BGC eats – Jellybeans in the City

Playful takes on Japanese cuisine at Saigosan, Uptown Mall BGC

Just when you thought that you’ve seen all there is to see when it comes to Japanese food, here comes Saigosan, all ready to set the local foodie scene on its ear.

This recently opened izakaya-style restaurant in Uptown Mall BGC is geared to take its diners on a fun food trip across Japanese pop culture with the enticement of delicious comfort food and classic dishes.

The latest venture of the restaurant group that manages The Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and Pier at Clawdaddy’s, Saigosan offers a uniquely colorful dining experience situated between an exciting commuter train ride and a comforting stay at a ramen shop.

Here, Nobu-trained Chef Chris Oronse and his team whip up playful and creative takes on familiar Japanese food that will surely tickle the fancy of young and young-at-heart foodies with a predilection for Japanese pop culture. These include:

Classic Gyoza (₱225). The all-time favorite pan-fried Japanese potsticker filled with ground pork, cabbage, aromatics and seasonings, served with a soy sauce and vinegar-based dipping sauce.

Mini Volcano (₱280). Saigosan puts a fun twist on the classic California maki roll, thanks to its topping of chopped kani (crab sticks) and bonito flakes.

Chicken Katsudon (₱345). Tender strip of breaded chicken served with egg chahan (Japanese fried rice) and your choice between Domi and Curry sauce.

Chasu Bacon Breakfast Ramen (₱499). Breakfast favorites such as bacon slices and fried egg served on top of firm ramen noodles in a rich pork soup.

Chirashi Don (₱525). A variety of sashimi such as fresh salmon, tuna, tanigue, ikura (salmon roe) and tamago (rolled omelette) artfully served on a platter with a bowl of rice on the side.

So if you want to experience your favorite Japanese food in a fresh, fun and colorful way, then get on board for a delicious ride at Saigosan.

Saigosan is located at 3rd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 915 8126855 or email saigosan.bgc@gmail.com.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow Saigosan on Facebook and Instagram.

Lunch at Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Nikkei Robata, BGC

Did you know that Japanese culinary traditions have a strong influence on Peruvian food?

As it has the second largest ethnic Japanese population in South America, brought about by Japanese immigration starting in the late 19th century, it is hardly surprising that Peruvian cuisine would feature more than just a few Japanese touches.

Hokkaido’s robotayaki (the method of charcoal-grilling meat, seafood and other ingredients to imbue them with a delicious flavor and smoky aroma) makes its influence felt in Peruvian cuisine in the recently opened Nikkei Robata branch in Uptown, Bonifacio Global City.

Whether enjoying the hustle-and-bustle of the street in its al fresco area or relaxing in its well-appointed interiors, foodies can look forward to expertly grilled top-quality meats and seafood that makes for a deliciously satisfying meal.

During our errand day in BGC, my daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to have lunch at Nikkei Robata, where we enjoyed:

Chips (Complimentary). Crispy potato chips served with a tangy cream dip.

Unagi Nigiri (₱250). Two pieces of grilled sliver of eel doused in teriyaki sauce served on top of sushi rice.

Panko (₱395/5pcs | ₱680/10pcs). Panko-covered slices of salmon, kampyo, truffled cream cheese, shiitake, cucumber and onion leeks all rolled together and served with salad sauce.

Salmon Risotto (₱680). Main dish composed of grilled salmon belly served on top of risotto with shimeji, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, as well as asparagus, then doused with spicy and cheesy huancaina sauce and sprinkled with parmesan.

Specialty Drinks (₱180 each). Sometimes, the adventure of our day comes in the form of an unusual drink that accompanies our meal. While these (thankfully!) do not contain alcohol, they added a refreshing aspect to our lunch.

Dining here might be a bit pricey but, from its upscale yet comfy surroundings to its unique menu of Japanese-Peruvian dishes, Nikkei Robata certainly promises a gastronomic adventure!

Check it out for yourself!

This Nikkei Robata branch is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Ritz, 36th corner 8th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 975 0870428.

Another branch is located at Second Floor, Newport Mall Garden Wing, Newport World Resorts, Newport City, Pasay City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 945 5511898.

For more details about Nikkei Robata, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Authentic Indian cuisine at New Bombay, BGC

Considering that Indian cuisine has always been cited as one of the most delicious in the world, it is a wonder that it is not listed among my favorites.

I would probably blame it on a particularly spicy curry dish which was served to me when I was young, which then turned me off the entire culinary tradition for quite some time.

Articles from various food mavens attribute the appeal of Indian cuisine to its healthy ingredients (lots of vegetarian dishes!), its use of a wide array of fresh spices and its practice of combining contrasting flavors in its dishes.

Well, Hubby is an Indian food fan, who for over fifteen years marriage, has been largely unsuccessful in converting me to Indian food.

Until recently, that is.

While we were running some arounds around Bonifacio Global City, Hubby took the opportunity to introduce my daughter #ExhibitA and I to Indian cuisine at New Bombay.

Here, we enjoyed a flavorful lunch which consisted of:

Vegetable Kadai (Php355). Delicately spiced North Indian dish made of assorted vegetables cooked in a red gravy using the Indian equivalent of the wok, called the kadai, from which the dish gets its name.

Butter Naan (Php95). A butter-infused yeast-leavened white flour bread baked in a clay oven called tandoor.

Chef’s Special – Mutton Dry (Php395). Mutton sauteed in various Indian spices and served dry with a special desi gravy on the side. I paired this with the butter naan by wrapping mutton morsels in pieces I tore off the naan.

Chicken Biryani (Php395). Delicious Indian rice dish made with basmati rice layered with chicken pieces and spices then steamed together to produce an aromatic and flavorful viand with a subtle heat.

Lassi (Php125). Sweet blended drink made with fruit, yogurt and spices.

Since we were able to request the kitchen to set the spiciness of the dishes to very mild, we were able to enjoy their exotic flavors and the slight tickling sensation of heat in palates.

Now, I wouldn’t mind trying out more of Indian cuisine in my future foodie adventures.

This New Bombay branch is located at the Second Floor, Crossroads Building, corner 32nd and 7th Avenues, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (beside MC Home Depot). For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82451609, +63 939 1142481 or +63 916 2291470.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Sagittarius Building, HV Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 88192892 | +63 2 88043788 | +63 939 1197794 | +63 906 2711300)
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Makati City (Tel: +63 2 89868622 | + 63 916 2291445)
Fifth Floor, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City (Tel: 63 2 86374367 | +63 939 1108623 | +63 916 2291445)