Karayama - SM North — Restaurant in Quezon City

Karayama SM North EDSA is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in karaage, or Japanese fried chicken. The restaurant is located in the The Block at SM City North EDSA, and it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

The karaage at Karayama is made with fresh, high-quality chicken that is marinated in a special blend of spices and herbs. The chicken is then fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. The karaage is served with a variety of dipping sauces, including a sweet and sour sauce, a soy sauce, and a spicy sauce.

In addition to karaage, Karayama also serves a variety of other Japanese dishes, such as ramen, udon, and tempura. The restaurant also has a full bar, so you can enjoy a drink with your meal.

The service at Karayama is friendly and efficient. The staff is always happy to help you choose the perfect dish, and they are quick to bring your food to your table.

Overall, Karayama SM North EDSA is a great place to go for a delicious and affordable meal. The karaage is the star of the show, but the other dishes are also very good. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

Here are some pros and cons of Karayama SM North EDSA:

Pros:

Delicious karaage

Variety of other Japanese dishes

Full bar

Friendly and efficient service

Casual and relaxed atmosphere

Cons:

Can be crowded, especially on weekends

Prices are a bit on the high side

Overall, I would definitely recommend Karayama SM North EDSA to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese meal. The karaage is the star of the show, but the other dishes are also very good. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

Here are some tips for your visit to Karayama SM North EDSA:

Go during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Order the karaage set, which comes with a variety of different karaage dishes.

Try the ramen or udon if you're looking for something other than karaage.

Save room for dessert - the matcha ice cream...

If you’re a fan of Japanese fried chicken, Karayama is a place you need to try. Their chicken karaage set is simple on paper—fried chicken, Japanese rice, miso soup, and shredded cabbage—but every bite proves that simplicity can be absolutely delectable when done right.

The karaage itself? Crispy, golden perfection. The coating is light yet shatteringly crisp, giving way to insanely juicy, flavorful chicken inside. It’s fried just right—never greasy, just pure, satisfying crunch with every bite. But what really sets Karayama apart is their signature sauce. It’s not your average soy-based dip; it has a unique balance of umami, slight sweetness, and a touch of tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. You’ll find yourself dipping generously, savoring every bite.

Of course, a good karaage meal isn’t complete without the right sides. The steamed Japanese rice is fluffy and slightly sticky, making it the perfect base to soak up the flavors. The miso soup is warm, comforting, and just the right amount of savory to balance the meal. And don’t overlook the shredded cabbage—it might seem like a humble side, but its fresh crunch cleanses the palate and keeps every bite of karaage tasting just as amazing as the first.

Now, here’s a recommendation you shouldn’t skip: get their iced tea. It’s unexpectedly refreshing, with just the right level of sweetness, and pairs beautifully with the rich, crispy chicken. Some might say it’s just an iced tea, but trust me, it elevates the whole meal.

Karayama proves that sometimes, the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re just done exceptionally well. If you’re craving next-level karaage, this is the...

Today, I ordered the karayama set and their houseblend iced tea around 4pm. Yes, it’s not during peakhours, they have enough staff as I observed there was only 3 customers including myself. The other 2 already started eating when I arrived. I went directly inside for privacy but I was asked to move to the front because they said they will clean the area. It was fine and proceed to order. I ordered the iced tea first and the karayama set and the lady wrote it down. The food was served 10mins later. I was starving that time and didn't notice that I have already finished the meal. The staff were just talking to each other and walking around and I saw the area where I was supposed to sit guess what, they weren’t cleaning it at all. So it was just an excuse? I’m not sure. However, the iced tea wasn’t served at the end of my meal and they didn’t even notice at all. I also worked at F&B and it is a standard to observe and check your guest’s needs from time to time even during peak hours. However I felt neglected, as they haven’t checked on me and didn’t see that I don’t have any drink on my table. I asked for the bill and saw they punched the iced tea. I said there’s no iced tea, please just cancel it as I was waiting for you guys to serve it the whole time I was there. The staff realized she forgot, and apologized. The food was good for its price however I was disappointed with the service since I observed that they prioritize “other things” than giving attention to...