![\"Just](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6009\/5997644811_76c551d67f_o.jpg\")
<\/a>\nAmazing map by the designer\/photographer\/calligrapher extraordinaire, Cla<\/a> \ud83d\ude00
\n(Click on the image to see the bigger version)<\/em><\/div>\n
Little Tokyo is actually a compound where you can eat the best and most authentic Japanese meals in Manila. Many of these restaurants are own by Japanese, with a Japanese chef manning the kitchen, preparing and cooking ingredients imported from Japan and served to Japanese nationals.
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\nThough I’ve been hearing about this place for years, it wasn’t until 2007 that I finally tried eating there. Thanks to my dolly obsession, I’ve gotten to know and became great friends with a crazy bunch of people who are as passionate about food as they are about the toys they collect. Aside from the toys and food, we all have a common interest in Japan. And so Little Tokyo became our unofficial meeting place.<\/p>\n
Since then, I’ve taken friends to this little slice of Japan in Makati, pointing out which restaurant serves the best value lunch sets, telling them about the special deals of each, and treating them to a medley of flavors. Now, it’s your turn to take the tour.<\/p>\n
<\/a>\nHana’s mix fry bento<\/em><\/div>\n
Here’s a run down of the restaurants and shops in Little Tokyo, with a short description and recommendations for each. I’ve enlisted the help of some friends who’ve tried more restaurants than I have and have more discerning tastes to share their favorites with you. <\/p>\n
Hana<\/strong> Kagura<\/strong> Seryna<\/strong> Kikufuji<\/strong> Urameshiya<\/strong> Yamazaki<\/strong> Chotto stop<\/strong> Shinjuku Ramen<\/strong>
\nOur favorite restaurant in LT. Khursten<\/a> describes Hana as having the best “Japanese comfort food.”
\nSpecialties: Takoyaki
\nOrder: Hana maki, pork senbei (BACON!), cubic steak, tofu steak
\nAverage cost: Php 200
\nRelated reads:
\nHana: Authentic Takoyaki in the heart of Makati<\/a>
\nHana scores a homerun with their new menu options<\/a>
\nLike Hana on Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIf you’ve read Ranma 1\/2 manga or watched the anime, you’ve probably wondered how okonomiyaki tastes like. Wonder no more and try this hearty Japanese pancake here.
\nSpecialties: Okonomiyaki
\nOrder: Modern-yaki with everything on it
\nAverage cost: Php 250
\nRelated read:
\nWhat to Eat Where: The Quick and Dirty Japanese Resto Guide for Manila<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nOkonomiyaki from Kagura<\/em><\/div>\n
\nA popular lunch place for employees and executives working in the area. Open for dinner too.
\nSpecialties: Sushi, sashimi
\nOrder: Kaizengozen (chirashi-don), kami nabe
\nAverage cost: Php 350
\nRelated reads:
\nA box of treasured from the sea<\/a>
\nLittle Tokyo\u2019s Seryna: Best. Chirasizushi. Ever.<\/a><\/p>\n
\nIzakaya style dining
\nSpecialties: Sushi and anything seafood
\nOrder: Seafood salad, Salmon ikura bowl, maguro-don, shake ikura-don, nasu tempura
\nRelated reads:
\nUnforgettable Sushi at Kikufuji<\/a>
\nDiscovering umami in Kikufuji<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nKaizengozen from Seryna<\/em><\/div>\n
\nLove meat? Grill ’em here!
\nSpecialties: Yakiniku
\nSpecial: Gorge on all the meat and seafood you can grill and eat every Tuesday for Php 500.
\nNote: This is not like the other yakiniku places in Manila that feature smokeless grills. They use the traditional grills that leaves you smelling like meat. If you have pets, expect a very amorous welcome when you get home.<\/p>\n
\nA Japanese grocery with a small restaurant off the side
\nOrder: Cha-han (fried rice)
\nAverage cost (restaurant): Php 140<\/p>\n
\nConvenience store selling various Japanese food products for Php 80. Has a small restaurant serving bento on the side.
\nAverage cost (bento): Php 250
\nRelated read:
\nCo-op finds a new home<\/a><\/p>\n
\nA favorite among Filipinos
\nSpecialties: Ramen<\/p>\n