Yabu: The House of Katsu

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you already knew one thing about us that Hubby and I never fail to do is enjoy a good meal together. Ian really loves to eat at Japanese restaurant (Hokkaido RamenSantouka, Ginza Bairin, Mitsuyado Sei-Men, etc.) name it and 100% guarantee that we will try it. So one afternoon after our maternity photo shoot, Ian suggested that we should have a good / late lunch at Yabu. Wow! Finally, were able to try the famous Yabu: House of Katsu.

 

Surprisingly, there are no long queues of people in the waiting area as we arrived, so we were ushered immediately in to a corner near the counter and kitchen. I love the ambiance, there are comic wall art showing a snipper of Yabu history as well as the wine bottles hang on the corner.  I told my husband to just order me anything, I’m not a picky-eater kaya kahit ano gora ako except pala sa raw foods which is prohibited to a pregnant woman like me.

 

While waiting for our orders, one staff gave us a small bowl with black and while sesame seeds. Like in Ginza Bairin you need to follow the Katsu Ritual - grind it, pour the with katsu sauce, mix and dip it which serve as the dipping sauce for your pork or chicken katsu.  I did all the grinding, pouring and mixing because I really enjoyed doing that. Hehe.

 The tray of condiments added pleasure in your meal. They had three different dressings placed in tall bottles - Sesame Dressing, Wasabi and Shouyu Dressings. They also provide katsu sauce, chili oil, chili powder, salt and Japanese pepper.

We started our meal with a glass of fresh mango shake and unlimited house blend iced tea. Syempre alam nyo na kung ano akin dyan, I got mango and it was sweet and delicious.

House Blend Iced Tea Php 95.00 / Ripe Mango Shake Php 100.00

After a few minutes, the food came and the portions were definitely more than enough. Ian ordered for Rosu Pork Loin Sets (120 Grams),  ¾ inch-thick, juicy pork cutlet with a trimming of fat and deep-fried in crisp golden panko. According to their menu this dish is made with certified U.S pork for a softer, tastier dish. This set served with unlimited Japanese white rice or organic brown rice, miso, soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited servings of organic shredded cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of fruit. Wow! Nice! My husband loved the cabbage, he even asked the waitress to refill his bowl for 5 times. O db sinulit ang unlimited cabbage. Hehe.  As per my husband, their dressing was delish and the meat was pretty good, the crispiness is just right because it was cooked to perfection.  

Rosu Pork Loin Sets (120 Grams) Php 355.00

My husband ordered Chicken Katsu Set for me. It consist of ¾ inch thick chicken breast fillet and like the Rosu Pork Loin set, it was served with unlimited Japanese white rice or organic brown rice, miso, soup, Japanese pickles, organic shredded cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of pineapple fruit . The chicken fillet is so soft covered in golden panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and deep fried for crispy goodness. The chicken was delicious and tender, not too tough nor too soft.

Chicken Katsu Set  (90 grams) Php 310.00

Overall, Yabu: House of Katsu never disappoints! We enjoyed the ambiance and most importantly the food. We really enjoyed eating at Yabu, we were so full I could barely get up. The meal is kinda pricey but considering the portion sizes, quality of the food plus great place, you’ll get your money’s worth and did not regret a single second of our experience. So what are you waiting for, go to the nearest Yabu store and try their authentic Katsu in the country.

Yabu: The House of Katsu

2^nd Floor Mega E SM Megamall

Mandaluyong City