YABU: House of Katsu

The first time I visited the place was during the height of the Katsu craze where the local foodie community is going gaga to experience the "First Authentic Japanese Katsu Restaurant in the Philippines". Lucky enough for us we don't get to experience to wait for more than 5 minutes to have a table. Our strategy, we only eat there during off-peak hours.

You can check YABU: House of Katsu here.

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Kurobota Premium Tonkatsu Set 1 (90g) 
served with unlimited white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, organic cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of fruit
(Php 515 + 5% service charge)

Their Kurobuta,  also known as the black Berkshire pig, is imported straight from Japan and the world's FINEST pork. It's tender, juicy and flavorful pork in a crisp golden panko crust. 

Seafood Katsu Set  2

Salmon, Black Tiger Prawn, Crab, Oyster 

(Php 515 + 5% service charge)

I love seafoods so is definitely a must-try for me especially the salmon part! This is served with unlimited white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, organic cabbage with your choice of dressing and a bowl of fruit.

PROS:

• The staffs were so welcoming and approachable. Very good service.
• I love their menu...so comprehensive with all the graphics and instructions to maximize your Yabu experience.
• They now offer an unlimited rice (white & brown) which is good for big eaters. I'm not a rice person but the brown rice part is a YAY for me!
• BIG SERVINGS, you'll definitely get your money's worth.
• Unlimited crispy and fresh Organic Cabbage best enjoyed with Yabu's Goma or Shoyu dressing. 
• The Panko crust (Japanese breadcrumbs) is crispy, never greasy because they use 100% Canola oil .
• Not only I do love their Katsu Sauce, but also, love the idea that you can prepare it yourself, the kiddo inside me definitely had fun.

The kiddo inside me was definitely having fun. LOL!

CONS:

• Crowded? Can we even blame the restaurant for that? So, none that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

I highly recommend the restaurant! This place will always have a place in my heart. I'll definitely come back here for more as they continue to add new dishes on their menu from time to time. I just hope that the quality of food will always remain the same. As for the authenticity, I've read somewhere that according to the Japanese community in the Philippines, there are more authentic Japanese restaurants around the Metro than this...but oh well.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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YABU: House of Katsu
- 2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

- Lower Ground Flr, Robinson's Magnolia

- 2/F, South Arcade, Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia

- Ground Lvl, SM South Mall

- 5/F South Park, SM Aura Premier

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am - 10pm

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