It all started with one man’s desire to bring authentic katsu from Japan to the Philippines. This dream has since materialized through Yabu: The House of Katsu.
The pillars of the restaurant are co-owners glocal business leader John Concepcion and Jerry Santos, together with their Japanese partners Teiji Nakamura; a restaurateur, and Chef Kazuya Takeda of Tonkatsu Takeshin, a famous Tonkatsu place in Tokyo. Along with Executive Chef Lee Jose, the whole Yabu team ensures that everyone who walks through their doors receives a genuine katsu experience, from the savory offerings to the Japanese inspired interiors.
With a modern twist to Yabu’s minimalist design, this first branch, which seats 80+ boasts of larger-than-life manga* that graces the left wall, while wooden sake cups cover most of the right wall depicting the “Land of the Rising Sun” theme.
Yabu has decided to place katsu under a whole new spotlight since it’s not that popular among Filipinos compared to tempura and sushi. Their Kurobuta Pork Set is an absolute must-try for Kurobuta is known to be the kobe beef* of pork. The distinct crunch and tenderness of the katsu is made possible through its panko* breading and its fresh meat. These are freshly made and delivered daily to the restaurant. The meat is so soft that it can be sliced with chopsticks.
As Japanese cuisine is laborious and meticulously prepared, so is each katsu dish served at Yabu. With each meal, the diner feels the food is prepared with utmost care.
Tickle your taste buds with a choice of two appetizers before your main dish. Although they specialize in pork katsu, they also offer chicken, fish and seafood katsu to answer every katsu craving. Each set comes with Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited slaw of cabbage and a bowl of fruit. Choose between a sesame or vinegar dressing to season the finely sliced cabbage slaw.
A taste of this authentic Japanese food is just right around the corner. Yabu, the pioneer in genuine katsu in the country is surely worth the trip.
