A Taste Of Japan In One Space: Check Out The Newly Opened Kiwami Food Hall In BGC
This place will transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun!
The newest concept and creation of The Standard Group, Kiwami Japanese Food Hall, finally opened its doors on September 23. It houses four famous Japanese restaurants, which immediately transports you to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The new food hall is where you can find the best four staple dishes of Japan: katsu from Yabu, ramen from Ippudo, tempura from Hannosuke, and yakitori from Hachibei. Their interiors are even designed by Studio MYU, a Tokyo-based architectural firm to be as authentic as possible.
Yabu
Yabu is our very own local house of Katsu that is famous for its tonkatsu or Kurobuta pork (the “wagyu of pork”). It was founded a decade ago and has quickly become everyone’s go-to for high-quality authentic Japanese food. It was created in partnership with Chef Kazuya Takeda, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-starred Katsu Chef. Yes, you’ll find their signature dishes in Kiwami!
Ippudo
The Japanese dining experience would not be complete without ramen. Just like Yabu, Ippudo is already popular among Filipinos. The great news is you can order their world-famous dishes like Shiromaru Motoaji, Tokusei Tantanmen, and Torched Akamaru in the new food hall. Chef Shigemi Kawahara, the master behind Ippudo, is dubbed as Japan’s Ramen King and is a three-time Ramen Master Chef Hall of Famer. Wow!
Hannosuke
According to Kiwami Food Hall, “In Tokyo, you’ll know you’re at Hannosuke when you see a queue of customers lining the block from the shop entrance.
“Known for its bowls of Edomae-style tempura tendon, Hannosuke’s famous dish highlights freshwater eel or unagi, shrimp, soft-boiled eggs, vegetables, and their heirloom sweet-and-salty sauce. The recipe of the dish was passed down to Tokyo’s Iconic Tempura Tendon Chef Shinya Kaneko from his granddad, Kaneko Hannosuke, who created tempura recipes in the 1950s.”
Yakitori Hachibei
Yakitori Hachibei is well-known in Japan. It was first opened in 1983 at Itoshima City with the goal of bringing Butabara to the world, intentionally making yakitori even tastier and more enjoyable.
“Umami-packed, savory, gently-charred, with tons of flavor— Yakitori is what Hachibei does best. Hachibei’s mission is to introduce Hakata-style yakitori to the world, where buta bara yakitori (grilled pork belly skewers) are the most popular,” Kiwami Food Hall wrote in a post. Internationally renowned yakitori innovator Chef Katsunori Yashima is the master behind Hachibei and the third-generation owner of the restaurant.
Hokkaido Soft Serve
Did someone say dessert? Of course, there’s always room for it. Before you leave, don’t forget to order Hokkaido soft serve. You can have it in a cup with boba for Php 150 or in a lengua de gato cone (that is made right in front of you) for Php 125.
Given the current situation, you’ll be pleased to know that Kiwami Japanese Food Hall has al fresco seating options too. Kiwami actually means “extreme” in Japanese, so it kind of makes sense. It’s the ultimate dining experience!
Kiwami Food Hall is located at the LGF C3 Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City. They are open from 10 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 11 PM (Saturday and Sunday). For more details, check their Instagram.
