Date # 84: Yabu: House of Katsu

Date # 84: Yabu: House of Katsu

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  Douglas and I were eager to go out after our grueling midterms week. We wanted to try this new place at SM Megamall Atrium called Yabu: House of Katsu, since it’s been making quite a buzz in the local foodie community. We’ve heard the rumor that the legendary Kurobata Black Pork was being served in this restaurant and so we wanted to see for ourselves what this place was really about.

 The restaurant was spacious and inviting. Plus points for the manga-style mural on the walls.

  For starters, we ordered two Jumbo Oysters (P100/pc). Sourced from Hiroshima, Japan, these oysters are sumptuous, delicate and are packed with the subtle taste of the sea. The tartar sauce on the side goes effortlessly with the oyster, creating a well-balanced, wonderfully executed dish.

 Of course, we came here for the Kurobata Pork Set (P515) and so we ordered two. Just as the name says, Yabu uses US Premium pork, also known as the Berkshire Black Pig. The menu calls it the “Kobe beef of pork,” and with that description, who wouldn’t bother trying it? It’s served with a bowl of miso soup, a bowl of Japanese rice, some fruits on the side, as well as a mound of shredded cabbage. The cabbage is refillable, so you can always ask for more.

There’s a ritual to preparing the tonkatsu sauce in Yabu. You have to grind the sesame seeds in a special bowl and then mix in the tonkatsu sauce. It’s fun to do on your own, but you also can ask the waiters to grind the sesame seeds for you.

We were impressed by how tender the Kurobata Pork was. It’s true: you can slice it with your chopsticks, and it melts so easily in your mouth. Taste-wise, however, it didn’t make that much of a difference. Unlike Kobe beef that has a rich, beefy flavor compared to normal beef, the taste of Berkshire Black Pig wasn’t all that special compared to the normal pork they serve here in Yabu.

The best part was the batter: it was crisp and thick enough to make an impression, but thin enough to still put the meat in focus. You can just observe how the individual bread crumbs are so long and light.

To compare, we had a side order of Hire Pork (P110). Yabu’s Hire Pork is sourced locally, and is delivered fresh, not frozen. This has no pork fat attached to it, so it’s supposedly leaner. It’s definitely tougher than the Kurobata Pork, although it doesn’t really lose that much in terms of taste. I’d rather have this next time because it gives better value for your money.

 Overall Verdict: It’s quite a treat to have our very own authentic Katsu restaurant here in Manila.  I don’t think I can ever appreciate any other tonkatsu that’s not from Yabu again. But I guess it’s more worth it to just order the Hire Pork Set or the Rosu Pork Set rather than the legendary Kurobata Pork Set. But that’s just me—maybe there was just something off with the pork the night I was there. I plan on visiting again.

Yabu: House of Katsu

SM Megamall, Atrium

2nd Floor

Mandaluyong City

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With and For Love,

Rina Caparras and Douglas Chong

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