New dishes from Yabu: the house of Katsu...
It took me a long while to try Yabu, mainly because I feared the hype may be all there is to it. When I finally did, though, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the food lived up to its ostentatious publicity. Needless to say, any tonkatsu I've consumed thereafter has been compared to Yabu's stellar Kurobuta Katsu, and so far, I've yet to taste one that can overthrow it from its throne.
On my next visits, I did manage to restrain myself from ordering the same, with a need to also try other mouthwatering items on the menu. We started with their new appetizers...
Spinach Salad with Goma Sauce (P195 with another appetizer of choice)
Here they use chilled Japanese spinach that's mixed with sweet goma or the sesame seed sauce, then topped with bonito flakes. I keep finding a shy hint of nuttiness in some bites, though I'm not sure why, perhaps because of the sesame seeds? Not my cup of tea (or in my case, coffee).
Iidako Salad (P195 with another appetizer of choice)
The Iidako Salad is made of baby octopus marinated in a sweet-savory sauce riddled with slices of cucumber. There was an interplay of sweetness and a bit of spiciness which really prepared your appetite for the dishes to come. I did favor this one over the former, but still, I'd be more inclined to order the Wakame or the Superior Potato and Egg Salad next time.
Rosu Katsu Set (P315 90g; P355 120g; P405 180g)
The sets all come with unlimited Japanese white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, organic cabbage with your choice of dressing, and a bowl of fruits, usually pineapple and watermelon. My favorite among these is the unlimited cabbage, which I douse with---no, make that drown in---goma (sesame) dressing. I just inhale it away like a madman; it's just so good! I usually have two servings per visit. I hope they sell their goma dressing in bottles soon, I want my own at home. By the way, they also have a Wasabi dressing which I haven't tasted yet.
As for the Rosu (Pork Loin) Katsu, they now use certified U.S. Pork for a softer and tastier meat. I think they achieved their purpose, for when I put a forkful into my mouth, I almost did a double take, and questioned whether I was eating the Kurobuta. A stolen piece from my brother' Kurobuta set dish confirmed that I wasn't. Kurobuta was still more tender in comparison, but still it was close enough. And for a couple of hundred bucks difference, I'd say this was a pretty good deal.
Rosu Miso Katsu Set (P375)
Now take the Rosu (Pork Loin) Katsu, add some sweet miso sauce, then sprinkle it with chopped spring onions and ground sesame seeds, and you get this. Though the Filipino palate usually favors the sweet side of viands, I think I'd stick with the regular katsu fare. It was nice for the first few bites, but after that, it became a little sweet for my taste. Yes, there was a bit of tang, but for the most part, it was saccharine. If you prefer your pork drenched in sweet sauce, though, this is a pretty good choice.
Soft Shell Crab Set (P)
Still, my ultimate favorite Yabu dish---aside from the Kurobuta Katsu---is the Soft Shell Crab Katsu. I had this a few weeks prior to this meal, and I was smitten! While I do love soft shell crabs to begin with, this was unusually bigger than most, making you savor it with more gusto. That crunch, together with the underlying crab meat that's peppered with the occasional soft shell, was just music to the ears and the palate. How can you say no to eating crabs without the hassle? The answer is, you just can't.
Strawberry Ice Cream (P55) and Chocolate Lava Cake ala Mode (P155)
I have a predilection for ice creams more than I do for cakes, so to end a meal with one is always a good thing in my book. There's nothing really extraordinary with these treats, nonetheless, it was just nice to cleanse the palate with something sweet that's cold at the same time.
Yabu
Spot: G/L SM Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Rd., Almanza Uno, Las Piñas
Contact No.: 800.0447
Website: yabu.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/yabuhouseofkatsu
Twitter: twitter.com/yabuPH
To celebrate FRM's 2nd Anniversary, Yabu has magnanimously sponsored a giveaway for FRM's readers and followers!
For this one, we'll do it a little differently. This time, we won't leave it up to fate. I want you guys to get creative, and show me why you deserve to win this.
Prize:
- ONE (1) winner of a Php 2,000 Gift Certificate from Yabu
Mechanics:
- Anyone who lives in the Philippines is eligible to join; however, the prize is only redeemable at Yabu's Metro Manila branches.
- Contest runs from August 19, 2013 until September 18, 2013.
- You must have a valid and active Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to join.
- Please follow the instructions below.
- Please follow instructions (put the correct message, tag the sponsors in the message, submit direct links, tag your friends,etc) for your entry to count.
- Make sure that your Facebook shared posts are set to "Public" (the posting option is beside the time/date of your post, just set it to the globe icon), and your Twitter and Instagram accounts are not protected/locked, otherwise I might not be able to view them, and your entry will not be counted.
- The winner will be announced on this website on September 22, 2013.
- Winner will also be notified via email and must be willing to pick up the prize at Yabu's branch in SM Megamall, SM MOA, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Aura or SM Southmall. Please present a valid ID when claiming your prize.
- The gift certificates have no expiry, but it is recommended that you redeem and use them before December 31, 2013.
