Eats @ Saboten: Manila, Philippines

Saboten is originally from Japan. It opened its doors to tonkatsu lovers on year 1996. Since then, they have been serving from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. Just recently, they opened one here in the Philippines. 

I know it's just a deep-fried porkchop labeled with a "signature" fancy name-- another Yabu. But then, I say it's worth a try. In passionate search for a tonkatsu closest to my Japanese experience within the Metro can be comforting too.

We went there at 5:45pm to check out the place and we were welcomed by groups of people lined up towards the entrance. The facade is wide and well-lit as outsiders can already see the dinners clearly. it was already packed at pre-dinner time. What a fad! So along with the waiting groups, I lined up for reservation. 

I like the fact that they offered to call us when our table is available. It gives us time to roam around or do something else. So after some time, I received a call at 7:00pm. Our table is ready, and I had to hurry back thinking that we might miss our chance.

At 7:15pm, we were seated and ready to order. Menu was of course in set meal format. They have unlimited cabbage salad, rice and miso soup.

We had cabbage with sesame dressing and/or citrus dressing for starters. 

It is simply shredded cabbage but the dressings made it special. We had to refill even before the main dish was served.

The side dishes came in next. We had pickles, raddish, raddish salad with plum dressing, and chicken salad with bang bang ji dressing.

It suits you if you have an acquired japanese tasteor if you're eating these with the tonkatsu. By itself, it can be a little too strong for your soy-based taste buds. But then, I liked them!

We paused to make the sauce for our tonkatsu. Here are the signature black and white sesame seeds. Crushed using the individualized mortar and pestle.

Then we added the sauce.

It's a thick pre-mixed sauce for the tonkatsu. Mix and dip.

Here's the star of the meal. A slab of deep-fried-breaded and tender golden brown tonkatsu. It was juicy and tender inside. Every bite is a morphic crunch. Although, one piece seemed to be too small for a too-big-of-a-foodie-apetite, the taste sufficed. In comparison, Yabu has a bigger serving.

I also liked the crispy rolled cutlets. Here are the asparagus and cheese. But you can also choose the plum variant.

This is a sample set for two (sharing). Cabbage, miso soup, 2 appetizers, rolled cutlets (asparagus, cheese or plum), tempura, and tonkatsu.

*Side dishes not included in this picture.

The meal will not be complete without desserts. Can you guess what they served?

Correct! No other than green tea ice cream. The consistency is nice when eated frozen. The taste is authentic. The texture is just somewhat "icy." Not bad for here. I've always liked my green tea strong and fragrant.

Overall, I liked the food and the dining experience. The zen feel + comfort food is a good combo. Also, the management made ways to make the dining experience comfortable amidst the long wait to be seated and the wait to be served. They called us when the table is available, offered tea and cabbage refills frequently. 

Financial Damage: P500+ per person.

Address: 

G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Philippines

(Right across Contis and beside Mamou)

For inquiries, call them at: +6326252000 

Store hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm daily 

*But we left at 11:30pm and they did not kick us out.

Note: The place was packed, I was not able to take decent pictures of the interior. Will do that next time.

Let me know your experience too. :)

Cheers!

M.