Turning Japanese Filipino Style

Nowadays, Japanese food in the Philippines are very accessible. Choices of Japanese restaurants vary from budget, authenticity, and specialty. Now the search for authentic, value for money Japanese restaurant is easier. Below is a list of some of the restaurants I've tried.

KikuFuji Japanese Menu

• KikuFuji - Authentic Japanese restaurant in Chino Roces, beside Makati Cinema Square. Make sure you come before dinner or have a reservation because it becomes jam-packed. Try their large cut fresh sushi dishes and partner it with their home-brewed beer. They have a lot f alcoholic beverages which I can't understand because it's all in Japanese.  Average dish price starts from Php300 but the beer is only Php65. It's a must try if you want to eat the Japanese style.

That's me eating on the floor in Kikufuji Japanese Restaurant =)

• Suzu kin - If you want a delicious value for money Japanese food go here. It is located in Sampaloc Makati. Price starts at P150 for rice meals and you can get tempura for as low as P200. The place is small and has carinderia feel on it but nonetheless a clean place to eat sumptuous Japanese food.

• Little Tokyo - Little Tokyo is inside a chain of Japanese restaurant in Chino Roces. It's actually beside the Kikufuji. Though I haven't tried eating there because we prioritized eating in Kikufuji, the ambiance, feel and the surge of Japanese people eating there makes it authentic enough and worth a try.

Walkway to Little Tokyo Restaurant in Chino Roces, Makati

• Shinjuku Ramen House - It's also within the Japanese chain of restaurants in Chino Roces. This one is pricier than Kikufuji but do large servings (for 2 at least for the Ramens). Price of main courses starts from Php350+. If you're into vegetables or even not, you should try their Kakiage. The best I've tried in all Japanese restaurants in Manila.

• Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen - Their specialty? The names speaks for itself. Price Range from 200-500. I believe that you can find this restaurant almost anywhere from Makati to Quezon City. I love their ramen because of its richness.

• Mangetsu - It's along Jupiter street in Makati when you turn right from Paseo de Roxas Street. It's Japanese fusion which I don't really understand what it means, but I must say that their food is great! The grille of the tempura are fun to take picture at. Pricey mainly due to the ambiance of the restaurant which is quiet and cozy lit date place. 

Grilled tempura

• Wrong Ramen - This one is located in the Fort Bonifacio, Burgos Circle. A must try. You can never go wrong with their weirdly made Ramens. It's rich, it's flavorful and not bad on the pocket. Price starts at Php300 big enough to share one bowl.

• Omakase - A lot of Japanese dishes. I guess this one is also Japanese fusion for it serves their dishes with a twist. Price range if you want a meal is at an average of P350. Try this one in Molito Alabang. 

• Ramen Yushoken - This one's also located in Molito Alabang. I must say that this place really gets jam-packed whether it's lunch time or dinner time. I guess their fatty, rich flavorful ramens keeps people go back for more. I personally love the tantanmen, it's spicy and it's also pricey. Price starts from Php350 for a bowl of Ramen. It's a must try if you're really into Ramens. 

• Saboten - You can find this one in the Fort, Serendra but I believe they have branched out already in other cities. If you're into tonkatsu, sesame seed and unlimited cabbages this one is a must! Price per person starts from Php400.

I know I cant enumerate all the best Japanese restaurants out there. So my tip to you, go out and try every Japanese restaurant that's is worth tasting for. =)