Watami, EDSA Shangri-la

Mention Japanese food and I'd start daydreaming about fresh tuna sashimi, ebi tempura and green tea. Oh, yum! I've been busy with school in the past few months but you can't say no to good food!

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant Review

Served with warm greetings and hot cuppa of Japanese green tea + roasted brown rice upon my arrival  :)

Restaurant Aesthetics

The restaurant adopts a mix of traditional (use of natural materials and colors) and contemporary style (presence of black and red colors) in its interiors. In lieu of a garden view (Japanese loves to get in touch with nature), Watami has an open kitchen and big windows facing the Ortigas-Kapitolyo CBD. There are regular group tables and booth-type ones, but I love the circular seating plan on the second photo below. Overall, it features a simple and elegant design inside and out.

Food

Watami has an extensive menu from 前菜 (zensai, appetizers) or デザート (dezato, desserts).  Choosing one out of their nine rice sets and three ramen specials was proven to be a challenging task when you want a taste of each! Haha!

[caption id="attachment_3516" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Ate JR's [9] Tempura Rice Set - P425[/caption][caption id="attachment_3515" align="aligncenter" width="799"] [6] Deep Fried Chicken Rice Set - P385[/caption][caption id="attachment_3509" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Fellow blogger Charlene's [c] Spicy Ramen - P445[/caption]

Each rice set comes with a serving of Japanese salad, miso soup and cold iced tea while their ramen special includes a rice with toppings in hot stone pot and cold iced tea. Price ranges from P295 - P425 and served only on weekdays.

[caption id="attachment_3518" align="aligncenter" width="799"] I love this salad very much, I wish it was unlimited! <3[/caption]

Watami Bestsellers

After our very tasty meal, beef sukiyaki (P425) was served nabemono (Japanese hot pot) style with love! Ingredients are prepared beforehand, a stove is provided and either you or a staff cooks it.

 

[caption id="attachment_3505" align="aligncenter" width="426"] Trisha cooking the Sukiyaki for us :)[/caption]

I don't remember if this is my first time or if I ever had sukiyaki in the past but I must be missing out on something so good! <3





How about some tender and juicy self-grilled short ribs? <3 An order of 10 pieces costs P375.

Drinks

I admit I wanted to try one of the desserts (drools over the photos XD) instead of getting a drink but I was shy to ask. A quick scan of the menu and I chose a light and refreshing drink that goes with anything.

[caption id="attachment_3511" align="aligncenter" width="345"] Green Tea Yakult - P150[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3512" align="aligncenter" width="479"] My second choice, Mango Lemonade, ordered by fellow blogger Abu.[/caption]

 

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Verdict

I'm glad I came with an empty stomach, as the event turned out as a lunch+merienda affair.  You will feel at home with hospitable staff, who are courteous and prompt to requests. Food is freshly prepared, which guarantees a piping hot meal. None of their meat dishes were oily and I discovered the wonder that is Japanese long-grained rice! <3

An authentic, flavorful and for sharing serving meal in a cozy environment (plus great company!) is worth every peso. Being Instagram-worthy is an added bonus. Watami has definitely set new standards for me and I can't wait to try their sashimi and desserts! =)

Thank you Ms. Jap Angeles of PerkComm for the invite! :)

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A well-known brand around Japan and neighbouring Asian nations (with over 700 branches), Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is brought to us by The Bistro Group (TGI Friday's, Italiannis, Fish & Co., etc.). Drop by their branches at SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta and East Wing, EDSA Shangri-la Plaza.

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