During the COVID pandemic, the family has been practicing caution in choosing where and when to dine out.  Having our first dine out at Yamazato山里 at Hotel Okura Manila was a wise choice and as you read along our experience, we're sure you'll agree as to why.

According to the official Michelin Guide website, "In 2002, Yamazato became the first traditional Kaiseki restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star outside of Japan, thanks to Chef Masanori Tomikawa’s subtle cuisine that is full of velvet-smooth flavours."

 

When we dined there, the above-mentioned was the only information that lured us into trying out Yamazato.  But a few days after we posted about it on instagram, its management commented some interesting details therein: (1)  This branch in the Philippines is the 10th location to open worldwide and (2) Yamazato in Bangkok, Macau, and Taipei also have Michelin distinction.   What an amazing track record right?

Brief Info on Kaiseki

It has dawned on us that we've never tried Kaiseki before.  Kaiseki, kanji are written as 会席 or formally as 懐石 literally mean "breast-pocket stone" which Zen monks, who do not have budget for food, give to guests to ward off hunger as a sign of hospitality. These kanji are thought to have been incorporated to indicate the frugal meal served in the austere style of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).  Both sets of kanji remain in use today to write the word.  

Kaiseki now represents a set course meal as a counterpart to the Japanese haute cuisine.  

 

After such an introduction, you'd think we'd go for the Yamazato Mini Kaiseki Set which was available from 6 pm to 9 pm right? Wrong.

 

Since the family really missed dining out and having special dishes for sharing, we decided to go ala carte style.   

 

COVID Protocols

As responsible citizens, we're really advocating cautious practice against COVID.  And, we feel that restaurants such as Yamazato with excellent COVID protocols should be commended too.

Do these dishes look familiar to you?  Well, that's because Hungry Samurai is actually Ryu Ramen transformed.




So why do we need a new hero called the Hungry Samurai?



Food

Ala Carte

Sushi/Sashimi (198 php)

Spicy Salmon Surprise (198 php)

Ramen (198 php)

♥ Tantanmen (198 php)

Okay, enough of surprises.  Let me state the obvious!  Check out all the ramen posts here.  I dare say I'm not just a ramen rater, I am self-confessed ramen craver too.  But, there's a crave stopper for this cheap skate and that's menu price.  Now, I've got a hero called Hungry Samurai to answer satisfy constant cravings at less the cost (Half the Ryu ramen price at half serving portion).  And, how convenient cause they cater to delivery calls too!

Samurai Meal (Additional Side Order 48 php except Beef and Seafood 88 php)
Choose of 1: Chicken/Pork/Beef and Seafood

♥ Honey Orange  Chicken

Choices 2: Yakisoba (Noodles)

Seafood and Beef

And, because Samurai Meals is offered as a wholesome meal for 198 php, pick you're noodle: Seafood or Beef?  They as similar as except for the bits of seafood or beef that would vary depending on your choice.

Choice 3: Chahan (Fried Rice)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We don't live in a world of fantasy where heroes come in tight costumes exposing their protruding hot bodies while hiding their attractive faces.  Instead, we live in a world where heroes like the Hungry Samurai save lives by deliveries budget-friendly Japanese food.  It is an awesome world we foodies live in right?

I'm quite moody in choosing where to eat.  On some occasions, I am one of the many who will follow the latest food hype that everyone is posting on the social media.  Sometimes, I want to be the first few diners who will get to discover and share a new restaurant.  I also visit those establishments that have previously escaped my food radar or those recommended by others.  But, there are days when I just want to go back to those food places that have been there for a long time and is still consistently committed to serving good food that diners will come back for.  Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Grocery is one of the latter.

The humble Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Grocery in Glorietta 4 has always been a busy place where diners would drop by and go.  You can watch servers to and fro from the kitchen and the dining area.


The place is small but it extends to the mall space area.  The interiors are simplistic with shelves that display appetizing dish photos.

They don't offer much variety in the grocery store and they can be a bit pricey.  

Food
Appetizers

Chicken Tofu Steak (178 php)

The Chicken Tofu Steak is sliced chicken thigh with tofu cubes, onions and bell peppers in Japanese steak sauce topped with sesame and green onions.  This is a great starter to consider.


Soups

Miso Soup (72 php)

Sushi Combos

Sashimi Maki Combo (378 php)

We chose the Sashimi Maki Combo because it has all our favorites.  It has 2 pcs. of California Maki, 2 pcs. of Tamago (egg) Maki, 2 pcs. of Tekka (tuna) Maki and 2 pcs. of Kani (crabstick) Maki.  It also has six slices of fresh Sake Sashimi (look at the color!)  and delicious ♥ Spicy Tuna.  They serve one of the best Spicy Tuna in the Metro so don't miss it!


