Arafu Cafe: Authentic Homey, Hearty and Soulful Japanese Dishes

Arafu Cafe's authenticity has long intrigued me so when my friend Sumi invited me for a lunch date, I was ecstatic. 

arafu cafe sm north edsa
Arafu Cafe is located at the 3rd floor of SM North Edsa which made it a bit difficult to find for those who are not familiar with the mall like me.  On the bright side, I guess being isolated from the other food joints offers the diners privacy and solace within its cozy atmosphere.

arafu cafe sm north edsa
What sets Arafu Cafe apart from other Japanese restaurants is that it offers homestyle cooked meals.   It's first store in Bonifacio Global City was established to cater to Japanese expats who live alone and are yearning for home-cooked dishes.  Soon, they also had local customers which suggested that they open another branch and this branch was this. 

Upon stepping in, I already liked the place.  The fine and smooth wooden fixtures that matches its floors gives a homey feel.  The bright lighting makes it idea for reading and other working  especially since thy have a FREE fast and reliable WiFi

arafu cafe sm north edsa
Each table has a set of condiments.

Food
dashimaki tamago
Dashimaki Tamago (160 php)
Although I often see the Dashimaki Tamago on Animes and Japanese TV shows and Films being placed on cute bento boxes, this is actually the first time I've tried one.  The  Tamago or Egg in I usually encounter in Japanese restaurants I've been to are offered in nigiri sushi form.  I liked this more!  It has a light custard-like texture and tastes of soy sauce and slightly sweet and savory taste of rice vinegar.  It goes really well with the grated daikon radish. 


Teppanyaki & Deep-Fried

ebi fry
Ebi Fry (388 php/3 pcs)
I rarely order Ebi Fry because I personally prefer the Ebi tempura over it.  But upon trying this Eby Fry with a pinch of lime and Japanese mayonaise, I was literally enchanted by the perfect crunchiness of the golden brown panko breading and the softness of the prawns.  This is so good that  I'll gladly finish platters and platter of this! 


Noodle
yaki udon
Yaki Udon (270 php)
The Yaki Udon  is quite familiar to us already.  It is stir-fried thick udon noodles topped with squid, pork bits, onions, cabbage, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), kizami shoga (pickled ginger) and fried egg.  The bountiful ingredients gave the noodles a rich and savory flavor.  I liked the texture of the noodles too. 

TAWARA (Japanse Hamburg & Rice)
tawara hamburg teriyaki sauce
TAWARA Hamburg Steak with Teriyaki Sauce (320 php)
The TAWARA Hamburg Steak with Teriyaki Sauce is the superstar meal among our orders.  Just looking at it makes my mouth water.  It is served with string beans, corn, tomato slices and a refillable quality Japanese rice and clear broth soup.  The hamburg patty is made from ground pork and beef meat.  It has a heavenly soft and fine yet still chunky consistency.  I really like their blend of teriyaki sauce which is neither too salty nor sweet.  
 

japanese demiglaze sauce
Japanese Sauce and Demi-Glaze sauce
We also got to try the Japanese Sauce and Demi-Glaze sauce.  The Japanese Sauce is mildly salty with a savory broth flavorOn the otherhand, the Demi-Glaze is thick with a light sweetness and saltiness followed by a bitter aftertaste.  I noticed that the more I had, the sweetness and saltiness becomes bolder and the bitterness disappears. 


Drinks & Desserts
iced green tea latte homemade marbled cookie
Ice Green Tea Latte (138 php) and Homemade Marble Cookie (80 php/6 pieces)
The Ice Green Tea Latte is the best matcha I have ever tried!  The Homemade Marble Cookie are also as delicious!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Arafu Cafe is a comfort place for authentic homey and hearty Japanese Dishes.  If only their branches are more accessible to me, I'd visit this often.  The food and drinks here has definitely won over both my heart and my soul.  I highly recommend this place!  The Japanese owner is very hands-on with the shop operations to so the service is great. 

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Arafu Cafe SM North Menu
Ambiance Burger 1 | Burger 2
Burger Combo | Noodle | Rice
Donburi | Teppanyaki | Deep Fried
Desserts and Drinks
Taste
Service
Price
=Favorites or Recommended 
Arafu Cafe SM North Menu
Branches Bonifacio Global City
G/F South of Market Condominium, 11th Ave. cor. 25th St.,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila


SM North Edsa
3/F SM City North EDSA, North Ave Sto. Cristo, 
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Business Hours 10am-9pm (mall hours)
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 400-800
Free WiFi Yes
Unlocked Foursquare Perks None
Contact (02) 441-02-68 | (0908) 309-1983
Other  Facebook Fan Page
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