Yabu: Truly a Katsu Dining Experience

If you haven't heard of Yabu, you are missing something for years! It's been here in the Philippines since 2011 and is making a name for it's great food, good customer service and a dining experience you'll find yourself looking for again and again. I recently visited their branch at SM Aura Sky Park and on the get go was pleased with their staff and even in their busy hours, was able to provide us with their quick and friendly service. 

And yes, being out of the Philippines for a long time, I only heard this from my friend who invited me to try their food. A Japanese food enthusiast as me, and having tried it before, I was excited for what is in store for me. 

Because I am not prepared, pardon my photos as it was not as good as I wanted to. Hopefully though, as with my bad shots for now, in my next visit, I can replace them soon.

To start with our meal, we had for ourselves, mozzarella sticks (P280 for 6 pieces) was that is coated with panko and a special blend of Furikake, and served with their spicy aioli dip.  A perfect balance of crunch outside and gooey mozzarella... And to add to it is their dip which is mildly spicy for me, which is a good thing.

A nice start to our meal while we wait for our main dish. As it was a busy day, we had our katsu served a bit longer than we expected but the wait was good enough to build our momentum for our meals. But, hoping on my next visit, it would not take that long. And as we noticed some guests who arrived later than us was served first, we asked to follow-up our meals, which was a drag for me.

I tried their Menchi Katsu set (P385), a Japanese minced meat, made of ground beef and pork, mixed with a blend of special spices and oozing melted cheese. It was served with cabbage, miso soup and a side of fruits. While my friend had a hefty serving of Hire Katsu Set (P480 for 180gms) with the same sides.

Both sets had a good portion and with it's price point was a value. With our meals, it had unlimited serving of cabbage and rice. And as much as I wanted to stay away from additional rice, I had to ask for one more. Yes, of course we asked for another serving of cabbage.

The Menchi Katsu a pleasure to eat as the meat was melting in my mouth. With a crunchy exterior from the panko bread crumbs, the inside was just great with the blend of meats and cheese was unbelievable. 

As for the Hire Katsu, their pork tenderlion set, it was a heavy but juicy piece of meat. I purposely ordered the largest piece, which you can order 80 grams (P370), 120 grams (P400) and the 180 gram. Probably the 120 grams is just enough for me. 

They also serve bottomless drinks (P120 ea) that can just fill you up to the brink! Well, next time probably I will try those. And of course, I will include photos (hopefully better ones next time).

Primarily their dining area is bench seats and they also have alfresco dining. Their decor is awesome as well, being an anime fan, it just made it more special for me. Comfortable seats, nicely lit dining area, cool decor that made my their ambiance great!

Though serving time of our food was late (for our main dishes), their service staff was very accommodating in a busy hour. They had quick responses on our requests and very apologetic with our only complaint. But I really hope, their service on food will be better next time. 

Overall, our dining experience was great. Great food, good service and cool environment. So, if you think of visiting them soon? Go ahead! And if you have visited them already and read this... Well, great! I would be visiting again. Hoping for the best with improvements on speed but consistency of food would be the same.

Yabu: The House of Katsu
5/F, Sky Park, SM Aura Premier,
McKinley Parkway Drive, Taguig City

Opening Hours

All Days: 11am - 10pm

Travel to Feast Ratings 

Food: 5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5

Value of Money: 4/5

Over-All Experience: 4/5