affordable japanese food – Jellybeans in the City

Get your Japanese food fix from Katsu-Sama: Japan at your doorstep

As the rainy season casts a shadow over outdoor plans and traffic jams make venturing out a daunting task, there’s no need to compromise when you crave for Japanese food.

You won’t need to leave the comfort of your home or the convenience of your office when you want to savor the delicious flavors of Japan. Thanks to Katsu-Sama, a Japanese food delivery service, you can enjoy delectable Japanese cutlets and more, without stepping foot outside.

Katsu-Sama’s Solo Offerings

Katsu-Sama’s Solo Meals are perfect for a satisfying solo dining experience. For just Php259, you can indulge in a delectable combination of Meat and Rice. Choose from an array of mouthwatering viands, including Pork Katsu, Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsudon, Chicken Katsudon, Gyudon, or Chicken Karaage.

How About an Upgrade?

Enhance your Solo Meal experience with affordable upgrades. For an additional Php69, you can add a refreshing beverage to your order. Choose from House-blend Iced Tea, Green Apple Iced Tea, or Lychee Iced Tea. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not upgrade your rice to Kimchi rice for just Php39?

The Super Meal: A Hearty Feast

When hunger strikes with a vengeance, go for Katsu-Sama’s Super Meal. For only Php599, you’ll be treated to an expansive feast, featuring your choice of meat (either Pork Katsu or Chicken Katsu), Gyudon, a Large Rice, Miso Soup and your preferred Iced Tea.

Customization and Add-ons

At Katsu-Sama, the power of customization lies in your hands. Enhance your meal by selecting from an array of add-ons such as soft drinks, Japanese mayo, fried egg, and more. This level of personalization allows you to create the perfect Japanese culinary experience tailored to your preferences without burning a hole through your wallet.

Japan at Home

Embrace the feeling of Japan at your doorstep with Katsu-Sama’s delectable offerings. Craving a Japanese cutlet? Katsu-Sama’s Solo Meals are meticulously crafted to bring the taste of Japan’s street food to your dining table. The convenience of ordering from home means you don’t have to brave the rain or navigate through heavy traffic just to enjoy a scrumptious meal.

Japan at the Office

In the hustle and bustle of the workday, treat yourself and your colleagues to a delightful Japanese lunch without leaving the office. Katsu-Sama’s delivery service offers a practical solution for satisfying your cravings during those busy work hours. With options like the Yokozuna Feast, designed for groups of four, or the Katsu Platter to Share, ideal for groups of eight, you can share the joy of Japan’s culinary wonders with your colleagues.

Branches and Delivery Options

With branches located at Katipunan, Aurora Boulevard, San Juan, Sheridan, and Mall of Asia, Katsu-Sama ensures that Japan’s culinary delights are accessible to Japanese food enthusiasts all over the metro. Whether you’re residing or working near these areas, you can conveniently enjoy Katsu-Sama’s offerings.

Plus, the hassle-free delivery service via Grabfood and FoodPanda brings Japan to your doorstep with just a few taps on your phone.

When the rainy season or a busy workday confines you to the comfort of your home or office, know that you can always count on the Kastu Master, Katsu-Sama to come to your aid and bring you yummy and affordable Japanese fare.

Know more about Katsu-Sama’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

A Teishoku Feast at Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant

Despite having diverse personal interests, my husband’s and my tastes do converge when it comes to food, and one of our favorite cuisines, of course, is Japanese food.

Having espied an erstwhile untried Japanese restaurant as we were running some errands in Eastwood Mall, we decided on having our lunch there. That establishment is Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant, a Japanese chain that specializes in teishoku, or Japanese set meals.

What is Teishoku?

Teishoku (定食) is a Japanese set meal that typically consists of rice, miso soup, a main dish, and a side dish or two. The main dish can be anything from grilled fish to tempura to curry, and the side dishes can vary depending on the restaurant. Some common side dishes include pickled vegetables, tofu, and salad.

Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant

Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant chain that was founded in 1886 in Tokyo, Japan. The chain has since expanded to over 350 locations in Japan, as well as to other countries such as the United States, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

The concept of Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant is to provide affordable and delicious Japanese food in a casual and comfortable setting. The menu features a variety of teishoku dishes, as well as other Japanese favorites such as sushi, sashimi, and ramen. Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant also offers a variety of bento boxes, which are perfect for a quick and easy meal on the go.

Our Experience at Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant

Having arrived prior to the rush of the lunch crowd, we were able to secure our table right away. The restaurant is has a decidedly modern Asian decor, combining Japanese elements such as a cherry blossom-themed central mural and pine-wood furniture with geometric space dividers.

Yayoi also employs an innovative ordering system. Each table is equipped with a tablet that displays the menu. Customers can use the tablet to place their orders, request for their bill, as well as to make requests for assistance from the restaurant staff. This system allows customers to order their food quickly and easily, and it also frees up the waitstaff to focus on other tasks, such as refilling drinks and clearing tables.

Our orders included:

Ebi Tempura Set (Php650). Five pieces of lightly battered shrimp and tempura sauce, accompanied by Japanese rice, miso soup and seasonal sides.

Beef Teppanyaki Set (Php695). Pan-grilled rib eye beef and toasted garlic on top of assorted stir-fried vegetables served on a hot plate and accompanied by Japanese rice, miso soup and seasonal sides.

Edamame (Php195). Lightly boiled salted green soybeans.

Fresh Salmon Roll (Php450). Slices of fresh salmon topped with Japanese mayo and roe wrapped around sushi rice rolled with crabstick, tamago and cucumber.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, efficient and attentive, and the atmosphere was casual and comfortable.

So if you’re game for delicious and filling Teishoku experience, be sure to check out Yayoi!

This Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant is located at Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Avenue, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 85264698.

Other Metro Manila branches are located at:

3rd Level, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City (Tel: +63 2 87326137)
Mall Level 2 Main Mall South, SM Mall of Asia, SM Central Business Park Bay City, Pasay (Tel: +63 2 88216082)
Unit L221 2nd Floor, One Bonifacio High Street, 28th Street Corner 5th Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel: +63 2 82422792)
H.V Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 82514401)
The Block, Second Level, SM North EDSA, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 84410073)
Level 1 Phase 2 UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Brgy UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City (Tel: +63 2 82869018)

For more information about Yayoi Teishoku Restaurant’s menu and offers, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

9 reasons why Hashi Donburi is a must-try restaurant for Japanese food lovers

If you’re a Japanese food lover and you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, you can hie yourself off to this hidden gem along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City.

Here are nine reasons why you should dine at Hashi Donburi:

1. Japanese flavors made accessible

Hashi Donburi offers an extensive menu of Japanese dishes including rice bowls, sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, and more, all of which are prepared using traditional techniques and ingredients that the owner – ex-OFW Aldy Mancio – learned from Japanese mentor during his overseas stint setting up one of the first Japanese restaurants in the Middle East back in the 80s.

He parlayed his kitchen prowess into a thriving business back home when he opened a ramen and donburi shop in Dapitan, Manila, catering to the students in the area.

The restaurant’s name is a combination of two Japanese words. “Hashi” means chopsticks, which are a common utensil for eating Japanese food, while “donburi” refers to a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients.

Soon, another branch opened along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City to cater to the professionals and families in the area. Despite going through a rough patch during the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic, Andy and his team kept Hashi Donburi open, ready to serve their loyal clientele and new foodie fans with the restaurant’s takes on Japanese food.

2. Cozy and inviting atmosphere

The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with wooden furniture, Japanese-inspired decor, and warm lighting that exudes a minimalist-industrial ambiance but also creates a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

3. Friendly and attentive service

The staff at Hashi Donburi are friendly and attentive, making sure that every customer feels welcome and satisfied. They are always happy to answer any questions about the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. Plus, the restaurant recently migrated to a digital ordering system, allowing guests to scan a QR code browse through and order from an online menu and which also totals their bill.

4. Wide variety of rice bowls

Rice bowls, or donburi, are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Hashi Donburi specializes in a wide variety of flavorful and satisfying rice bowls. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetables, there is a donburi for everyone on their menu.

