lost its virginity to Uni.  Thanks to Norman who specifically booked that Japanese dinner for me to taste my first ever sea urchin experience.

 

Norma and Chris

One of my favorite Cebu photos, this one with Travel Factor 

 

 

Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+

6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad.  It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like too much “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture.  The boys let me finish most of it.

 

Sushi Moriawase

 

Tempura

 

 

Sukiyaki PHP 600++

Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles.  The broth has a sweet note to it.  Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately. 

 

 

Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef.  The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it.  One of the best Sukiyaki’s in the Philippines!

 

 

READ MORE:

Chibori– Cebu

 

 

Chibori

G/F CJRS Bldg., Asiatown IT Park,

Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines

 

 

3. Tsumura

 

Tsumura has been a favorite haunt of enthusiasts of high quality and equally priced sushi.  Some have dubbed Tsumura, “Tsu-mahal,” because prices of certain dishes here can go up the wazoo!  A Japanese sushi chef runs the restaurant so definitely high expectations are set.

 

 

 

Sashimi Moriawase PHP 890

The assorted Sashimi Moriawase set comes with a selection of fresh and imported fresh sashimi and a sampling of uni.  The mixed set has a variety of raw fish that I’m not that familiar with, as well as beautifully cut squid, salmon, tuna, and mackerel.  Their sashimi platter indeed has the finest cuts of delicious raw fish (at least those fish that are in my food-cabulary).

 

 

Amiyaki Beef PHP 470

 

Uni PHP 80

 

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

 

 

READ MORE:

The Way a Sashimi Should Be at Tsumura

 

 

Tsumura

2nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza, Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

 

 

2. Inagiku

 

Inagiku was awarded as Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret (MBKRS) Winner of Best Japanese Restaurant in 2010.  It’s no surprise since Inagiku is known to serve world-class Japanese cuisine with its delicate ALWAYS FRESH sushi and sashimi.   

 

Sushi Platter

  

 

Tempura Sushi Roll

 

 

Grilled Gindara

 

 

Make sure that you always have room for Wasabi ice cream!  It’s a favorite ice cream flavor of mine, next to Pistachio and Blueberry.

 

 

READ MORE:

Inagiku

 

 

Inagiku

Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel Makati, Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati, Metro Manila

(632) 813 8888 loc. 7588, 7599

 

 

1. Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

 

Japanese is what Bubba loves best and the first time I brought him to Urameshiya for a dinner date, he fell in love with the restaurant.  The setting strongly reminded me of my Japan trip.  Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan have a lot of character and produce mouthwatering dishes as those in the upscale ones. 

 

Urameshiya Entrance

 

Urameshiya Yakiniku serves the best Yakiniku in Manila.  I’m biased because I love my meat in its smoky grilled/semi-charred condition.  Bubba and I usually order the Tarafuku Set but their Wagyu set is also one of the best.

 

On the Table

Enjoying my Japanese BBQ!

This was a wonderful date spent with Bubba

And another one 🙂

 

 

Tarafuku Set PHP 1,850

With the economic crunch, it’s definitely not easy for everyone to shell out almost 2K for a beef set that’s good for a hungry couple.  However, I really recommend burning (literally) 2K for Urameshi-ya.  I feel that every peso of that set is worth the quality and quantity of meat you’re getting.

 

 

Urameshiya definitely tops our list at this time! 🙂

 

 

READ MORE:

Urameshiya Yakiniku Restaurant

Urameshiya Part Deux

 

 

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

(632) 819 5008

 

 

Filipino Poker Tour on The Tube

 

Studio 23 will be airing the FILIPINO POKER TOUR (FPT) on the following dates and time:
Saturday airing:                July 11, 11:00 PM-12:00 MN (preempting UFC Unleashed)

July 18, 11:00 PM -12:00 MN (preempting UFC Unleashed)

 

Monday airing:                July 20, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

July 27, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

Wednesday airing:     July 22, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

