The last time I visited Traders Hotel was more than 3 years ago. I had my debut at Coconut Palace and one of the hotels we spotted for ocular visit was Trader’s Hotel. I totally forgot how the hotel looked like. Only a few percent of details I remember, like the lobby and the entrance. Other than that, nada! After years, I had to bring myself back to Traders Hotel to try their newest restaurant at the lobby area. 

It is a privilege that Kitsho Restaurant & Sake Bar invited me for an intimate and fine dinner with their executive Chef Masahiro Mizumoto and Joan Guinto of Traders Hotel. The minute I was informed that it was Japanese cuisine, it rang a bell to my ears. I immediately thought of tagging along my parents with me to the center of Metro Manila. 

If you have been eating the same dishes over and over again, do you think you would determine which one is authentic or not? There are hundreds and hundreds of Japanese restaurants here in Manila. Most of them claim they are authentic. Counting in all the Japanese restaurants I’ve been to, I must say Kitsho Restaurant & Sake Bar is one of those legit and authentic ones. 

Kitsho uses most ingredients that are imported straight from Japan. Hand-carried to the Philippines twice a week, making sure that every dish in Kitsho is genuinely Japanese. 

Take Nigiri Sushi (Php 850) – Who goes inside a Japanese restaurant without experiencing their sushi? C’mon, it’s the trademark of every Jap resto. Variety of tasty sushi on one huge platter. Every table must have this to load up your Japanese dining. I remembered Edsa Shangri-la’s Heat buffet with these sushi goodness on our table. 

Kaibashira Butter Shoyuyaki Uni Sauce (Php 480) – Sauteed Scallop with Uni Sauce is remarkable. How do you say ‘delicious’ in Japanese? It is ‘Oishi’? 😉 Oishi, Oishi, Oishi! Carefully ate this piece of sauteed scallop because I didn’t want it to be gone out of sight while having dinner. Out of all the dishes I’ve tried, this sauteed scallop one stood out. The taste is rich, just like how expensive one order is. But guys, it’s worth the try! 

Salmon Tartaryaki (Php 480) – Sauteed Salmon with Tartar Sauce is my second favorite! Imported Salmon, from Norway, makes a good combination with its tartar sauce on top. The texture looks crispy from this point of view. As you open up the salmon and fork it, you’ll see the freshness and softness of the orange meat. More flavors outside like being salty, while pure salmon taste inside. 

Sashimi Moriawase (Php 1,100) – No mercy on salmon and other seafoods for the night. I can swallow on every seafood I see at Kitsho, especially their Salmon and Tuna sashimi. 

Buta Kakuni or Braised Pork Belly (Php 350) – Have you tasted an organic pork? They have it in Kitsho! Their Buta Kakuni or Braised Pork Belly is competitive, I must say. Thick to begin with but not difficult to cut through. According to chef, pork meat is boiled 6-8 hours. They ensure that process of boiling is done properly, the authentic Japanese way, to achieve the perfect Buta Kakuni. 

Black Sesame Mousse (Php 120) – I didn’t expect black sesame mousse to taste that good. It’s a dessert that didn’t overpower sweetness on my mouth but balanced out the rumbling flavors I had from the different dishes. I didn’t feel guilty eating since it is actually a nutritious dessert, with numerous health benefits based on scientific studies. 

Pumpkin Pudding (Php 120) – Sounds gross to me at first. Pumpkin soup sounds normal but pumpkin as a dessert? Strange idea in a way. I’d put myself at fault if I don’t admit that their pumpkin pudding is a strange but yummy dinner-ender. This dessert complements the Japanese dinner at Kitsho. Taste of pumpkin with the sweet blend of how a pudding tastes. Texture is like any ordinary pudding, but more compact. 

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (Php 150) – No other ice cream flavors but green tea. Very Japanese right? Too healthy, from beginning to end. Green tea flavor is an acquired taste, like how people appreciate milk tea. My opinion says, “I enjoyed it!”. 

Lemonade – Have the option to adjust your sour to sweet taste-bud level by pouring out syrup on freshly squeezed lemonade glass. 

Kitsho provides private rooms for meetings, birthdays or other occasions wherein you don’t want people to see you. Hehe. Most executives and government officials opt Kitsho for their meetings because of its location, exclusivity and fine cuisine of course. 

My parents keep on bugging me to bring them back to Kitsho. That’s how much they enjoyed the dishes! 

A short tour around facilities of Traders Hotel with Joan after dinner. I was attracted to their lounge with inviting view of Manila lights. At night, it’s a romantic spot for lovers out there who typically enjoys good food plus good view. 

I’m proud to be beside the executive chef that speaks Filipino more than English. I was forced to speak pure filipino while we were with him. Nakakatuwa sya! He loves our native language more than English. High five chef! 🙂

Arigato Kitsho Restaurant & Sake Bar! My family is itching to go back for more dishes. 😉 

Cheers,

Location: Traders Hotel Manila, 3001 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, PH

Business Hours: 11:30-3pm & 6-11pm

Budget: PHP850++

Rate: 9/10