Despite being Chinese, I actually have a very strong love for Japanese food ever since I was a kid. I learned how to eat raw food such a sushi at a very young age and always craved for the yummy fried tempura and other things that Japanese restaurants had to offer. So when Gersh and I were invited to eat at the newest Japanese resto over at SM Megamall Atrium called, YABU: The House of Katsu, I knew I couldn't say no. Especially from a store name that already sounds good. :)
A little fact about Yabu; It is the first and only authentic Katsu restaurant in the country. Having the head chef-Kazuya Takeda of Tonkatsu Takeshin, a popular tonkatsu restaurant in Tokyo as their expert consultant, I wouldn't doubt that they only serve the best.
Unlike most Japanese restaurants that I visit, I was very much pleased with the interior of Yabu. They have comics on their panels and it actually has a story!:) Oh and our marketing friend told us that the other side of Yabu's wall (the cubed looking one) is made from cups where you drink sake! Amazing, right? I sure was amazed. I like a little trivia with my food!:)
A glimpse of the kitchen and oh, the chef!
Time to order! What to get?
Just like any other meal, we had our appetizer first which composed of; Edamame, Hiyayakko Tofu, Wakame (seaweed) and Potato salad. If I were to recommend you what to get, I'll definitely go for the Potato salad and Hiyayakko Tofu over and over again!:)
The Hubby overwhelmed by the yummy food. I love also how Yabu serves healthy food because it's good for his health!:)
Before the main course, our marketing friend told us that we can make our own sauce. See me in action while grinding my sesame seeds! That's the first step, BTW before pouring the Katsu sauce.
For the main course, we had their signature dishes, Chicken Katsu set meal and Jumbo Tiger Prawn Katsu set. We also had Kurobuta Tonkatsu set (they use US Premium Pork) but unfortunately wasn't able to take a picture but let me tell you, if you visit Yabu, definitely order the Kurobuta. Why? Let me quote a part of the comics on this one...
"SO SOFT, IT MELTS IN MY MOUTH!....DELICIOUS!"
The food is really good. I know that sounds cliche but truly it is! My initial reaction with their serving was it's super big or better yet, overwhelming! The prices vary from Php 280+ to Php 500+ and with those prices, you'll surely go out of the restaurant satisfied and happy. With Yabu, I proved that paying for a Php 200-500 meal, you'd get your money's worth by having a full stomach. :)
Oh and they have the cutest graphic shirts!:) They have over 13 designs if I'm correct? But this caught my fancy the most. Thank you, Kuya for being my model! Got Katsu?;)
All in all, I give my Yabu: The House of Katsu experience two thumbs up! Despite the soft opening, the ambiance, quality of service and food was great!:)
Thank you to the wonderful people of YABU PH for giving us one of the best dinning out experience ever!
For your own Yabu experience, visit them at the:
2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall
x A.F.A.
11 comments♥
wow! ava is it really good here? can't wait to bring the bf here cause he loves japanese!!:) (you look really cute btw :)
ReplyDeleteI must check this place out! Love Jap cuisine too and the manga decors on the walls are so cute!
ReplyDeletePS. Thanks for the sweet comment on my latest post Ava! Really appreciate it! :)
Woot! Thanks for blogging about Yabu, Ava!! I have to try it for myself soon! ♥ Nice date for you and Gersh!
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Arnie
http://arnievillanueva.blogspot.com
cool! we were at Yabu at the same time!! that's our BIG group behind you :) thats me behind your photo grinding the sesame seed :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.frannywanny.com/2011/11/yabu-house-of-katsu.html
OMG thank you for sharing gurl! watashi zettai zettai hontoni going to visit this place! Anime Otaku much...atashi :">
ReplyDeletehttp://amz88.blogspot.com/
Aww, Megamall's so far. :( I mean, I can manage to go there, but I'd have to schedule it. Hope they open a branch in the south too! :)
ReplyDelete♥♥ Megann of STYLE SURGERY
Giveaway: Be on the list for Bloggers United 2! Click HEREto find out how!!
I look stoned! haha
ReplyDeleteGot the invite for this tonight. Thanks, Ava! :) Sayang. I was at Megamall pa naman earlier. Guess I have to go back for this and the F21 sale. Hehehe.
ReplyDeletehttp://wonderwomanrises.blogspot.com
i love jap food! Looking pretty as always Ava! =)
ReplyDeleteI love your food posts! :) I saw an ad in Megamall about Yabu and I wanted to try it out. Plus, anything with -katsu should be good!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the review!
Yum! THanks for sharing. I'll check this out ASAP! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading my blog and for leaving lovely comments. Will also try my best to drop by your blogs!:) xo