Three exclusive Japanese dishes you can’t miss

2 months ago 18

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If there’s one thing that excites me when it comes to food, it’s the exclusivity of dishes offered by restaurants.

I was fortunate enough to try one special dish at each of the three restaurants I visited over the course of two weeks. And I must say, all three are definitely worth the visit. You just need to plan your timing and space out your visits accordingly.

Tuna Poke Roll Up by Kodawari
One of the successful food businesses which sprouted during the lockdown, Kodawari has been making waves in Makati city, Salcedo and The Grid in Powerplant Mall, to be exact. Opening its third location on 7th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, it took another big leap opening its very first mall branch at SM Aura Premier in Taguig.

Aside from their all-time favorites gyudon, chashudon, Chilimansi, spicy salmon, and many more, they are serving an exclusive dish that is a must-try. The Tuna Poke Roll Up, P480, is served in a bowl filled with cured tuna belly, edamame, and shredded purple cabbage topped with sweet soy sauce. Crispy seaweed sheets are served for you to roll or wrap on your own.

Here’s another tip—it’s easier to get a table here than the other branches. So, do drop by the lower ground floor of the mall to enjoy the food and the J-pop culture interiors, including iconic childhood toys, even a mural by illustrator Gia Leuterio.

KODAWARI TUNA POKE ROLL Served in a bowl filled with cured tuna belly, edamame, and shredded purple cabbage topped with sweet soy sauce.jpeg

Tonkotsu Niboshi Ramen by Ippudo in Kiwami
Just when you think ramen has reached its peak, Ippudo in Kiwami BGC unveils a limited-edition, exclusive dish available only at this branch. The ramen house’s signature 15-hour tonkotsu broth is elevated with the addition of flavorful Japanese dried sardines, pulped into a rich paste. Toppings like torched chashu pork, crispy onions, shoyu egg, and yuzu peel add layers of texture and flavor. Japanese vinegar is also served on the side if you’d wish to add a tangy twist. The staff suggests that you enjoy the ramen bowl as is and add vinegar half way.
Priced at P650 per bowl, the Niboshi Tonkotsu Ramen will only be available until March 24, 2025.

TONKOTSU NIBOSHI RAMEN Ippudo’s rich 15-hour tonkotsu broth meets umami-packed sardine paste, topped with chashu pork, crispy onions, shoyu egg, and a touch of yuzu.jpeg

Crispy Katsudon by Yabu
My family are regular customers of Yabu, with their Powerplant Mall branch as one of our favorites. So when they closed down for renovation, our patience was tested. And, finally, they are now back—and bigger!
Still located at the basement level, but in a different spot, this 21st branch is now 50 percent bigger to accommodate more diners. But what will make you head to this branch is the introduction of their exclusive Crispy Katsudon. Extra crunchy katsu (choose your meat of pork, pork with fat, chicken, prawn, and dory) served in a bed of the silkiest tamagoyaki omelette, Japanese rice, and rich donburi sauce.

Their new and popular Kurobuta is a must-order as well. All dishes are enjoyed with Yabu’s signature unlimited Teishoku experience that comes with miso soup, shredded cabbage, white or brown rice, and fruits.
As of this writing, the Yabu team is still testing the take out packaging for both dishes mentioned. This means that they can only be consumed for dine-in customers