Yabu House of Katsu, Manila’s favorite Tonkatsu place, launched its newest branch at Robinsons Magnolia. Last August 21 2012, celebrities, personalities and bloggers were invited to witness this event. 
It was my first time to enter Robinsons Magnolia, also a new mall located near New Manila area. Yabu is actually one of the few restaurants that opened in Robinsons Magnolia. I wasn’t able to look around since I was kind of late for the dinner at Yabu. So the time I arrived, the whole restaurant was already packed with guests. Waited for about 5 minutes to get seated and order our food. 
Chicken Katsu Curry (Php 320)
Rate: 4/5
I’ve been hearing good reviews about Yabu’s curry set. Hence, I didn’t miss the chance to order it at the launch. 
It is wise not to soak the entire chicken tonkatsu in the curry sauce. I like how they serve the chicken katsu curry. The fact that the meat is not entirely soaked, you can appreciate the crunch and tenderness of the tonkatsu. I’m not expecting a Japanese restaurant to serve authentic curry sauce like the ones from Indian or Thai restaurants. Their curry sauce may not taste authentic but the sauce complements the tonkatsu very well. Spicy level is not that high. 
 
An order of Chicken Katsu Curry is served with unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing and a small bowl of fruits. 
Rosu Katsudon (Php 315)
Rate: 4/5

 Filipinos would always go for the sweet blend of Rosu Katsudon. Yabu’s katsudon is a hit to the mass of Filipinos for its sweetness and tenderness. 

 
4 kinds of appetizer: (2 appetizers for Php 195
Wakame – eaweed salad topped with ebiko.
Superior Potato & Egg Salad – chunks of potato and egg, tossed in creamy mayonnaise-mustard dressing.
Edamame – a small bowl of young green soybeans.
Hiyayakko Tofu – cold silken tofu cubes in ponzu sauce. Also sprinkled with bonito flakes. 
 
While waiting for our food, this is what we did…
Made our katsu sauce by crushing black sesame seeds and adding tonkatsu sauce, placed in every table. 
 
Servers get your order using an iPad. So techie! 
Owner John Concepcion and Chef Kazuya Takeda
Yabu’s Brand Manager, Denise Cabotaje
With a high school friend, Dani Barretto
 
The room was packed with katsu lovers! 
 
Can’t deny that Yabu is such a crowd favorite! The craze for Katsu is still on fire in the metro.
Now I’ll be going to Yabu’s Robinsons Magnolia branch since it’s nearer my place. Hope to see any of you guys there! 🙂 
Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout
Location: Lower Ground Floor, Robinson’s Magnolia Town Center, Aurora Blvd. cor Hemady Ave., New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines
Website: www.yabuhouseofkatsu.com
Budget: PHP350++
Rate:

Food 9/10
Ambiance 8/10
Service 9/10
Cost 9/10
Overall 8.75/10