Little Tokyo, Makati – A restaurant guide

Posted by Ian Galliguez in Eat and Drink | 4 comments

In other countries, we have Chinatown, Koreatown and Little Manila – basically, a small area within the city that would be a little sanctum for immigrants. It could be an homage to their culture and an attempt at preserving the culture and life values for the generations that will be born in that country or it could just be a place where the immigrants can have a feel of home when they get homesick.

Whatever the reason may be, these tiny towns also gives us locals a great opportunity to broaden our cultural mind and experience these things without going out of the country.

DiscoverPH takes you to a Japanese adventure as we show you Makati City’s Little Tokyo. (Between Arnaiz Ave and Rufino St along Chino Roces)

Some tips before you embark on your Little Tokyo trip: the place is quite well…little. It would be best if you parked at Mile Long or at Makati Cinema Square. Lunch hour is crazy here so better park where there’s enough space. Lunch is relatively affordable here, that’s why a lot of people come over but the secret is, most restaurants save the really good stuff for dinner.

Another important tip is that you should always call ahead for reservations. It’s pretty much like Tokyo during rush hour here during meal times. Better to call ahead than to wait for a table and then rush through the meal. Last tip: each resto has their own specialty – as it is with authentic Japanese restaurants. don’t ask for something you don’t see on the menu or else you’ll get looks.

That being said, Itadakimasu! (Let’s eat!)

1. SHINJUKU RAMEN HOUSE – For those who are just starting to venture into Japanese food, the safest bet is Ramen or noodles. These hand pulled noodles are made of egg, seasonings and flour and cooked in a flavorful broth with different meats and veggies. Very filling and perfect for a cold day. Shinjuku boasts of a wide variety of their Ramen dishes.

If you want something on the side, try their gyoza as well. Gyoza is a kind of dumpling that is filled with meat (usually pork) cured with spices and herbs and can be steamed or fried. We like it steamed under the pretense that it’s healthier.

Call Shunjuku at 8191242 for reservations and inquiries.

2. SERYNA – For Japanese food “purists”, Seryna is the best place to go to. They boast of their fresh sushi and sashimi (all beautifully shiny and colorful!) They’re not cheap though, as most of their sashimi range between P215 – P300 per serving, but trust us when we say it is well worth it!

If you want value for money, it’s best to order their bento boxes/bento lunch sets. A bento lunch includes salad, miso soup, rice, viand or main dish and a side dish plus some slices of fresh fruit for dessert. A bento lunch set would cost between P320 – P500.

They’re packed everyday especially at lunch. (We kid you not. It is PACKED EVERYDAY). Best to call them ONE DAY before going there for reservations. And don’t be late either because they will give your table away within 10 minutes of you not showing up on time.

Seryna is located across Makati Cinema Square in Little Tokyo, 2211 Chino Roces Ave. Call them at 8943855 or 8943853

Photo from everydaysweetnotes.blogspot.com

3. IZAKAYA KIKUFUJI – One thing you will appreciate about this resto is the open kitchen and open spaces. For those who like their food with beer, you have to try their “nama”. Kikufuji has the freshest draft beer in Makati.

But what makes Kikufuji unique is their…err…unusual food fare. they have nankotsu or chicken cartilage (I don’ even want to know how they cut that up) and gyutan or beef tongue. they also have basahashi sashimi (which is horse meat) and mirugai (geoduck clam). If you’re bored with the usual sushi and sashimi choices, Izakaya Kikufuji is the best place to go to. (Rumor has it that they also serve whale meat for sashimi)

Make sure you keep your voice down by the way, because that’s just rude. And avoid pointing with your fingers, instead, do an open palm when pointing to the menu. Trust me buddy, you don’t want to be banned from this awesome place.

For reservations, call 8937319 or 8936131. They are open for lunch and dinner.

Photo from pinkshutter.subersibo.net

4. KAGURA – There’s something totally Twilight Zone-ish in Kagura. It’s almost like an inter-racial household. You have the tatami mats, the little Japanese flaglets, the sake, the pillows instead of chairs, the low tables and then there’s baseball bats, baseball figurines and bobbleheads and baseballs. I keep forgetting that Japan is now obsessed with baseball and so is the owner of Kagura ergo the decor. But that’s not what Kagura is all about. Kagura is all about the okonomiyaki aka the Japanese pizza.

Okonomiyaki is more of a pancake with a hint of takoyaki. You can choose any ingredient to cook it with (okonomi means “what you want”). You can put toppings of noodles, fish flakes, bacon or whatever you want – anything your heart (or stomach) desires. It’s then grilled/fried and shaped into a round pancake, topped with Japanese mayo, nori (seaweed) and benito flakes.

The dish is good enough for two people and can set your wallet back by P250 – P400, depending on the chosen ingredients.

For reservations and inquiries, call 8943856. Kagura is closed on Mondays and operate at these hours only: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Photo from clickthecity.com

5. HANA – If you’re looking for authentic and delicious takoyaki, Hana is the best place to go to in Little Tokyo.

Takoyaki at Hana is not like the mall takoyaki. First off, it’s authentic! And each ball has a piece of real octopus in it (and a sizeable chunk too, not like those tiny “tinga-like” pieces other takoyaki stalls offer). It doesn’t lose it’s shape even after cooling and the takoyaki sauce is just generous. It’s also quite affordable – at P100 per 6 pieces and it’s also uber fresh because it’s cooked on a per order basis.

Although takoyaki is Hana’s specialty, they also have other interesting stuff on their menu. Try their cubic steak – soft and yummy medium rare cooked thick steak cut into cubes and generously topped with crunchy garlic. They also have the kakigori or the green tea ice dessert (like ice shavings) served with a generous dollop of red bean paste.

For inquiries and reservations, call them at 3393855.

Go ahead, turn Japanese for a couple of hours. Discover something new.