FOOD DATE : Yabu: House of Katsu

We celebrated my nephew's 3rd birthday over dinner at Yabu : House of Katsu last night. I was curious on the variety of their menu since all the katsudons I know are either chicken or pork with a side of eggs.

When I dine in Japanese restaurants, I normally order my main course from their teppan menu because katsudons and tempuras to me are basically friend breaded food and being a bit more conscious of what I eat now, I try to veer away from anything deep fried (I really try).

Yabu's interiors embody modern Japanese design but with a cozier feel with their lighting and warm wood tones. The restaurants space seats 50-60 people and around 10-15 more outside, which makes their workspace busy and tight. If you want a quiet Japanese dinner where you can hear traditional Japanese music in the background, then you might want to save Yabu for another date (maybe the second or third date).

I ordered their bestseller, the Kurobuta Pork Set.  Kurobuta is also known as the Black Berkshire pig and like Kobe beef, Kurobuta is known for its tenderness and flavor. Considering its their premium set, their price of PhP 515.00 ($12) isn't so bad. The servers will give each person roasted sesame seeds in a grooved bowl and a wooden mortar so you can grind them yourself. You're then instructed to pour 2 scoops of Tonkatsu sauce to mix. Their side of cabbage greens are refillable.

 PREMIUM TONKATSU SET - KUROBUTA PORK SET (PhP 515.00 / $12)

 

Photo taken from yabuhouseofkatsu.com

MIXED & SEAFOOD KATSU SET - HIRE KATSU SET (PhP 425.00 / $10)

 Photo taken from yabuhouseofkatsu.com 

CHICKEN KATSU SET (PhP 275-325.00 / $6.50-$7.65) 

Photo taken from yabuhouseofkatsu.com 

 CHICKEN KATSUDON (PhP 260.00 / $6) 

Photo taken from yabuhouseofkatsu.com 

WAKAME (SEAWEED SALAD TOPPED WITH EBIKO)

Photo taken from yabuhouseofkatsu.com

Yabu's servings are quite big (compared to standard Filipino serving), which is perfect for sharing. Last thing I noticed was the long line outside (we dined on a weekend). I'm one of those people who don't like to wait for food. I get 5 times more cranky and impatient when I'm really hungry so if you get just as impatient, then it's either you come in much earlier or later. After all, long lines in a restaurant can only mean good food.

Overall, I give this restaurant 4.2 out of 5 for their ambiance, price, menu variety and of course, taste.

Happy eating!

-oOo-

YABU : HOUSE OF KATSU

2/F, SM Megamall, Julia Vargas Ave

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 576-3900