When it comes to Japanese food, we can’t get enough of tempura. We love the crunchy batter, the juicy prawns, and even the vegetables that many restaurants offer as tempura. If you’re craving for it now, here are eight places where you can get it:
Asakusa: Home of Tempura
Address: The Grove by Rockwell, Pasig / Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City
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If they call themselves the Home of Tempura, then you have to trust that they mean business. This restaurant has a wide range of ingredients that you can order tempura-style. Aside from the traditional black tiger and jumbo prawns, you can also order uni (sea urchin), scallop, oyster, fish, squid, kani, shiitake mushroom, french beans, squash, eggplant, sweet potato, zucchini, and kakiage (crispy fritter made with onions, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms). You can order individually or as a set.
Botejyu
Address: Branches in Metro Manila, Batangas, Benguet, Cavite, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and San Fernando
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Botejyu has been in the business since 1946 so we trust them for delicious Japanese food. They’re known for their okonomiyaki (after all, the name is a combination of “bote,” the flipping sound of the okonomiyaki, and “jyu,” the sizzling sound it makes on the teppan grill) but their Prawn Tempura Platter is also a must-try. It comes in a special batter and is available in three, five, and 10 pieces.
Sensei
Address: 181 Aguirre Avenue, Parañaque
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This institution in BF Homes is home to delicious sushi and other Japanese faves, such as tempura. After all, the chef, Bruce Ricketts, is a legend in the Philippine culinary scene and is known for his inventive and playful take on Japanese food. Sensei’s Ebi Tempura is huge, coated in aonori (dried seaweed) and black sesame salt, and can be dipped in their tempura sauce.
Tenya
Address: SM Megamall, Market!Market!, SM Southmall, ASEANA, Festival Mall, Magallanes, Tiendesitas, Timog, and Ayala Circuit
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This list wouldn’t be complete without Tenya, which is known for their tempura tendon. Strictly speaking, tempura isn’t limited to prawns and Tenya goes all out: they have enoki bacon, black tiger prawns, kani, and vegetables such as sweet potato, eggplant, and green beans.
Tendon Akimitsu
Address: Ayala Malls The 30th and TriNoma
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Tendon Akimitsu is another Japanese import that specializes in tempura. The restaurant, originally located in Asakusa, is known as the King of Tempura Bowl and has won the All Japan Donbury Gold Medal five consecutive times. Try their Ebi Tempura or go for the Mixed Tempura for variety.
NIKKEI
Address: G/F One Rockwell, West Tower, 71 Rockwell Dr., Makati / Ground Level The Podium Mall, Ortigas / G/F Frabelle Business Center, 111 Rada, Legaspi Village, Makati / 2/F One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
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Peruvian and Japanese food may seem like an odd pairing but wait until you’ve tried NIKKEI. The restaurant is considered as “the reflection of the Japanese influence on the Peruvian gastronomy.” They have traditional fare such as sashimi and sushi, along with ceviche and tiradito (a Peruvian dish of raw fish). Since we’re talking about tempura, we recommend their Salmon Belly, which is served as truffle tempura. It’s currently available at their Rockwell and Podium branches. Meanwhile, the Nama Bar in Rada and BGC serve Tempura Moriawase, which is made up of assorted seafood and vegetable tempura.
Soru Izakaya
Address: Maginhawa St., Quezon City / Burgos Circle, BGC | Scout Torillo, Quezon City
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Soru Izakaya describes itself as a “modern after-work gastropub” serving a traditional menu with a dash of contemporary flavor. You can see this in their Nori Tempura, where they deep fry tiger prawns in nori (seaweed).
Tokyo Tempura
Address: Nationwide
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Tokyo Tempura proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to have good tempura. Aside from affordability, what’s great about Tokyo Tempura is the variety. They have flavors such as Hickory BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, and Sriracha Butter. They even have Chili Cheese Tempura! If you want the classic ebi, you can order the standard size good for one person, the 45-piece bucket, or the 80-piece Banzai Box.
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