COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Japanese food is one of the most explored cuisines in the Philippines. From an authentic Japanese-run ramen stand in Malate to Tsukiji-style market restauants in more high-end locations, we’ve seen it all!
Filipinos just can’t get enough of food staples from the Land of the Rising Sun, and Japanese food lovers are always on the lookout for something new.
After all, even the freshest toro or maguro can lose its appeal if eaten everyday.
Enter Nobu restaurant’s brunch buffet, with their yellowtail jalapeño and softshell crab with soy pepper.
Their carefully-curated offerings are perfect for days when you want something more luxurious than your usual brunch fare of pancake or silog meals. With about 50 items in their selection of dishes and live action stations, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist.
“We have a special type of preparation we call Nobu style. We use original sauces and dressing,” explained head sushi chef Akihisa Kawai when we popped by last Sunday.
“Usually most Japanese restaurants in Manila have fresh sashimi, but just plain sashimi, and plain tempura and plain terriyaki sauce…so there’s a diffrent twist here. Nobu is not just a Japanese restaurant that’s why guests trust us.”
Chef Kawai was referring to the disntict Nobu-style cooking developed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa — the same preparation used at other Nobu restaurants in Las Vagas, Doha and other parts of the world.
There are seven stations in the buffet, but they’re organized and they won’t overwhelm. You’ll see the typical sushi/sashimi station, hot dishes, kushiyaki, meat carving, and dessert. They also have a bar stocked with champagne and cocktails.
Our recommendation? Line your stomach with okono miyaki and maybe the Okinawan shoyu pork, then head on to the sushi/sashimi station, where you can eat all the raw fish you can handle.
Don’t miss the unagi ozisushi, tuna tataki jalapeno, salmon karashi su miso and, we can’t say this enough, the yellowtail jalapeño.
For the hot dishes, try the sea bass jalapeño, okono miyaki and umami marinated chicken and the short ribs. Make sure to drop by the grill station too, where you can get chicken skin, octopus and squid.
As you enjoy your meal, watch out for the pass around items brought to your table by the servers. It seems to be the type of service used for time-sensitive dishes.
Their dessert station is heaven for matcha (green tea) lovers. The centerpiece is a fountain of matcha white ganache chocolate complete with brownies, strawberries and marshmallows for dipping. They have an amazing matcha cake covered in chocolate sauce and also matcha financier.
If green tea is not your thing, they have the usual stuff like chocolate croissants, tiramisu and an ice cream station. Those who want to go healthy may even opt for a cup of coco mango passion chia seeds parfait.
“The Japanese culture is very thoughtful and methodical, so I think chef Nobu just takes it with his own style with his food and service,” said Kenny Hernandez, the restaurant manager.
Don’t let the casino on the lower floors and the seemingly-intimidating hallway leading to the restaurant scare you. Nobu is perfect for bonding with your friends or casual family get togethers. Next time you want to have a delicious and quiet morning, think of Nobu brunch.
1/F Hotel Nobu, Aseana cor Macapagal Avenues, Entertainment City, Parañaque; +63 2 8008080, www.nobuhotelmanila.com. Sunday brunch is from 11:30am-3pm. PHP 2,880++ with sodas, juices, mocktails, coffee and tea, PHP4,580++ with free-flowing Moet & Chandon, cocktails, wine and beer.
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