'Tabemashou' at Shangri-La Plaza

MANILA, Philippines —  From the warm locals to its shopping districts, temples and other cultural sites, uberly convenient convenience stores, down to the quirky vending machines that dispense food items we normally enjoy in izakayas – ramen, takoyaki, tonkatsu, yakitori, etc. – these are the reasons why Japan is on top of everyone’s bucket list.

If you’re one of those who’s raring to go to Japan for leisure or for a food trip but don’t have the time to do so, fret not. Shangri-La Plaza takes you on a culinary journey to the land of ramen and sushi as it puts the spotlight on Japanese restaurants in the mall.

Savor the flavors of Japan at Akira, Ganso Shabuway, Gyu-kaku, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, Kimono Ken, Kimukatsu, Pepper Lunch, Sumosam and Watami.

And as the Japanese say, “tabemashou (let’s eat).”

Akira

Level 5, East Wing

The art of sushi and teppanyaki. It is named after the late Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The star of the menu is the Japanese A4 Wagyu Teppanyaki Set which comes with chicken, shrimps, veggies and Miso soup. Here the teppanyaki chefs love to put on a show while cooking your meal in front of you. But more than the chef’s performance, the beautifully charred pieces of Wagyu meat will keep you coming back for more. A must try is their new Osaka Ramen.

Ganso-Shabuway

Level 5, East Wing

The road to shabu-shabu for hot pot lovers.Ganso- Shabuway offers the Japanese hot pot dish Pinoys love. Here, you can get your fill of shabu-shabu (set) for only P395 with a serving of Angus beef. Vegetarians aren’t left out too. Instead of meat, one can opt for a plate of veggies and mushrooms to go with it. 

Kimono Ken

Level 1, Main Wing

Enticing Japanese dishes for less. Kimono Ken serves delicious Japanese fare – sushi, gyoza, tempura, kani salad, rice bowls, ramen, among others – at a pocket friendly price.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

Level 5, East Wing

Yakiniku-all-you-can at Gyu-Kaku.Gyu-Kaku, which means “horn of the bull,” offers an authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience. Spending time with Friends and Family is what Gyu-Kaku is all about. Gyu-Kaku offers the fun of "Shared Plates."  For only P799 diners will have unlimited grilled premium meat items, which come with appetizers (fries, chicken karaage, fried gindara, beef croquette), pickles, salad, soup, rice and dessert for 90 minutes only. So once you to put the meat on the grill, set the timer on and fire away!

Pepper Lunch

Lower Ground Level, Main Wing

Pepper lunch shows you how to sizzle. It is created by Japanese chef and inventor Kunio Ichinose who wanted to serve quality, fast food without the need to train a chef. Pepper Lunch gives us just that with their “fast steaks.” Here, choice cuts of beef, chicken, pork and salmon are served with rice on a patented electromagnetic plate within a minute.

Sumo Sam

Level 6, Main Wing

Making Japanese food accessible to Filipinos. For more than 10 years, SumoSam takes great pride in the transformation of the freshest ingredients into works of Japanese food art.  It offers a lot of the classic favorites like California Roll, Salmon Sashimi, Ebi Tempura, Chasu Ramen, Tendon; and the more playful dishes, SumoSam Roll, Umami Tempura, Rock Shrimp Tempura and the very popular, Milk Teas.

Kimukatsu

Level 5, East Wing

Katsu like no other.Kimukatsu’s specialty lies within the scrumptious layers of juicy pork slices wrapped in different flavors and fillings: Original, Negi, Garlic, Black pepper and the best-seller Melted Cheese. 

Watami

Level 6, East Wing

Everything’s yummy at Watami. This Japanese casual restaurant crafts each dish with utmost care using fresh, quality ingredients. From sushi, sashimi, ramen, and yakiniku, Watami keeps the traditional Japanese taste at prices Filipino diners can afford.