Yabu: House of Katsu SM Megamall — Restaurant in Mandaluyong

It's OK, some people may find it quite on the pricy side of things, I do believe there are affordable options in the menu, I've always wanted to try out authentic Japanese food, and I believe this is as close as I can get right now, we ordered a Rosu Kurobuta w/ organic brown rice as what I've heard the employee said, the miso soup taste legit, but I don't know if I can say it's authentic because I've never tasted miso soup from Japan before, the rosu kurobuta itself with all it's sides has a good serving size, and eating a dessert at the same time we ordered a lava cake, which is really quite filling already especially for people who doesn't have a big appetite or isn't really or very hungry at the moment. Unfortunately as it is my first time in that kind of restaurant and the same goes for my companions we were kinda confused at first on the way to order, they gave us this sheet to check mark stuff and add the quantity at the same time there's a lot of options I was considering but I felt kinda pressured to make a decision quite quickly while also being confused at the same time on the way to order, a lack of clarity perhaps, I didn't see any guidelines in regards to that part. Something to read as guidelines towards taking orders. So I strongly suggest to make some kind of really easy to read or w/ images of directions that shows how to do a specific part to avoid such circumstances especially since as much as we can, limit human contact like in Japan, and as respect towards the ongoing pandemic. In terms of taste it's good other than the watermelon as we have asked for no sugar, taste really watered out, I'm not sure whether that would be from the watermelon itself or something but I've tasted a watermelon before. But I'm nitpicking things at this point. It's unfortunate we also had to experience someone coughing really loud which can really trigger some form of anxiety especially at this time, which in it's way can ruin an experience and the mood. Though the staff is nice and polite and tried to explain things and how it works, though one of them is talking too fast which we couldn't really understand and it seems she was hurrying for something, in terms of the culture inside it's much expected since it's really not Japan, you get people saying Japanese words but not to the extent of which an authentic Japanese person would rather be acting. And as unfortunate as it may. The Japanese experience, this...

Founded in Manila on 11-11-11, Yabu is a homegrown Katsu concept restaurant started by John Concepcion with the help of Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef Kasuya Takeda. John is also the CEO of Unilever RFM Ice Cream and he has taken Selecta to the top spot among local ice creams. He is also credited with the successful launching of Magnum. Yabu is part of the Standard Hospitality Group of John Concepcion, Gerry Santos and Irene Joven. They carry such brands as Yabu, Ippudo, Elephant Grounds and Kiwami. As of the moment, Yabu has 30 branches. We ate at the 2nd floor SM Megamall B branch.

Recreating the Japanese Katsu experience of breaded kurobuta pork with locally sourced ones was the challenge for Yabu's Takeda and company. John's concept was to offer unlimited Japanese rice and shredded cabbage with his Katsu sets at a reasonable price point. They had to rely on science, procedure and technique.

For dinner, we ordered the 180g Rosu Katsu set (P445), Gyudon Set (P515), Original Tonkatsu Set with Prawns and Dory (P425) and the Salmon Katsu Set (P545).

I've eaten at Yabu for so long. I initially thought it was a Japanese franchise and used Kurobuta pork in all Katsu pork offerings. I was totally wrong and totally amazed at the work the team led by Takeda San has made to bring the Japanese Katsu experience here. They start off with warm miso soup to open up your appetite, cold cabbage salad paired best with their sesame dressing, the Katsu of your choice with Japanese rice and fresh fruits to remove the "umay." Of course, they also offer more premium sets with actual Kurobuta, the supposed Wagyu of pork. Now, real Japanese franchises offering Katsu like Saboten and Kimukatsu are in the Philippines but Concepcion's background and expertise in brand building and experience-creating have kept Yabu in the thick of the fight and winning.

I had the Gyudon Set this time to check their other offerings besides Katsu (since it's a Katsu focused restaurant). I was glad they served it in a clay pot which added another dimension to the dish, the flavorful socarrat or tutong. They also provided a sauce containing beef drippings to add to the creamy egg which you break and mix with the rice. The tender delicious beef, Gyudon sauce in egg infused Japanese rice that forms flavor rich socarrat - an absolute delight!

Yabu has never failed to fill me up with a satisfying meal made special by their well...

Not Happy With My Experience

I recently dined at Yabu SM Megamall and unfortunately, I left very disappointed. I ordered a katsu meal along with a dessert. When I placed my order, I specifically requested that the dessert be served together with the katsu. However, they only served the katsu, and not the dessert. I decided to let that slide at first.

After finishing my meal, I asked again for the dessert to be served and told them I’d like to settle the bill right away since I was already planning to leave. They assured me they would bring the dessert. I even paid the full bill, including the dessert, but still, no one served it.

I waited several minutes and followed up again and even asked if I can take it home, only to be told that the dessert can’t be taken out. So I said, “Then please just serve it now.” They said they would, but still, nothing came. I had to leave already, so I just told them not to bother serving it anymore.

One of the crew said he’d check with the manager to see if they could allow takeout. I saw them talk, but no one ever came back to update me on what was decided. I ended up leaving without the dessert I already paid for.

If an item can’t be served properly within 2 hours, or if there’s an issue with availability or policy, please just inform customers upfront. It’s frustrating to pay for something and wait so long for it, only to leave without it. I hope the staff improves on communication and...