 

Friday airing:                July 24, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

The FPT will be airing every Sunday, from 10:30 PM – 11:30 PM beginning July 26 (preempting The Ultimate Fighter)

Urameshiya Part Deux

 

It was another long weekend.  This time we did not make any out-of-town plans and enjoyed Manila in its relaxing and calm condition.  Friday night weather was made for sleeping in.  Thursday evening was spent with my friend Chai at Jalapeño.  It was a girl on girl tête-à-tête over delish Mexican food.  She left later that night for Baguio (came back Sunday night) but met up with me first to get last minute tips for her trip to Vietnam –Cambodia last Monday.  She’s repeating the trip Bubba and I had during the Holy Week break.  Too bad she was only going to Phnom Penh.  I would love for her to experience Angkor Wat and the Hub Street at Siem Reap.

 

 

 

It rained hard Thursday night.  I slept at 4am Friday because I was up all night watching The Greatest American Dog.  I finished the whole season in one sitting!  I loved it to bits –the show’s concept, theme per episode, challenges that match with that week’s theme, casting and especially the loyalty of the dogs!  With the heavy rain and thunders, 3 episodes made me weep silently in the cold room.  I love it so much I can’t wait for Star World to show the next season.

 

 

Anyone here who watched the series?  Who was your favorite?  I have two!

 

I digress.  Friday afternoon was spent playing briefly in the tournament.  Right after, I visited Big Ace in Shaw Boulevard for the first time.  They have an early bird rebate, which is quite a witty strategy to mobilize early players.  After three hours of playing while Bubba gets a haircut, his watch and a mall roundabout, he picks me up for a Friday night dinner date.

 

We wanted to brave South Super Hi-Way and go for a “south food adventure,” but I thought of going back to Little Tokyo.  It hasn’t even been two weeks yet and I am heeding to the call of Urameshiya.  The two weeks felt like months as I have yearned to be back and taste their beef the very next day.  And so off we went to Makati.

 

On the Table

 

Takoyaki PHP 100

This was ordered from the other restaurant.

 

 

I want to try the Okonomiyaki too at Kagura as recommended by my former intern Eisen, but saved it for another day.

 

 

Tarafoku Set PHP 1,850

I wanted to order the Wagyu set but my eyes bulged out at the sight of the new menu price.  Previous price was at PHP 2,800 and now it’s PHP 3,300.  I deliberated but since it was Bubba’s treat, I went to the safe and more economical side and ordered the same Tarafoku set which is also more expensive by PHP 200.

 

 

 

 

The quality of beef is still superb.  Bubba did most of the cooking although I wanted to help out.  It seems like he was enjoying himself with the thong and the plates of various meat.  Amiable service from the wait staff  is still consistent in its efficiency and promptness. 

 

 

 

 

After eating, we stayed a bit for beer and watched Prison Break Season 4 on Bubba’s Mac.  It wasn’t as exciting as the first season though.

 

 

 

 

 

Urameshiya (Urameshi-ya) Yakiniku Restaurant

2277 Amorsolo (beside Makati Cinema Square)

Makati City, Metro Manila

+632 819 5008

 

Urameshiya Part Deux Album

Urameshiya Album

 

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Urameshiya

Jalapeno

 

 

Albums:

 

Cambodia Trip Set 1 DSLR Photos 

Cambodia Trip Set 2 DLSR Photos

Vietnam Day 1 Album

Angkor Wat Album

Siem Reap, Cambodia Album

Cambodia – Vietnam Trip Album

 

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The Bayon

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Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao Poker Tour

(Reposting)

 

MPPT Manny Pacquiao Poker Tour 250k Guaranteed Tournament at the Asia Poker Sports Club 

 

DATE: June 12, 2009

With a buy-in of P5,000 + P500, 10 places paid 10 players per table, max of 10 tables with a starting chips of 10,000.00.


