Japonesa Nikkei Cuisine

Nestled in Poblacion, a more colourful part of Makati, Japonesa was a place where we stopped by for a small sampling of Nikkei Cuisine. Nikkei cuisine has its origins dating back to the 1800s when Japanese migrants headed to Peru for economic opportunities. A recipient of a prestigious Tatler Award for Best Restaurants in Manila , we thought we were in for a culinary fusion treat. The red door beckoned us to enter.

Nevertheless, we proceeded with caution and ordered just 3 items. An Uni, Chicken Skin Skewer, and Grilled Pepper

The uni, a delicacy revered in Japanese cuisine, promised a luxurious start to our culinary adventure. We were expecting a velvety textured and briny flavoured morsel of sea delight. The best I could make of it was that it was briny.

The chicken skin skewer showcased the culinary prowess of the kitchen, with the meat exquisitely seasoned. Unfortunately the sweetish tare sauce overshadowed the flavours of the chicken skin. A nuanced touch could have elevated this dish to greater heights.

The grilled pepper, unfortunately, fell short of expectations, lacking the boldness one would anticipate in Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine. The dish, while aesthetically pleasing, failed to leave a lasting impression.

A Toast to Whiskey Shots
As a delightful surprise, Japonesa revealed an unexpected gem. Whiskey shots at a price that made our visit worthwhile. The shots added an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to our evening.