Instructions:
- Like Yabu: House of Katsu on Facebook
- Like Food Reviews Manila on Facebook
- Follow @yabuPH on Twitter
- Follow @foodreviewsMNLA on Twitter
- Follow @yabuph on Instagram
- Follow @foodreviewsmanila on Instagram
- Click the TWEET button on the top or bottom of this post, then write this message on the box: Are you kidding?? Of course I want to win a P2,000 GC from @yabuPH via @foodreviewsMNLA's Giveaway! Do you? Join now! http://www.foodreviewsmanila.com/2013/08/food-reviews-manilas-2nd-anniversary_15.html
- Click the Facebook LIKE button on the top or bottom of this post, then write this message on the box, making sure that you tag our Facebook pages (Food Reviews Manila and Yabu: House of Katsu), and tag two of your friends: Are you kidding?? Of course I want to win a P2,000 GC from Yabu: House of Katsu!! Come on, let's join Food Reviews Manila's giveaway! NOW!! :) @friend1 @friend2
- Leave a Blog Post Comment:
- Have you tried Yabu? If yes, what makes it different from other Katsu restaurants? If no, why do you want to eat at Yabu?
- How much of an FRM fan are you? BE creative, you can upload a photo showing how much you love reading FRM, you can post a photo quote that reminds you of FRM, or you can even write a poem. Bonus points to the ones who can also take a photo of themselves with the FRM testimonial in one of Yabu's testimonial walls, and I won't tell which branch. ;)
- Enter the direct link to your Twitter and Facebook posts.
- Please write your complete name (as shown in your valid ID) and email address.
Good luck! :)
And the very creative and lucky winner is...
Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you soon for details on how to claim your prize.
Again, thank you very much to Yabu for being a part of FRM's anniversary celebration! :)
And the very creative and lucky winner is...
Allan Gregor "Bulostik" Bulos
Congratulations! I'll be in touch with you soon for details on how to claim your prize.
Again, thank you very much to Yabu for being a part of FRM's anniversary celebration! :)
34 comments:
No. I really wanna try the best Katsu in town for FREE and experience what my friend told me that made me so excited about it..
"The food was excellent, service was courteous and prompt, and the ambiance fun yet very welcoming at the same time. The quality of their food and service remains consistent from their first day to the present." :)
I'm really a huge fan. I always go to FRM's fb, ig and blogpost everytime I surf the net. Been addicted to it. Makes me drool and hungry all the time! http://twitpic.com/d9b5qj
FB Post: https://www.facebook.com/chin.dominguez1003/activity/10201700842742148?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY
Twitter Post: https://twitter.com/uniquelyXisting/status/369697781163638784
Charlene Clara Dominguez
[email protected]
Have you tried Yabu?
No. I have heard great reviews about Yabu but everytime we eat out we get sidetracked. I want to eat there to compare what makes Yabu the Katsu place.
How much of a fan am I?
I am such a fan that I have eaten in most of the places you have reviewed. I tried them because of you and eaten the dishes you have loved.
https://twitter.com/BaselSantos/status/369723655170686976
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Basilio Simeon Santos
[email protected]
I have not yet tried out Yabu, and I would love to try it out with my family one day.
This photo quote reminds me of your blog. We all must be able to enjoy food and love every bite we take.
http://www.homelifesimplified.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/food-quote.jpg
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https://twitter.com/kimtiu37/status/369790040915726336
Kimberly Camille Tiu
[email protected]
Have you tried Yabu? If yes, what makes it different from other Katsu restaurants? If no, why do you want to eat at Yabu?
Yes, all I can say is that they have the best Katsu. The meat, whether pork, fish or crab, simply melts in your mouth. And the unlimited cabbage, everytime I eat there I turn into a cabbage addicted rabbit. If allowed I would like to drink the goma sauce straight up from the bottle.
How much of an FRM fan are you? BE creative, you can upload a photo showing how much you love reading FRM, you can post a photo quote that reminds you of FRM, or you can even write a poem. Bonus points to the ones who can also take a photo of themselves with the FRM testimonial in one of Yabu's testimonial walls, and I won't tell which branch. ;)
A fan of FRM that I am
A food addicted fan, Yes I am
For every review, that she puts out
Makes me hungry without a doubt
Steaks or Cakes or plain old sushi
When she reviews them, they seem heaven to me
Beef, pork, fish or chicken
Any will do as long as it can be eaten
Just looking at the pictures makes me smile
But then they make me go to the spot after a while
So if you want to be as happy as me
Then FRM is the blog to be
Enter the direct link to your Twitter and Facebook posts.
https://twitter.com/AllanGregor13/status/369816833609592832
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Please write your complete name (as shown in your valid ID) and email address.
Allan Gregor Bulos
[email protected]
Yes, I've tried Yabu and I loved it! The presentation of the food is unique and interesting. Plus, the katsu dishes are of superb quality. I also love the ambiance.
I follow a lot of food blogs but your blog is one of the few that I find credible and your reviews, I enjoy reading them.
https://twitter.com/vvaguilar/status/369818483661365248
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Vivian V. Aguilar
[email protected]
Have you tried Yabu? No, I haven't tried Yabu. I've seen a lot of reviews and giveaways about Yabu but unluckily haven't won any. lol! And as I saw the soft shelled crab, I'm now much more interested in trying Yabu.
