Japanese cuisine has always intrigued and tickled taste buds from all around the world. The far too many unique combinations and concoctions that you never thought possible were made sumptuous and delicious by the Japanese.
We Filipinos have always been hypnotized by these famous Japanese offerings like teriyaki, tempura, sushi, sashimi, maki and others. This is why a group of Japanese entrepreneurs living in the Philippines decided to occupy a small strip in Makati and transform it into their very own restaurant village. This quaint place called Little Tokyo has almost every Japanese food that you are looking for.
Little Tokyo is more like a Binondo of the Japanese. It is but a tiny strip located along Don Chino Roces Avenue formerly Pasong Tamo near the corner of Amorsolo St. and the old Makati Cinema Square. Finding it is a breeze since the Japanese-inspired facade, landscape, and the very unique arc that shouts Little Tokyo are sure to call attention.
Upon entering, you will be greeted with lamp posts,pebbles and of course, the delectable aroma of Japanese food that will surely entice you to go in. And speaking of authentic, those who decide to reward themselves with a bowl of hot and tasty ramen or katsudon will definitely be in for a treat as the owners and chefs of the restaurants here are Japanese themselves.
Little Tokyo is not merely an array of different Japanese restaurants. They also boast of a nearby Japanese inspired spa, grocery and even night clubs. Each of the restaurants is known for their specialties. For instance, if you are craving for the best okonomiyaki (Japanese Pizza) in town, then Kagura is the place to be; and if you are searching for the best takoyaki balls that ever sprouted in our country, then be a guest at Hana.
After a long day’s work, we decided to ex-perience Little Tokyo for ourselves and dine at Kikufuji. This restaurant is indeed very Japanese, from the interiors to the Filipino waiters dressed in kimono. They have a lot of Japanese patrons and young professionals like us unwinding after a hectic day – a good sign for us that we made the right choice.
Incidentally, our casual wear blended well with Kikufuji as they serve food on a low wooden seat and a low table set into a recessed floor or what Japanese call tatami. It is recommended to have one’s slippers or shoes left outside the tatami and eat comfortably in these Japanese-inspired cubicles with a homey feel. The food at Kikufuji is truly Japanese, especially their teriyaki which is savoured with Japanese spices and so tender that quoting another blogger, “chewing was almost an option.”
Their sushi and sashimi are also superb, cut to perfection with the distinct taste of the salmon lasting for some time. Kikufuji is best known for their gindara teriyaki and wagyu steak. They are also offering the best mixed sashimi, California maki, chicken sukiyaki and grilled mackerel in town.
After a very satisfying dinner, with lots of chit-chat in between, it is just perfect to visit Fuji Health, the Japanese spa, found a few steps away from the Japanese Cuisine haven. There, one could feel soothed, and yes, Zen-like. Next and final stop could be the Japanese grocery or the Choto Shop (which means shop for a while) which offers fresh vegetables, sauce mixes, snacks, beverages, kitchen gadgets, and more stuff from Japan.
Indeed, our trip to Little Tokyo made us experience Japan amidst the busy central business district. It painted us with a fulfilled smile on our faces no matter how stressful and awful our day went. Japanese food, personally, has always been my comfort food. It always makes my day and recharges me for another demanding day ahead.
Saa, tabemashou! (Let’s eat!)
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Tags: chino roces, japanese cuisine, japanese entrepreneurs, japanese pizza, japanese restaurants, little tokyo, living in the philippines, Restaurants in Makati