A New Japanese Restaurant has Arrived, But It’s Not What You Think
by: PAM MUSNI
November 22, 2016
WORDS BY PAM MUSNI
Yayoi Philippines is a welcome take from your usual Japanese restos.
You know it’s going to be a good day when an international Japanese restaurant chain comes to the Philippines. More so if the said chain serves delectable, filling set meals (a main course, rice, side dishes – perfection much?); more so if they’re those lovely Japanese sets known as teishoku.
It’s a welcome take from your usual Japanese restos, which often specialize in a certain dish; such as katsu, sushi, and ramen. Sure, there’s always going to be room for these well-loved treats, but when you’ve got a full-course meal on your plate, who would say no?
The teishoku dining concept, in itself, is also interesting to look into. Established during the Meiji era – during which Japan had opened its doors once more to the West – it began with Tamijiro Shio, who trained in France as a professional chef and returned to open the first Yayoi-ken in 1886. The result, then, is a wonderful combination of the 2 cultures, which is still felt in the current Yayoi establishments.
But enough talk; here are some of the things we loved about Yayoi:
- A different kind of service
Going into Yayoi, you’re sure to be greeted by the swank, chic exteriors that blend in elements of modern minimalism and traditional Japanese design. But as you enter, you’re given an added bonus: digital tablets which bring your orders straight to the kitchen.
Every table has them. Upon settling down at your chosen table, the tablet is activated, displaying photos of the menu items. It’s up to you to mix and match them to your liking, and after ordering, the device also provides a summary of all your orders. That doesn’t mean, however, that the wait staff is eliminated altogether: on the contrary, you’ll find them around in the event of any extra orders, inquiries, and concerns, and they’ll be glad to help you out. How’s that for customer service?
- A right amount of serving
When you have a meal set, there’s always the danger of over-ordering, or of feeling too full to finish. Fortunately, Yayoi’s set menus give no such discomfort: following the ichijū-sansai concept, or “1 soup, 3 sides,” the dishes provide a holistic meal to its customers all the while maintaining a serving portion that does not overwhelm.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch, either – after your meal, you’ll find yourself all well and satisfied, wondering how you were able to down everything in one go.
- A sumptuous sort of meal
Of course, it would be criminal not to mention the food. Filling in the best ways, you’ll find yourself scrambling for their Namban Teishoku – fried chicken steak in sweet and sour sauce that’s topped with their special Yayoi tartar sauce. Or their Saba Shio Teishoku, salt-grilled mackerel in the most delightful of ways.
But if there’s something you must try, it’s their Mix Toji Teishoku – think a heavenly combination of flavorful sukiyaki beef, tangy pork loin, and the light shrimp stewing in a shallow sweet-sour sauce, all wrapped up in the piquant tones of egg. Bring it together with a nice bowl of rice and a quaint tofu side dish, and you’re good for the rest of your life.
Or if you want something a little lighter, their Hitsumabushi is a winner in its own right. It’s one of those “take-it-as-you-want” dishes: for each serving, you’re also provided a number of condiments and dashi broth to further amplify the dish, but you could also take it as it is. Regardless, with the soft, succulent unagi and the umami tones of dashi, it’s definitely one for the books – and repeated orders.
Yayoi is located at the 3/F Bridgeway, SM Megamall Building B, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, you may visit their website (www.yayoi.com.ph) or follow them on Facebook (fb.com/yayoiphilippines).
SOURCE: https://www.breakfastmag.com/yayoi-philippines-new-japanese-restaurant/
