My family loves tempura too so one night we were craving for one and we recalled that Booky (Aileen) recommends Asakusa: Home of Tempura so we drove all the way there.   This is the second purely tempura joint that I've tried. 

It's actually funny because we've been to The Grove By Rockwell several times but we had no idea it had more establishments inside.  We had to ask the guard where it was.  We're told it was located beside a hotel called Aruga by the Grove.  And, indeed it was.

For such a hidden place, it had noticeably a lot more diners than it's neighboring establishments.

Appetizers

♥ Spicy Salmon Salad (218 php)

Before we go on with the Tempura, let me highly recommend that you order the Salmon Salad.  You can have it Regular or Spicy.  If you can stand a bit of spiciness go for the Spicy!  It's the bomb!  We loved it so much!

Tempura Sets (Comes with Free Iced Tea or Lemonade)
All their tempura has a nice crunchy texture and it wasn't oily.   As you can see from the photos, the quality is consistent.  Compared to Tenya which is an a franchise from Asakusa Tokyo, I found the tempura butter to be crunchier and heavier and the color is slightly darker.  Thus, it offers a different but just as pleasurable experience. 

They have 2 kinds of sauces: the traditional and Asakusa Sauce.  I still like the traditional because the Asakusa Sauce with a thick consistency has an overpowering sweetness.
 

Samurai Set (358 php)

One of my shobes ordered the Samurai Set which had black tiger prawn, fish, squid, eggplant, squash and french beans tempura.  Shobe upgraded her plain rice to Fried Rice (38 php).

Shogun Set 3 pcs. (358 php)

The Shogun Set is the classic with three black tiger prawn.  I bet this is often ordered.  Shobe upgraded her plain rice to Udon (60 php). 

Emperor Set (598 php)

My big brother ordered the most expensive item on the menu which is the Emperor Set.  It had 2 Black Tiger Prawns, Scallop, Shiitake Mushroom, Kani, Fish, Zucchini and French Beans.  He also upgraded his plain rice to Fried Rice (38 php).  I found the price of this to be unjustified especially since for the price (with upgrades), you could already go for an eat all you can and have more tempura right?

Make Your Own Tempura Set

♥ Black Tiger Prawn (110 php) and ♥ Squid (60 php)

I wasn't feeling well that Sunday... so this is a very rare occasion where I didn't have an appetite.  I tried the Make Your Own Tempura Set by ordered  a piece of the Black Tiger Prawn and Squid.  I loved them both.  But surprisingly, I wanted more of the Squid because it is so soft. 

Other Dishes 

Tempura Udon (298 php)

My mom ordered the Tempura Udon.  The black tiger prawn is still partially crunchy.  The sweet broth compliments the tempura as well as their 2 kinds of tempura sauces.  It also comes with some tempura flakes which adds a twist of texture to the al dente udon.


 Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
For a local concept, I'm impressed with the food quality of Asakusa: Home of Tempura.  However, I do find their pricing to be a bit steep.

Most successful tendon (tempura and rice bowl) restaurant chain Tenya Tempura Tendon from Asakusa Tokyo is now in the Philippines.

Well, more specifically it has opened in SM Megamall...


My little sister is one of the pickiest eater I know.  I've seen her decline the most expensive culinary masterpieces.  Even my favorite dishes are just "okay" to her.  Yet, if she likes something, she indulges in it to her hearts content.  So knowing she likes tempura, I was so glad when we saw Tenya Tempura Tendon.

It has a minimalist casual Japanese dining interior.  It has an evident blue theme see?

I like that they have this on every table.  I can see that they are concerned with customer satisfaction.


Food

Appetizers

Potato Salad (115 php)

We both loved the smooth and creaminess of the texture of Potato Salad.  The light tangy flavor makes it even more addictive.

♥ Karaage (165 php)

The Karaage is fried chicken nuggets cooked Japanese-style.  It comes with a Japanese mayo dip.  We loved how tender juicy the chicken nuggets are on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

Isobe Cheese (185 php)

The Isobe Cheese is tempura fried cheddar cheese wrapped in seaweed.  This is a first time for us.  Being avid cheese fans, we loved this!

Isobe Cheese (185 php)

Dipping it into the Japanese Mayo works for the Isobe Cheese too.

Soba/Udon Set

All Star Tempura Udon (455 php)

The All Star Tempura Udon really got us enticed because its a tempura basket with all our favorites: black tiger prawn, squid, salmon, kani stick, kakiage, green beans and mushrooms plus a choice of soba or udon (we choice this!), a bowl of Japan rice, tempura sauce, radish, leeks and ginger.


Tendon (served with miso soup)

Buta Kimuchi Tendon (295 php)

The Buta Kimuchi Tendon is a bowl with three huge  pork belly slices flown from France with kimuchi drizzled with their signature dontare sauce.  It is served with a miso soup.  Look at how humongous their pork slices are.  If you're looking for a hefty and satisfying meal, I highly suggest this.  I was very impressed by the softness of the pork.  I enjoyed it very much.

Desserts

Fruity Juicy Pop (Strawberry, Coconut Lychee, Lite Citrus and Orange Vanilla) (75 php)

I had the Lite Citrus and my little sister had the Coconut Lychee.  Both are so good!  It just depends on you preference.


Drinks

Iced Lemon Tea (65 php)

Their complimentary brown rice tea is my choice.
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tenya Tempura Tendon offers affordable tendon and more. I have to hand it to them, all their tempura assortments boasts of premium quality.  My little sister was very happy with it  But, I can't help but wish that they have other Japanese dishes that could go hand in hand with their tempura too.