Tokyo Eats: Katsuya

After a day's worth of shopping in Akihabara, Hubby and I were tired and hungry.  It was our last night in Tokyo too, and I didn't want to leave Tokyo without getting a taste of their authentic tempura.  My first choice for tempura in Tokyo would be Ten-Ichi, but it was all the way in Ginza.  So we stepped into the next restaurant that had tempura photos on their window display:  Katsuya.  

Mixed Set

This is more of fish and prawns.  Crunchy... but nothing major.

Ebi Tempura

The batter was crisp, and the prawns were succulent.

Katsudon

Sadly, this one failed my katsudon test.  It was not tender enough, and the sauce was practically non-existent, leaving the rice beneath as dry as the desert.

So the verdict?  Katsuya was not disappointing... yet it was not amazing either.  I guess when I said I wanted tempura, I was pertaining to the other kind.  Katsuya's was panko-crusted, but the panko, although crunchy, was too firm to bite into that it left me and Hubby's gums a bit raw.  Their katsudon was also less impressive than the local ones I've had here in Manila.  2 out of 5 stars.

Katsuya is at 1 Chome-4-11 Sotokanda,Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

Tonkatsu by Terazawa

Being a lover of anything and everything tonkatsu, my best friend J messaged me one day that Tonkatsu by Terazawa is already open in Greenbelt 2.  We hurriedly made a shopping/eating date and agreed to meet up one Saturday to try out the newest kid on the tonkatsu block!

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe!  I was at a loss because there were so many things in the menu that I'd like to try.  I think I literally went over the menu for an hour going back and forth between the pages and salivating over each and every photo.  I wanted them all.  Sadly, 4 dishes versus one tummy is an impossibility.  Finally, I decided on the Rosu Katsu with Oysters.  J had the Rosu Katsu as well but without the oysters.

As with other tonkatsu restaurants, Tonkatsu by Terazawa also serves unlimited rice, cabbage and miso soup.  While I may not be such a fan of rice, I do love my cabbage and miso soup.  Hooray for bottomless things, and cheers to bottomless tummies!  LOL.

Here's what we had:

My Rosu + Oysters Plate

The whole set

Frozen Green Tea

The verdict?  Among all the tonkatsu restaurants here in Manila, Tonkatsu by Terazawa was by far my least favorite.  I was expecting to give rave reviews but sadly, this one failed the marks.  The rosu was far too tough and dry.  So tough that after we had our lunch, my jaw and my head hurt for chewing too much.  For a restaurant that has tonkatsu in its signage, that is a major fail.  No complaints with the oysters though, they were plump and juicy.

I do, however, have to give props to the manager/supervisor.  He came to our table and asked about our food.  When he heard that I was not pleased with my tonkatsu, he offered to replace it.  I declined, because I was already halfway through my meal and I doubt it if the pork can be made more tender in such short notice.  The best part of the meal?  The frozen green tea brazo.  Layers upon layers of sweet, creamy goodness.  It was a perfect ending to an otherwise disastrous meal.  1 out of 5 stars.  

Tonkatsu by Terazawa is at Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St cor Paseo de Roxas, Legazpi Village, Makati

Yabu: House of Katsu

Who doesn't know Yabu?  Yabu needs no introduction.  Ever since it opened last 2011, crowds have flocked to this Japanese restaurant to savor the katsu goodness.  Can you blame them?  Yabu is the first to serve authentic tonkatsu here in the Philippines.  Fans of Tonkichi, Saboten and Ginza Bairin from abroad will know what I'm talking about when I say that katsu, when cooked the right way, will haunt your dreams every single night after you try it.  And judging from the people who line up every single day in Yabu, I guess they agree with me.  Once you've tasted their katsu, you'll never go back to the old ones or your taste buds will hate you.  Trust me.

Those who order their tonkatsu will receive this.  We always joke that they make us work before they let us eat!  The black and white powdery stuff are sesame seeds, which you grind with the pestle.  Once crushed, you pour in the sauce and voila!  Tonkatsu sauce!

Wakame.  Seaweed salad topped with ebiko.

Sooo good.  At least for me.  If you're not a fan of anything slimy, then I suggest you skip this.  But I urge you to give it a try, you might like it.  It's healthy too!

Hire Pork Tenderloin Tonkatsu

There are two kinds of Tonkatsu.  The Rosu and the Hire.  Rosu gives you a bit of fat while the Hire has no fat.  I'd suggest Hire for everyone because after all, tonkatsu IS fried.  You won't want the additional oil, cholesterol or calories.

Menchi Curry Katsu

One of the new offerings in Yabu.  Minced meat with cheese filling in curry sauce.  This is one of my favorites.  Also one of the softest.  Best for people with no teeth.  I'm kidding!

Soft Shell Crab Katsu

I love softshell crab.  But in a tonkatsu restaurant, I like to stick to the classics = pork.

Hire Original Katsudon

For those who are afraid of oil, you might want to consider the katsudon.  Yes, it is still fried, but the addition of the katsudon sauce negates the oiliness of the pork so that you won't get that woozy feeling after.  Another one of my favorites in Yabu.

My Hire Katsudon Set

This is how the whole set looks like.  I like the fact that they serve unlimited rice and cabbage.  Well, actually, I don't really care much about the rice (but I know lots of people do!).  What I'm in love with is their unlimited servings of cabbage that you can drizzle with their signature sesame mayo dressing.  I swear I ate so much that day, I almost felt like a goat! Baaaaaaa!

Yabu:  House of Katsu is at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and Robinson's Magnolia. 

Hong Kong Eats: Saboten

Hong Kong Airport is one of the best airports around the world.  At least, for me.  I think it is too for a lot of people.  Why?  Because you've got clean airport +great shopping+good food choices.  One of the best food choices?  Saboten.  I can still remember the first time I tasted Saboten when it first opened a few years ago.  I was looking for a quick snack and this little store caught my eye.  Amidst the steep price (I ordered a mix of pork loin and tenderloin then and it was HKD99), I went for it out of curiosity.  And boy oh boy, they did not disappoint!  Can you say love at first bite?  Crunchy, breaded outside with soft and moist pork inside.  It was a feast for the senses!  It's been a staple ever since.  No going home without Saboten!  Think of it as my last food hurrah whenever I leave Hong Kong.

Overall I'd give Saboten a 4.5 out of 5.  Till next Hong Kong trip, Saboten.  And with that, I round up my posts for the January 2013 Hong Kong trip.  Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing about it!

Saboten is at the Hong Kong International Airport, departure area.