Donburi (Rice Toppings)

♥ Chicken Curry (235 php)

The Chicken Curry is chicken upper thigh, carrots and potatoes all cut into cubes with onions in Japanese curry sauce.  As you can see this is one satisfying and fulfilling meal. 

Yakimono

♥ Yakitori (175 php)

The Yakitori is grilled chicken and leeks skewers served with lightly sweet and salty teriyaki sauce sprinkled with sesame sauce.  The chicken bits are very tender and juicy.  Too bad the leeks are over-grilled cause I wanted to eat them too. 


Teppanyaki

♥ Assorted Seafoods (245 php)

Look at how generous they are with their Assorted Seafoods teppanyaki!  This is delicious!  Plus, the seafood are fresh and soft and the vegetables are crunchy. 


Kushiage (Japanese Style Deep-Fried Kebabs)

♥ Red Snapper (24 php/stick), ♥ Shrimp (24 php/stick) and Eggplant (18 php/stick)

Kushiage also known as Kushikatsu (kushi means "skewers" while katsu means "deep-fried").  So, its concept is quite similar to katsu (for meat, pork chicken) and furai (for other ingredients) but this is served in skewers as it is attached to a stick and eaten as a hand-picked food.

Miso Sauce and Spices

We enjoyed our Kushiage by dipping it in both Miso Sauce and Spices.

Rice

Mixed Fried Rice (115 php)

For staple, you can opt for their delicious Mixed Fried Rice or chahan.  It's got egg, vegetable and ground pork bits.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Time and time again we can expect delicious authentic Japanese dishes that's affordable from Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Grocery.  I like the concept that it's conveniently located in the mall but still keeping in touch with authenticity and simplicity of a traditional Japanese restaurant. 

From a humble gyoza stand in Osaka in 1969, Osaka Ohsho has earned it's distinction as the world's number 1 gyoza restaurant.  It has grown to more than 360 locations across Japanese and is expanding internationally as well.  It's now finally in the Philippines!  

Last Saturday, the family wanted to check out the new Megamall Fashion Hall Building D.  We decided to try Osaka Ohsho which had a lot of people queued outside.

Food

♥ Original (350 php/12 pcs.), Cheese (380 php/12 pcs.) and Nori Gyoza (380 php/12 pcs.)

Of course, the first thing we ordered are their Gyoza which comes in three flavors:  

• Original - enjoy the succulent meaty flavor
  
• Cheese - oozing with cheesy goodness
• Nori Gyoza - added crunchiness and seaweed flavor

♥ Nori Gyoza (380 php/12 pcs.)

Each Gyoza is cooked perfectly see!

Appetizers & Salads

♥ Crab Cream Croquettes (225 php/2 pcs.)

We loved the Crab Cream Croquettes!  It was so crunchy on the outside and really creamy on the inside.
 

Fresh Miso Soup (70 php)

Stir Fry

♥ Black Vinegar Chicken (325 php)

I liked the Black Vinegar Chicken because it was an interesting play of sweet and sourness.  Well, it was more on the latter and I wouldn't have preferred it in any other way.  The chicken was also very juicy.

Agemono (Deep-Fried)

♥ Japanese Style Chicken Karaage with Grated Radish (330 php)

My mom enjoyed the Japanese Style Chicken Karaage with Grated Radish because she enjoys light tasting dishes.  The grated radish was a great complement for the crunchy and juicy crispy-coated fried chicken.


Rice & Noodles

♥ Fuwatoro Tenshin Han (310 php)

The Fuwatoro Tenshin Han is a silhouette of egg covering the koshihikari rice with sauce.
 

♥ Fuwatoro Tenshin Han (310 php)

I enjoyed the fluffy texture of the egg together with the slightly thick sauce of the Fuwatoro Tenshin Han.  But, the price is a bit high even if a serving is good for two.

♥ Black Chahan (250 php)

The Black Chahan is good for two but I wouldn't mind finishing it alone.  Everyone gave this a big thumbs up!


For all their rice dishes, you can upgrade to unlimited rice for only 25 php.  But, the rice refill is the plain koshihikari rice.

Desserts

Banana Tempura with Homemade Japanese Ice Cream (330 php)

For dessert, we had the Banana Tempura with Homemade Japanese Ice Cream.  It was a delightful way to end a meal.

Drinks

Matcha Milk Smoothie (130 php)

I also tried the Matcha Milk Smoothie.  It was sweet and creamy.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Trying our Osaka Ohsho's Gyoza offered in various flavors is a fun experience!  The food quality is pretty good.  You have to pay a bit for it though.