Manny Pacquiao will BE PRESENT at the tournament

DAILY 10,000 Guaranteed + 1 seat to the MMPT

Starting May 31, 2009 Sunday, DAILY UNTIL JUNE 11, 2009
Buy-In: Php 200.00 – 5,000 starting chips
1 add-on 5,000 chips and 1 re-buy 3,000

Php 200.00

Registration starts at 4:00pm
Shuffle up and deal at 7:00pm
Free drinks
10 places paid
1st 3,000 + 1 seat to the MPPT
2nd 2,000
3rd 1,000
4th 1,000
5th 500
6th 500
7th 500
8th 500
9th 500
10th 500

Asia Poker Sports Club
5th Floor, The Pan Pacific Hotel
M. Adriatico St corner Malvar St, Malate, Manila
(hotel basement parking entrance at Malvar street)

AK

 

Anna Kournikova

 

It’s the AK that can never get a bad beat.

 

 

Poker Tales: Getting Hit by Lightning

 

Last night, I really enjoyed how I played the “card sport” I fancy.  You heard it right.  I did refer to Texas Hold ‘Em as a “sport” again.

 

I think my 2-hour game last night was quite okay.  I think I won almost every hand I was committed to play.  Too bad that not a lot of people called my bets until the end, then it would have been sizable pots taken.

 

Around 830pm, my phone rings –my queue cue (thanks Mr. Dictionary!) to leave.  My big blind spot just finished so I’m on the small blind position.  I couldn’t leave just yet.  Fold, fold, fold.  Gray Polo raises to 100.  Fold Fold Fold.  I peek at my cards and there they are PEAKS.  I was about to leave… what am I doing with this hand?  I raise to 200.  He thinks about it and calls.  Heads-up game.

 

Flop: 7c Qd Jc

Geesh, was his 100, QJ?  I bet 150.  He thinks for about 30 seconds and goes all-in with 310.  With the look on his face, he must have hit one or still in the draw.  Or is he pocket 9s?

 

That’s 160 more to me.  I call.

 

Turn: Qs

I didn’t want to see another Q but from the looks on his face, he didn’t have a Q.  I think I was okay.

 

River: 10d

He says sorry.  Genuinely.  He hit his straight.  He shows his rifle.  AK.

 

My AA got hit by a straight again.  It was my last play of the night.  I was holding rockets and a rifle shot it down.

 

What a complete déjà vu.  Flashback to two weeks ago:

 

The guy on my right bets 120.  I call.  Heads-up!

 

Flop: J? Q? Q?

A flop I definitely don’t want to see.  He bets 150.  I put him on AJ or KJ.  I went all-in with 380.  He calls. 

 

Turn: 4?

River: 10?

 

He shows his AK.  He gets his straight.

 

Back to last night, I know I’ve seen that board before.  2 Queens, a 10 on the river –and someone hitting their straight.

 

Most people assume that lightning strikes in only one place.  In this non-NASA study, we’ve documented that lightning definitely strikes more than one place about a third of the time. 

 

 

 

Image Source: Lightningsafety.noaa.gov

Image Source: Lightningsafety.noaa.gov

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, lightning strikes the same place twice!

 

 

Poker Tales: Cracked Bullets Part Deux

 

My bootie just kissed the seat.  It was only the second hand I’ve been dealt with.  Brian comes over and talks to me about traveling because of my Nat Geo magazine.  I put in the 20, this Korean mommy raised to 100.  Nobody else called.  I shrugged and called with K8 off suit.  My buy-in was 500.

 

Flop: 8? 5? 4?

I checked.  She bets 200.  Over pockets, I thought.  I call, hoping to land my second pair on the turn.

 

Turn: K?

I went all in with the 200 left.  She calls without hesitation.

 

River: 9?

She shows AA.  I show my hand.  I win 900.

 

Image Source: PokerDIY.com

 

It was my turn to knuckle-punch bullets.

 

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