The Yabu: House of Katsu Experience

Introduction (or Grievance)

I was supposed to make a scheduled review of the Salcedo Sunday Market. After some research on the internet, I decided to visit the place on a sunny Sunday morning. To my surprise, it doesn’t exist anymore! All I could see is a barren park with kids playing around with their “yayas”. I searched and searched in the scorching heat, hoping that it may be relocated somewhere for some reason (or I could just simply ask someone). In the end, I never found it.

Frustrated on the unexpected turn of events, I decided to make a review on the next restaurant in my bucket list; that is Yabu: House of Katsu!

Yabu: House of Katsu logo

 

(The Real) Introduction

Before the wide sprouting of Japanese restaurants lately (like mushrooms), we are accustomed to the conventional Katsudon meal provided by our friendly neighborhood Tokyo Tokyo. We were made to believe that this is the way a Katsudon looks and tastes like (the way I see it). After the introduction of Yabu: House of Katsu and all the hype that came with it, I thought to myself that maybe there is more to the common Katsudon that I know and love (and hate at the same time)—more than the conventional cheap Pork cut, so-so breading and “acceptable” taste. Therefore, I decided (again) to include Yabu: House of Katsu to my bucket list of the restaurants that I will try (and review of course)!

Location and Ambiance

I chose the nearest branch which is located at 2/F Glorietta 5, Makati City. I came in early as usual so I was able to seat at the decent spot. It was roomy inside the dining area. It was also pleasing to discover that all of their seats are couches. For single diners out there, I am sad to inform you that there are no single seats available; a minimum of 4 seats per table only. Seats are also available outside which is a great spot at night (but a terrible idea during the day and the incoming rainy season). In summary, the simple yet elegant ambiance will not be spoiled by an “odd” seat since all the seats are couches!

All seats are couches. The wall looks like it's
made up of wooden Sake square cups stacked together.

 

They also have a vast array of Japanese liquor which I think are mostly Sake. 

Short panel manga are also placed in the middle of the dining
area to "tell the tale" of their Katsudon preparation perfection!

Condiments are provided for every seat namely: Katsu sauce, Goma, Shoyu, Wasabi, Sea Salt with Red spice (might be Cayenne) and three unknown condiments. I like the Sea Salt dispenser for its unique look!

Condiments from left to right: Katsu sauce, Goma,
Shoyu, Wasabi, Sea Salt and three unknown condiments!

 

 

Staff and Accommodation

Diners are welcomed in the usual fashion; no complicated Japanese words (hooray). Waiters and staff are cheerful and somewhat “caring” which gives the “homely” vibe. One thing that I consistently observed with the waiters is that they are pretty perceptive to the needs of the diners. During the whole meal, I never needed to call their attention for something because they were there to attend my needs even before a thought comes to mind that I needed something (lengthy explanation but I hope you get what I mean). Waiters are also glad to share their experiences with the meal which is very helpful for first time eaters. I do hope that all of their branches have the same attitude with the ones at the Glorietta branch!

The Food Itself

I ordered 180g Rosu Tonkatsu set (around Php 450.00 as far as I can remember) and complimentary tea (which is obviously free). You may choose from either Rosu (juicy Pork with fat trimmings) or Hire (flaky Pork with no fat trimmings). There are also choices of size by weight from 90, 120 or 180g for Rosu and 100 or 150g for Hire. The Tonkatsu set includes UNLIMITED Japanese rice, Miso soup, finely-chopped Cabbage, variety of pickles and fruit slices of Watermelon and Pineapple (so many indeed dear reader).

On a side note, they also have many varieties of dishes to choose from ranging from Katsudon Chicken cuts to stuffed Ham and Cheese. Therefore, you are not trapped on eating Pork cuts only!

To kick things off, the complimentary tea was a-okay for my taste. It was a refreshing alternative to the drinks available; it seems to avoid “suya” (but believe me you won’t experience that here).

Complementary tea

Before the meal, you must perform the “Katsu Ritual”. It’s done by first grinding the Sesame seeds based on your preference and then combine it with the Katsu sauce. The “wishy-washy” in me thought that the Katsu sauce was the Shoyu but later found out (at the other table) that the Katsu sauce was inside the leftmost container (silly me—lol). After finishing up my first dip, I tried the “real” Katsu sauce which was both sweet and sour—compliments the Katsudon very well. The Shoyu also did a very fine job of making the Katsudon tastier.

I was surprised when my order was served; the Katsudon was pretty huge! The “breading” was also different from the common Katsudon; it was flaky and consistently crunchy. It was not that oily as I expected it to be but the fat trimmings were enough to give the Pork’s taste more punch. How about the taste? Well, it was not that “eye-popping” taste but it was pretty delicious! I tried it without any sauce—it was delicious—tried it with the Shoyu sauce—it was still delicious—even with the Katsu sauce (the real sauce for the meal) it was still delicious!

Rosu Tonkatsu set meal!

The Katsudon is consistently crispy on the
outside yet tender and flavoursome on the inside!

 

I finished my last piece which is dipped in Katsu sauce drizzled with Shoyu sauce! Yummy!

 

The Japanese rice was also tasty; it was done just right. I was able to eat an additional six small scoops of rice besides the one included in the meal. It may be only six small scoops but its looks can be deceiving. In the middle of my meal, I was astonished to feel that I am already full! I was only a third of both my Katsudon and Cabbage but I am already stuffed. Good thing though since it provided me a window (and a sort of reminder) to take some additional shots of the meal (pretty hard to remember that you’re doing a food review when you are enjoying your meal).

The side dishes of the meal are also top-notch in taste. The Miso soup was a step-up to the conventional one with the addition of seaweed (I think). The Cabbage may be eaten as is or you could experiment by adding some condiments, but please do not foolishly try to eat it with the Yellow “item” beside it (like what I did—lol). I ate the pickles made from Japanese Cucumber, Yellow Radish and Japanese Eggplant together with the Cabbage. All of the pickles have a crunchy taste and very faint sourness (ordered twice for the pickles just to be sure). Out of the three, the Yellow Cucumber has a mild aftertaste.

Japanese pickles made from: Yellow Radish,
Japanese Cucumber and Japanese Eggplant (the purple one).

 

Fruits included in the meal. Best eaten with a pinch of Sea Salt!

 

 

Verdict

I was very pleased with my experience with Yabu: House of Katsu and the Rosu Tonkatsu meal! I could say that it’s on par with our Ramen Nagi dining experience! The Katsudon was really delicious and the Katsu sauce (and the Shoyu too) greatly improves its flavour! I love the “unli” option on Japanese rice and side dishes which will definitely make you (or anybody) pleasurably full (beware of the Japanese rice though). The variety of “unli” options is also great since you are not stuck with unli-rice or drinks only usually offered on common restaurants. Single or group diners will also enjoy their dining experience since all of the seats are couches—add a topping of quick, perceptive and homely waiters and staff will surely complement to the wonderful dining experience! I would definitely recommend it to Katsudon lovers out there and foodies who want to be stuffed with delicious food and great service!



Highly recommended!

 

 

Credits

I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the friendly staff of Yabu: House of Katsu Glorietta 5 branch for their homely and quick service (and for allowing me to take pictures too)!

 

Please look forward for another blog review! Ikimashou!