How much of an FRM fan are you? I've been joining a lot of blog giveaways and I would never forget FRM because this is the first blog that I won when I was just starting joining giveaway promos. The prize I got was the Jamba Juice GCs. I hope ot won't be the first and last. :)
Enter the direct link' to your Twitter and Facebook posts.
https://twitter.com/mizziequoh/status/370195243448008704
https://www.facebook.com/mizziequoh/activity/10151645959394092
Please write your colmplete name: Mitchie Gabriela
email address: [email protected]
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Have you tried Yabu? not yet, but I would love to - the pictures shown in this blogs looks yummy
How much of an FRM fan are you? a big fan. I always read your blogs every weekdays. I learn alot and gets to try out different foods because of your reviews
Enter the direct link to your Twitter and Facebook posts. FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/riaramirez4/activity/10201337251449985?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/rhiyaramirez4/status/370551762580553728
Please write your complete name : Mary Anne Ramirez
email address: [email protected]
Have you tried Yabu?
Not yet... I want to eat at Yabu because I've heard a lot of good reviews about their food and it makes me eager to try it all! :)
How much of an FRM fan are you?
"People who Love to eat are always the best people" -Julia Child.. It reminds me of FRM >:)
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Arjayssa Reyes
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i havent tried yabu yet. my husband love katsu. i want to treat him if ever I win. i sure he will love foods at yabu :)
Arra C. Odeza
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/jesplana009/posts/692808757400352
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Angelita Fernandez
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelitasfernan/status/372174458884071424
No I havent tried yabu yet but I've heard & read so many good feedbacks about their katsu & the good service they offer that's why it's really on my bucket list!!
I am really a certified FRM fan!!! I even share links of your reviews on my twitter & encourage my friends to read your blog. :)
https://www.facebook.com/jesplana009/posts/693401100674451
https://twitter.com/jesplana009/status/372302601846419456
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https://www.facebook.com/jesplana009/posts/694781417203086
https://twitter.com/jesplana009/status/373363517283246080
Yes. Their Kurobota Katsu Curry is the best! Its not oily and it tastes delicious!
FRM, you are my Frequent Reminder of Munchies
You always have the ins and outs in the Metro
And I don't know how you get those
Please never stop posting these
Because you're my source for good eats!
https://www.facebook.com/khawen/activity/10151620118766645?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY
https://twitter.com/Kaarrreen/status/373477668563324929
Jan Karen Ku
jan.karen.ku(at)gmail.com
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Anna Verdeflor-Ayao
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https://twitter.com/annabhe_25/status/375220405956395008
Yes, I've tried Yabu! Yabu is definitely classy compared to other Katsu Restos – dining at Yabu is a complete experience – from the look of the place, the presentation of the food, the taste, and the impeccable service.
Poem: FRM LUV
F ood, food, glorious food
R ich, delectable, always good
M akes me smile; my mouth it waters
L ooking at FRM posts and pictures
U nequal, unrivaled, and truly the best
V ida loves FRM, this she attests
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Name: Vida Antoniette M. Cuaresma
Email Address: [email protected]
No,I haven't tried Yabu yet, but based from the positive feed backs from this Resto, I am intrigued to try it. I believe I won't regret trying it. I would love to try their Kurobota Katsu Curry since I like anything spicy, and from the sound of it, it sounds like my kind of dish.
I LOVE reading FRM because I can get some useful info. on where are the best places to dine, and the pictures are just excellent.
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Rica Rodriguez
[email protected]
I tried Yabu was in SM Megamall branch just a few months ago. I am very picky with the taste and service so there are a few restaurants that I usually like. And Yabu was one of those that captured my heart. Though it is located inside a mall, they were ableto keep a Japanese-inspired atmosphere inside their store. The staff are also polite and alert to all the customers' needs. Plus points that I don't need to call their attention for refills. I love their food the most! Just the right tenderness for me, taste is not too strong and ingredients are fresh.
I do not know about FRM until a friend of mine shared it on her page. I haven't explored it much just yet but I always read whatever the author shares in FB, Twitter and IG.
http://www.twitter.com/ayiesguerra/status/375957392866832384
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Aileen Esguerra
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https://www.facebook.com/jesplana009/posts/701186633229231
https://twitter.com/jesplana009/status/377691344673591296
Yes. Their Kurobota Katsu Curry is the best! Its not oily and it tastes delicious!
FRM, you are my Frequent Reminder of Munchies
You always have the ins and outs in the Metro
And I don't know how you get those
Please never stop posting these
Because you're my source for good eats!
https://www.facebook.com/khawen/activity/10151620118766645?og_perm_src=OPEN_GRAPH_SINGLE_STORY
https://twitter.com/Kaarrreen/status/373477668563324929
https://twitter.com/Kaarrreen/status/377839712720805888
Jan Karen Ku
jan.karen.ku(at)gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/jesplana009/posts/701788283169066
https://twitter.com/jesplana009/status/378155578549207040
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