recent Japanese eats in the Philippines (not clickbait)
ironically one of the best Japanese dishes that I ate was while I was in the Philippines and I’m not even mad about it. it was JUICY, made with care and sooooo flavorful like I could go on and on. every bite I was dramatically brought into a place of comfort and utter joy cause something that these chefs were sprinkling into this dish was downright amazing and full of love. maybe that’s the underlying takeaway from this meal that the difference made with dining at a Japanese restaurant over there vs back home in LA was that this was made with no rush and made with love. obviously not speaking for all restaurants ever based in LA but I just wanted to share since one of my comfort foods besides Filipino food has got to be Japanese cuisine.
💰 Price point: $$ (not bad! beats the prices back at home for sure)
🇯🇵 Japanese cuisine: omelette katsudon curry + okonomiyaki with mochi + pork belly and cheese (I WAS SENT TO HEAVEN THEN STRAIGJT BACK HOME!!) + pork tonkatsu ramen
🌟 Taste review: umami, savory heaven.
💭 My thoughts: 1000000/10 would go back to this restaurant the next time I’m back in the Philippines. Each dish I tried felt like it was served with care and love of cooking for the sake of cooking.
🌶️ Spice level: medium heat to hot! they had some chili oil + hot peppery seasoning + garlic (i luuuv garlic) on the side that made it all PERFECT.
💛 Comfort food: enough said. yes and yes.
During my recent visit to the Philippines, I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing quality of Japanese food available there. What really stood out to me was not only the flavors but the way the dishes were prepared—with patience and genuine care. For example, the sensational omelette katsudon curry was incredibly juicy and comforting, making each bite feel like a warm hug. The heavenly okonomiyaki, enhanced with chewy mochi, was a brilliant twist combining traditional textures with modern creativity. I also tried the pork belly and cheese dish, which was absolutely divine—so rich and flavorful that it truly felt like a journey to heaven for the taste buds. The ethereal tonkotsu ramen was another highlight, featuring a velvety broth that was both savory and satisfying. What I especially appreciated was the variety of condiments available, such as chili oil, hot pepper seasoning, and garlic, which allowed me to customize the spice level to medium heat or hot—perfect for my palate. Compared to the Japanese cuisine I'd experienced back home in places like Los Angeles, the Filipino Japanese restaurants seemed to approach cooking with more time and love, making every dish feel special. The price points were also very reasonable, offering great value for authentic flavors and generous portions. If you’re traveling to the Philippines and crave comforting Japanese food, I highly recommend seeking out these kinds of local gems. The combination of thoughtfully prepared dishes, savory umami tastes, and authentic spices will surely satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. It’s a wonderful reminder that great food isn’t just about the recipe but also the passion and care put into every plate.
