Sunday, January 22, 2017

Restaurant Review: Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo




I've always liked S Maison aside from the fact that it is closer to my home and to my Husband's office, it houses so many new restaurants for me to try and enjoy!  And one new restaurant that caught my attention is called Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo.


We, as Filipinos, has always embraced the Japanese Cuisine.  That explains why there are influx of Japanese restaurants seen around Manila for just a couple of years!  And guys, there are so many restaurants yet for me to try!

Thankfully, friends from ARC PR invited me during their media launch because seriously, I'm not the type who would and could line up just to get a seat!  (Mommies with malikot na toddler would fully understand)



Now, let me explain what's Bijin Nabe and what's unique with this farm-to-table concept restaurant.  Once you get to visit, YOU MUST try Bijin Nabe (also known as Beauty Hotpot).  

And if you want to try something else, they don't just serve Bijin Nabe, they have a couple more dishes up in their sleeves.  Let me talk about them first before I explain what Bijin Nabe is all about.





Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad
For those who can't start eating without a healthy-serving of salad.  I highly recommend trying out their Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad.  Drizzled with a good amount of sesame dressing, you get a crunchy, fresh leafy vegetables that refreshes your mouth before the main course.



Maximum Eggplant
Okay, who loves or hates eggplant?  Either way, YOU MUST GIVE THIS A TRY because this will change your view of eggplant for life!  I am an eggplant-lover but never thought eggplant could taste THIS good!  I even had to ask the server what the breading was but I was told it is a secret ingredient from Japan!  In my head, I have tasted a bit of "Nori" flavor and some salt and pepper.



Chicken Nanban
You know how most Japanese restaurants serve Chicken Karaage?  This is Chicken Karaage's cousin I would say!  The exterior isn't as crunchy but it has this soft and tender texture that melts together with the creamy mayo dressing!  It just works!



Nikumaki
If there's another reason for me to go back to Bijin Nabe, it would be these rolls!  Choose between Original, Cheese, Mayonnaise and Spicy flavor, all of them tastes wonderful!  But don't get deceived by the size of this, meant to be wrapped on fresh lettuce leaves, they are extremely filling!  Almost a cup of rice inside this tiny rolls!

My favorite?  ORIGINAL!



Now on to the main reason why we were all excited about the newly opened restaurant.  The Beauty Collagen Hot Pot. 

Each order of Bijin Nabe includes the Golden Collagen Stock - a rich exquisite broth that is specially concocted.  To ensure quality, the broth (I was told) is imported directly from the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, which is home to the Jidori Chicken (Jidori Chicken what?  I'll tell more about that later)



It gets served straight on the table and you see it melts in less than 5 minutes.  


You get to see a surprise floating up, that's the Jidori Chicken.  Jidori Chicken is considered the "Kobe beef of chicken".  Jidori is a special breed of chicken that's meatier and more sinewy, making them tastier and richer in collagen.  

According to Bijin Nabe's PR ---
"The Jidori Chicken are grown in the only privately owned free range farm in Japan, under constant care and with closely watched diet.  To produce the famous broth, they undergo a delicate, 18-hour stewing process until the essence of the bones and meat are completely dissolved into the stock"



Amazing right?  So the result is a milky chicken broth and every customer gets to try this rich broth before they chuck in all the vegetables and meat.



Then you also get to enjoy the chicken that almost melts in your mouth!  For the first time, chicken in soup doesn't taste as drying like it always is when I do it at home!


Afterwards, the server will pour in fresh chicken meat created into balls (thus meatballs)


Then the rest of the freshest vegetables, seafood are displayed, this is the best time to take out your phones and cameras and take a picture of this!  Such photogenic dish!


If you are the type who enjoys flavor, Bijin Nabe also created 4 condiments to go with the dish.  A light soy sauce that is Shoyu, flavorful Leek Oil, Zesty spice of Yuzukosho and aromatic chili layu sauce.

I tried all 4 and they all work!  My favorite is Leek Oil and Chili Layu Sauce.



And just when you thought your tummy have had enough!  You also get to choose between rice or noodles and the said extra carbs will be poured over on the remaining soup with an egg.



Porridge anyone?
Tip from AMW: Perfectly paired with Leek Oil and Chili Oil!

If you still have room for dessert, go for Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Some likes to eat both together, I like to eat them separately. 



Dining in this restaurant is like seeing the Japanese dining culture right in front of you.  With every bowl as piece of art, I don't mind coming back.


To know more about Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo, visit the official website at http://bijinnabe.ph. Like them on Facebook (BijinNabePH) and Instagram @bijinnabeph


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

3 comments :

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