Yabu: The House of Katsu

I simply love food. But one of my favorite cuisines of all time is Japanese. Ever since I was a child, I have been able to eat at very many Japanese restaurant, not only in Manila but all over the world. From a basic fast food Japanese at the food court to the high end wherein when I see the check I quietly ask myself, "will I still be able to eat this week after eating here?". Nonetheless, those moments I will never regret. Japanese buffets are one of my favorite as well. I remember eating at Triple V with my family every Sunday, and I'd mention to them I would only want to eat from Saisaki. But all of these restaurants, to me, have one thing in common--- Tonkatsu.

The Origin of Katsu in the menu of Yabu :)

I first ate Tonkatsu at Sayuri in Alabang Zapote when I was a kid. Ever since then I would never fail to not order tonkatsu whenever we would eat at a Japanese restaurant. Even abroad, I would always look for that dish in every single Japanese restaurant.

Of all the places I have been to around the world, Singapore was one of my favorite. Why? Because of their food, and one those restaurants happens to be Tonkichi, the Japanese restaurant similar to my now favorite Katsu House in the whole of Metro Manila--- Yabu: The House of Katsu.

Yabu Condiments :)

Yabu Menu

When we 1st approached the place I was honestly so hesitant to eat at Yabu, not because I didn't want to try their food but because of the people I saw sitting down outside, waiting for a seat to be given to them. I asked one of the waitresses and she immediately gave us a table. I thought to myself, "Hmmm must be my luck day?". As I browsed thru the menu I already knew what I wanted to order.. The Chicken Katsu Set. They offer a wide range of "katsu" variety--- prawn, fish, oyster, pork, chicken, and more! They even have a kid's menu for the little toddlers to enjoy their treat as well.

Yabu's Ground Sesame for Sauce

I was prepared to wait long for my order since I saw how full the restaurant was. In less than 7 mins, our food arrived and, not to mention, it was hot and complete! The chicken katsu was just so luscious, soft, and tasty that I ate it without the sauce! (For first time diners at this restaurant you must try the sesame sauce you will create). The crunchiness of the breading, the juiciness of the chicken, and the taste of the entire meal just satisfied my appetite.



What I like most about Yabu more than the food itself is the accommodation of the restaurant staff. I admit that I am the type of person who is not so hard to please, but the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff in Yabu is just exceptional. Despite the fact the restaurant was full, everyone in the restaurant, including the servers, seemed happy and satisfied with what they were getting. I would have to say that Yabu is one of the best service restaurants I have ever dined in in the country. After all, even if there is good food in a good restaurant, service is first and foremost the most important because of the experience you will get in that establishment, which creates an impression on you. Mine, I would have to say is I definitely love Yabu and I will go back!

Chicken Katsu (120g) Set

Chicken Katsu Curry Set :)

Lastly, I would like to commend the interior of Yabu. I feel that their ambiance is so comfortable and accommodating, yet at the same time i feel that I am in an authentic Japanese restaurant in Japan. If you're gonna ask me about the price... hmmm... my answer would be it is all worth it. Did I mention that their cabbage is refillable? Well, it is. Instead of rice, they gave their restaurant a more healthy image to cater to the public. You can't complain... The cabbage with the table condiments will definitely tickle your taste buds 'til you bloat.

Yabu's Interior :)

Come one, come all! Try Yabu: The House of Katsu! An experience, I assure you, you will never forget. I guarantee you that the food is not only excellent, but the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff will create a majestic image on your dining experiences at this place.






**CONTACT INFORMATION:
Yabu: House of Katsu
2/F Megamall Atrium, SM Megamall
Tel No: (02) 576-3900

Ryuma Japanese Restaurant

RYUMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

I have always loved Japanese food. I am very fond of it, and it is one of my favorite cuisines. Being an avid fan, I am always in the search for the best tempura, torikatsu, the freshest sashimi, and so many more! I've been to both the cheap and expensive (not to boast around) places, and I have yet been served a reasonable yet authentic and delicious Japanese dish until Ryuma Japanese Restaurant.

Table Setting

Ryuma restaurant is located in Pase De Sta. Rosa in Laguna. They rented the entire 2nd floor for 4 different kinds of restaurants: Japanese Food in general, Japanese Grill, Japanese Noodle House, and Japanese KTV. They also have a Japanese grocery and surplus store where you can buy Japanese ingredients and clothing. Outside their restaurant they have a takoyaki maker being cooked by an authentic Japanese chef.

