My husband and I were at SM The Block last week and we ended up having lunch at Tokyo Café. It was our second time to eat at the place; on our first we tried one of their burger steaks served with steamed rice.
On our second visit, I decided to try their Katsu-Ju (PHP 250), served atop steamed rice and with a side salad. I liked the presentation. The salad was okay and since it’s a side dish I could understand the small portion. The deep fried breaded pork was crispy and generously served. However, it somehow tasted like fried chicken. I’m not sure if they deep fried the pork on the same oil used for deep frying their Japanese version of fried chicken, but I was sure there’s the aftertaste of a fried chicken.
Katsu-Ju served with side salad
Katsu-Ju (deep fried breaded pork served w/tempura sauce, onion, leeks, and scrambled egg
My husband ordered Oyako-Ju (PHP 248). We also ordered their creamy corn soup which tasted really good. I like the creamy texture and of course the taste.
Oyako-Ju (sliced chicken braised in tempura sauce w/onions and leeks mixed in egg)
Creamy Corn Soup
For drinks, my husband had iced tea which tasted more like a gulaman, while I went for the Ice Cafe Au Lait (PHP 107). I loved the fact that they served the iced cafe latté with caramelized sugar on a separate glass, which allows you to adjust according to your preferred sweetness.
Iced Cafe Au Lait and Tokyo Ice tea
Food price is very reasonable and their taste wasn’t bad. I really liked the creamy corn soup and the Iced Cafe Au Lait. I’m sure I’d still be back in Tokyo Café but it won’t be something I’d probably do so anytime soon.
UPDATE (05/11/2012): I knew I said I wouldn’t be back in Tokyo Café anytime soon, but guess what, I just did today at SM Southmall branch. This time, I ordered the the Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich (PHP 197) — strips of teriyaki chicken in toasted English bread — and it’s super fantastic. My husband had the Napolitan pasts (PHP 232) — pasta dish tossed in ketchup sauce w/mushroom, green pepper, onions, ham and bacon — and I’d say it’s good, though I just can’t understand the ketchup sauce. If you love sweet-tasting pasta, the Napolitan is for you. I know kids love sweet spaghetti, but this isn’t something that’s gonna win their heart.
Aside from SM The Block and SM Southmall Las Piñas, Tokyo Café also has branches at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, NAIA 3, and GO Hotel.