5. Fresh handmade sushi

If you’re a fan of sushi you won’t be disappointed at Hashi Donburi. They use fresh and high-quality ingredients to create their beautifully plated handmade rolls.

Here are some tips for sushi lovers at Hashi Donburi: If you’re dining solo, treat yourself to an Onigiri, an Okinawan nori sandwich filled with katsu, Spam and tamago. On the other hand. if you’re dining with a group, go all-out on the sushi and order a Maki Boat which already features a delicious combo of mixed maki and sushi rolls great for sharing.

6. Comforting ramen bowls

Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that consists of noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. At Hashi Donburi, the ramen bowls are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in a rich and flavorful bowl of comfort.

7. The classic faves

Pinoys have quite a special affinity for Tonkatsu and Ebi Tempura. After all, these are dishes that are easy to appreciate and enjoy, and they go so well with that Pinoy staple: steamed rice. Additionally, they are versatile dishes that can be served as a simple snack or as a more substantial meal, making them perfect for practically any occasion.

8. Refreshing drinks

Whether you’re up for something to help you cool down on a hot day, or want a drink to complement your meal, Hashi Donburi has the beverage you want, available by glass or by pitcher.

9. Your just desserts

For sweet-tooths, there’s no better way than to end a meal on a high note with something sweet. Hashi Donburi’s got them covered with its Tempura Ice Cream.

Japanese food lovers in the Quezon City area who are looking for a satisfying dining experience should definitely add Hashi Donburi to their list of must-visit restaurants. Its wide variety of Japanese dishes, fresh sushi, comforting ramen bowls, refreshing drinks and a cozy and inviting atmosphere as well as its friendly and attentive service make it a welcoming haven to any Japanese food aficionado.

Hashi Donburi is located 139 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77206040.

Hashi Donburi also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Hashi Donburi on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Hashi Donburi:

Affordable Japanese Lunch at Happon, Maginhawa

Maginhawa Street in QC has made a name for itself as a foodie haven, particularly with the proliferation of small and artisanal eateries there.

One such restaurant is Happon Ramen House which my fam came upon – oddly enough – as we left another Japanese restaurant due to the unavailability of most of its menu items.

Fortunately, just across the street is this seemingly nondescript eatery, located in a narrow space in a commercial building.

Upon entering, we noted that the store’s interior decor and furnishings were sparse, with some anime-themed tchotchkes to add some color and points of interest to the space.

We gave our orders at the counter then found our seats upstairs at the loft.

There, we enjoyed our lunch which consisted of reasonably priced Japanese food:

Edamame (Php78). Soybeans boiled in saltwater while still in their pods which served as our appetizer.

Spicy Tantanmen (Php228). Chewy ramen noodles resting a creamy and nutty sesame-based broth topped with spicy minced pork.

Gyoza (Php138). Japanese potstickers made of minced pork and finely chopped vegetables mixed with aromatics steamed in a pan then allowed to crisp on one side then served with an tangy dipping sauce.

Chahan (Php78). Also known as yakimeshi, this is the flavorful Japanese version of fried rice.

Karaage (Php138). Marinated chicken pieces are lightly coated in starch then deep fried in oil until brown and crispy.

Tonkatsu (Php138). Breaded pork cutlet deep-fried in oil until golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and zesty tonkatsu sauce.

After our meal, we headed downstairs and settled our bill. Thankfully, the store accepts payments via GCash!

We’re glad that we chanced upon this low-key Japanese restaurant and enjoyed our affordable lunch.

I look forward to new discoveries that Maginhawa has in store for me and the fam!

Happon Ramen House is located at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village (near Bayantel Office), Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call + 63 922 2203911.

Other branches are located at:

Caltex Gas Station, F7 Bldg., Belfast Ave., Fairview, QC (back of SM Fairview)
Blk 21 Lot 1 Bristol St. cor. Flores de Mayo St. Greater Lagro, QC (near Lagro Subd. entrance)
70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City (near Concepcion Highschool/ DEPED)
41 Lilac St. Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City (same building as Watsons)

To know more about its menu items and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.