Service wise? Their waiters and waitresses are very friendly. They listen and repeat your orders, and they are very professional. They are dressed like Japanese people as well.

The entire restaurant is so modern and clean. LCD tv's, colored lights, you name it, they have it. What's really nice about them is that they offer free unlimited soft serves ice cream (YEHEY)... to kids only. They also offer free driver's food for all the diners of Ryuma Restaurant chain.

Now for the food, I would say that it is the best and the most reasonable  authentic Japanese restaurant in Metro Manila. Owned by a Japanese family, Ryuma is a very hospitable place to dine for dates and family time. My personal favorite in their restaurant is the chahan, ebi tempura and torikatsu. I couldn't really describe the taste because there are no words to describe it. But I can assure you that you will certainly be satisfied with their food, service and ambiance.

Perfect place to dine with your family and sate for the weekend, special occasions, dates, etc. You will certainly leave the place happily and guaranteed your stomach will be full.


Pictures below, we ordered Octopus Sushi, Fresh Salmon Sashimi, 1 order Chahan (Japanese Fried Rice), 5pcs ebi tempura, Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake), Torikatsu (breaded boneless chicken) and Gohan (pain rice) guess for how much......

Complimentary Wakame Soup

Octopus Sashimi

Fresh Salmon Sashimi

Ebi Tempura

Torikatsu

Chahan

Okonomiyaki

Soft Serve Melon Ice Cream

......

....

...

Bet you guessed over Php 1500.... We only spent Php 1250 for all those!

Non-smoking dining area

My hubby reading the menu

Hallway dead end to the bathroom

Cheery blossom trees inside the Female's Bathrrom

Condiments in the Ladies' Room

Designs in the dining area

Want some sake?

More sake!!

Armored Samurais Lifelike

Smoking Area Dining and Reception

Smoking Area Dining Area and Bar

Entrance to the Japanese restaurant

Outside the restaurant

Authentic Japanese stuff for sale

2nd floor RYUMA (Left: Grill Restaurant, Right: Grocery)

RYUMA's Clothing store

Complimentary food for their customer's drivers

RYUMA's Noodle House

RYUMA's Takoyaki

RYUMA's KTV

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SMB Draft Beer

Hallway

Entrance to RYUMA's Grilling Restaurant

INFORMATION:
Ryuma Restaurant
2nd Flr. Paseo de Sta.Rosa Commercial Center 4 Greenfield City,Brgy,Don Jose,Sta.Rosa City,Lagna
7 days a week @ 10AM - 3PM / 5PM - 11PM
049-502-8401

Photos Taken By: Yours truly :)

Ben To Yah

What's so great about the north? They have a wide range of food varieties to offer the public. So many delicious and authentic places to eat. So many hotels where one can simply relax and enjoy. So many places to visit. And, I guess I could say, it is convenient. Everyone lives up north.

Ben To Yah

What's great about the South? Almost everything in the South can be found in the North.. More in fact. What the South has that people from the north come to is the authentic and very reasonably-priced Japanese restaurant in BF, Ben To Yah. It is a small Japanese restaurant (home style) that cannot be easily located. If it didn't have a sign, you would think it is a residential home. Don't let the quitely ransacked foundation deceive you... They ahve a wide range of authentic Japanese food to offer the public.

Their Dining Area

Our personal favorite in Ben To Yah are the California Maki, Torikatsu, Sukiyaki, Grilled Tongue, Fried and Salted Chicken Skin, Ebi Tempura, and their sashimis. Although their presentation nor utensils can't compare to other Japanese restaurants, their food is something you will definitely crave for.

Their bar/dining

Family Style

Bar/Dining

Bar

Wall Covers

California Maki

California Make

Salmon Sashimi

Boiled Ox Tripe

Torikatsu

Ebi Tempura

Fried and Salted Chicken Skin

NO CONTACT INFORMATION
ADDRESS:
You can locate this small restaurant inside BF. Approaching Aguirre from Concha Cruz, turn left. Go straight until you spot Mercury. Take a right turn and go straight. You will pass Ann Arbor Montessori school. A few meters from there, on your right, you will locate Ben To Yah.

Restaurant Hours: Opens Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Photos Take by: Yours truly :)