Yabu The House of Katsu: Rosu Katsudon, and Hire & Seafood Katsu Set

Yabu : The House of Katsu

"Not your ordinary katsu!", this is what I have been thinking since I experienced Yabu's katsu. Just by looking at the pictures I've taken, my mouth craved for it.

I've tasted quite a number of katsu but I must say this is on top of the line. From customer service, food serving size and presentation, and definitely the taste -- really worth your money. Lucky for me that I was the "plus one" of my food blogger boyfriend, Allen, who was invited to have lunch at Yabu.

Edamame and Hiyayakko Tofu (160Php)

Edamame - young green soybeans

My first time to try young soybeans and glad the staff were accommodating to show us how to "pop" the bean out. It was addicting and the taste is relative to boiled peanuts.

Hiyayakko Tofu - cold silken tofu cubes in ponzu sauce, sprinkled with bonito flakes

The ponzu sauce may tend to overpower the taste of the tofu so just dip a small portion to accent.

The Katsu Sauce

Black and White Sesame Seeds

Yabu's katsu dishes are paired with equally good sauce. Again, we were assisted by the staff on what to do: [1] Grind the sesame seeds, [2] Pour and Mix the katsu sauce, [3] Dip and Enjoy!

Yabu Special Katsudon Set - Rosu Katsudon (330Php)

"From Master Kazuya, an original line of katsudon sets guaranteed to surprise and satisfy: Yabu katsu, drizzled with a light and sweet miso-based sauce, accompanied by nori, bonito flakes, and a fried egg on top. A hint of shiso, or Japanese basil, is also found in the dish, adding an unexpected freshness."

Rosu Katsudon - served with miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing, and a bowl of fruit

This was Allen's order. I just had a bite of it but what I noticed, (aside from the katsu itself) was the flavorful bonito (tuna) flakes and the sweet sauce. More details on the katsu when I present my order below.

Rosu (pork loin) Katsudon

Mixed Katsu Set - Hire and Seafood Katsu Set (475Php)

"Hire, Black Tiger Prawn, Cream Dory, Scallop, Eggplant & Pepper"

Hire and Seafood Katsu - served with unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing, and a bowl of fruit

I love meat and I love seafood which made this my choice. "Katsu" comes from "katsuretsu" which means "cutlet" or piece of meat. And since I want to focus on trying different katsu meat, I had this mixed katsu set.

For the breading, whether pork, seafood, or vegetable, panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) flakes were used, which gave the golden, thin yet crispy coverage on the katsu. These characteristics are very unlikely to other katsu's that I've tried where I get easily filled up because of the breading and not the meat. Yabu's secret lies on the fresh crumbs and the 100% canola oil used to cook them.

Hire, Black Tiger Prawn, Cream Dory, Scallop, Eggplant & Pepper

I'm not much fond of pork (or beef) as I find them hard to chew. When I saw my order, I was a bit worried at first as I'll only be using chopsticks and the meat were thick. But as soon as I got my first bite, wow, I just can't help but notice the soft yet tasty Hire (pork tenderloin). The seafood were equally good and can be dipped in a separate sauce.

Creamy Crab Katsu (115Php)

Creamy Crab Katsu

We had this on the side thinking we might not get full with what we've ordered (we were very wrong on that thought!). But still, creamy crab is worth a try. Literally creamy and definitely with spikes of crab flavor. Hmm.. yum!

Indeed, so soft!!

All in all, from the katsu -- thick yet soft meat covered with thin yet crunchy breading; to the sidings -- miso soup, mouth-cleansers (pineapple and watermelon slices), especially the unlimited Japanese rice and cabbage; the big serving size; the staff being attentive to the needs of the customers; and even the ambiance... everything combined made it a perfect lunch experience for us!

Some may think it's pricey, but boy, you've got to try it first! :)

Yabu: The House of Katsu

2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Monday to Sunday 10AM to 10PM
[email protected]
+632 5763900