When In Manila and you’re craving for a delicious and authentic Japanese Katsu, Yabu: House of Katsu is the place to go! And just recently they opened their 3rd branch at the SM Mall of Asia.
Yabu was introduced to me by a friend who’s now part of the WIM family also, Koji. From then on I know where to go when I’m craving for Tonkatsu or Katsudon! Luckily, I don’t need to go to SM Megamall to eat the “best” katsu as they recently opened another branch at the SM Mall of Asia. They asked lifestyle editors; food, fashion and lifestyle bloggers to be at their exclusive pre-opening luncheon to taste the new dishes that would be up on their menu soon!
Mr. Steven Tan, VP for Operations of Premier Malls, Yabu’s Mr. John Concepcion and Mr. Gerry Santos for the ceremonial cutting of ribbon.
The menu Yabu prepared for their exclusive pre-opening luncheon!
THE NEW DISHES OF YABU
There are three new dishes that Yabu lovers would enjoy! There’s the Soft Shell Crab Katsu and Menchi with Cheese Katsu that are available in set and the Menchi with Cheese Katsu Curry.
All I can say that Yabu is really generous when it comes to serving size that they serve to their customers. You’ll really get what you paid for — or more than that! While waiting for the treats we were served with appetizers:
Superior Potato Salad
Hiyayakko Tofu
I love their appetizers! Reen and I agreed that the tofu is the best we had, true to its premium quality! The potato and egg salad of Yabu is very creamy and delicious also! It’s perfect to get your palate ready for a scrumptious meal.
First on our table was the Menchi with Cheese Katsu Curry.
I love Yabu’s curry and this one is the best tasting that I ever had, not even kidding. The flavor of an authentic curry is in it and it complements the generous serving of katsu. This dish alone will make me coming back for more! I hope they’ll be available in time for the holidays.
Look at that curry sauce and wait until you taste it – It’s a delight for your taste buds!
Another one will surely be enjoyed by seafood lovers, the Soft Shell Crab Katsu Set!
Yabu’s Soft Shell Crab Katsu Set
This one is good too considering I’m not a fan of shellfish. I like the dipping sauce that accompanies this, I regret that I haven’t ordered a Kirin Beer! I heard from across the table that it goes well with the dish, if you tried it don’t forget to tell how it taste? Okay!
Don’t forget to squeeze that lemon slice into the crabs, to add a little bit of flavor!
We ate the curry dish earlier, after the soft shell crabs they served the Menchi with Cheese Katsu Set! Yes, it has a version that has no curry sauce. I thought that it’s perfect because you can opt to have the other one if you’re not a fan of curry. It tastes delicious even without the curry sauce.
Menchi with Cheese Katsu Set
This goes perfect with the dipping sauce that Yabu is known for!
Sesame seeds that you’ll be grinding using a special mortar and pestle!
Then you’ll put a generous amount of Yabu’s special tonkatsu sauce.
Going back to the Menchi with Cheese, just look at this photo of the dish and I know I wouldn’t need to say more!
Look at that cheesy center of the Katsu! It tastes delicious as it looks!
And when I thought the luncheon was already done! They served me my favorite Rosu Original Katsudon Set! Good thing is I reserved a good space for it in my tummy. Thanks, Yabu!
Original Rosu Katsudon Set of Yabu: House of Katsu
Just look at that strip of meat — Yummy!
At the end of the day, I know no one would contest if I say here that in the metro the “BEST” Katsu is served at Yabu: House of Katsu! Don’t forget to visit their newest branch at the SM Mall of Asia.
The beautiful interiors of Yabu’s newest branch!
Don’t forget to take a look at this wall where you can read what others have to say about Yabu!
Yabu also launched their newly revamped website that you can view at this link: yabu.ph!
YABU: House of Katsu
2/F South Arcade, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines
Contact No: (02) 511 7202
Email address: yabumallofasia@yabu.ph
Other branches: SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia
Join them on Facebook: Yabu: House of Katsu
Photos by Yabu and Nikko Panti
Yabu: House of the Best and Delicious Katsu
