The Japanese Food Influence

So lately, I’ve been speaking to a lot of Japanese people online and ofcourse one of our favorite topics is food. In my life, I only tried a few Japanese food — california maki, karaage, tonkatsu, tempura, you know the commercialized kind. Hearing Japan’s food stories always left me salivating, if only I can fly right then and there to Japan and eat with them!!! Our conversations made me want to explore more on their cuisine. And so I’m on a mission! To find the closest to the authentic, if not authentic, Japanese food in the Philippines!!!

Briefly, I’ll tell you my Japanese food history. I think my 1st try was at Tokyo Tokyo years ago then Teriyaki Boy, Yabu and then Tonkatsuya. Hey, let me talk to you about Tonkatsuya for a while. It’s a hole-in-the-wall Tonkatsu place in Makati! I researched and found out that the owner of the place is a Japanese chef. He was a Tonkatsu chef for 30 years in Japan, moved to the Philippines to be with his Filipina wife. Anyway, I love Tonkatsuya! When I was living in Makati, I would often eat there. No frills menu, affordable price, and big serving. My absolute favorite here is the Ebi Fry set aka fried prawn. It comes with rice, miso soup, and bean sprouts. Promise the prawns are huge, hindi tinipid. Sorry, I don’t have photos but I suggest you google them and try Tonkatsuya when you find yourself in San Antonio Village.

TONKATSUYA. LGF Palm Tower C, St. Paul Road, San Antonio Village, Makati City

New discovery: Ippon Yari

My sister, when she was working at Paseo de Sta Rosa, would always rave about this Japanese restaurant near her workplace. She’d boast about how frequent Japanese expats eat in Ippon Yari and that we should really try to eat there one day as it seems to be authentic. I would kid her and say, “Are you sure? Baka naman kasi yung lang ang Japanese restaurant nearby”.

To cut the story short, we finally tried to eat there last Saturday. Guess what, my sister is right! We found a gem right here in our hometown and it was the perfect timing to eat at Ippon Yari because of my new found appreciation for Japanese food.

Welcome treats.

There are areas where you can eat the Japanese tradition style where you also need to remove your shoes/slippers.

A group of Japanese men just finished their lunch.

When we arrived, almost 80% of the customers were Japanese.

We tried Sake out of curiosity. Our Japanese students always talk about it. (Sake is rice wine made by fermented rice. Not a fan)

Salmon Sashimi!!! Yummy!!! In a cooking show I watched, the chef said a good quality salmon or fish would really make a difference in your sashimis.

 

 

What we ordered. Ebi Fry Curry (delicious curry), Salmon Sashimi, and Negitoro Sushi (minced tuna with leaks)

Appetizers of the day.

We had fun and definitely enjoyed the food. I also think the prices are wallet-friendly. There are a lot of Japanese food options, too! I can’t wait to go back.

IPPON YARI. Piazza de Sta Rosa, Tagaytay Road, Don Jose Sta Rosa City, Laguna

 

How about you? Share with me your suggestions/experiences on the best Japanese food/restaurant in the Philippines! Try out my suggestions, too and tell me about it in the comment box below! 🙂

Happy Japanese eating!