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thehungrykat1 · 8 years ago

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Hamaru はまる Yakitori & Sushi: The Newest Japanese Hangout Up North

Japanese food has undoubtedly been my favorite ever since my taste buds were awaked to this unique type of cuisine. While there are many Japanese restaurants around the metro that feature popular Japanese items like katsu and ramen, I usually have to head all the way to Makati or Bonifacio Global City if I want to taste authentic sushi, sashimi, and yakitori. Since I live in Quezon City, and given the monstrous Metro Manila traffic, it takes a lot of effort to drive 1-2 hours to my favorite Japanese hangouts in Little Tokyo. But now, there’s a new modern Japanese Izakaya in Quezon City that is sure to be a hit with the foodies, serving awesome food and drinks that everyone will definitely “go crazy over.”

Hamaru はまる Yakitori & Sushi is a new foodie destination in the heart of Quezon City, offering Japanese grilled sticks, fusion cuisine sushi rolls, and specialty drinks that are sure to be the talk of the town. It stays true to its name which means “go crazy over” because I was really quite impressed and surprised with what I found at Hamaru. It is located inside the foodie enclave called The Food Hive along 80 Visayas Avenue which has become a very popular dining spot for those looking for tasty but affordable gourmet dishes in this busy area.

The Food Hive is the newest open-air food park to hit Quezon City, but this is not just your ordinary food court. The Food Hive delivers a bold, new approach to classic comfort food, with carefully crafted creations from some of the most talented celebrity chefs in the country like Chef Ed Bugia, Chef Rosebud Benitez, Chef Luigi Muhlach and others. The ambiance is also more modern and catchy, with colorful stalls and designs that will pique your curiosity. It also features the country’s first Bulgarian restaurant Yordanovi, a modern “kambingan” called Goatcha, a grilled meat and cheese nacho called Nachos ala Bomba, and many more creative gourmet masterpieces at very affordable prices. Parking may be a bit limited, so it’s better if you arrive in groups to enjoy this new modern barkada hangout.

I was so interested to try all the other stalls at The Food Hive, but our destination that afternoon was actually the showcase restaurant of the food park, Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi. This restaurant is the only fully air-conditioned and full-service area at The Food Hive, so that alone makes it truly special, especially for a Sun-averse Lupus warrior like me. But it turns out that their Japanese food and drinks are even more note-worthy than their cool temperature.

Hamaru is open from 11:30am to 12:00mn daily except Mondays. It’s never too early for sake so guests can start drinking their Japanese whiskey and cocktails from lunch all the way until the evening. The interiors at Hamaru are a reflection of modern day urban Japan with a sexy industrial feel.

Japanese whiskey and sake are proudly displayed on the shelves. Hamaru はまる Yakitori & Sushi is not just a restaurant or a bar. It’s a modern Izakaya where office workers and students can relax after a tiring day and hang out inside its cozy corners while enjoying their favorite food and drinks.

My friends and I took our seats on the second floor where casual conversations can be livelier without hopefully disturbing the other diners. The restaurant itself is not that big, with a seating capacity of around 50 guests including at the bar.

The celebrity chef behind the kitchen at Hamaru is none other than Chef Niño Laus of Ninyo Fusion and Wine Cuisine, Alamat Filipino Pub & Deli, and Merkanto. I fondly remember having a couple of romantic dinner dates at Ninyo Fusion Cuisine a few years back (read my blog about it here) so it was great to finally meet the chef responsible for those lovely evenings. Hamaru owners Tadeo Chua and Therese Larroza have entrusted their menu to Chef Niño who has crafted a unique and very interesting lineup of traditional and modern Japanese dishes.

We started our tasting menu with Chef Niño’s Salmon Aburi Philly Roll (P285). This is a torched salmon roll filled with delectable cream cheese inside. It really tastes as mouthwatering as it looks. The tender salmon slices go so well with the creamy cheese and I couldn’t stop getting a few more tasty bites for myself.

Next was their upgraded California Roll that has mango and salmon roe topped with crab sticks and filled with crab fat aligue mayo. These babies are a mouthful but it gives such a refreshing and delightful taste.

Chef Niño Laus has been serving the popular Nori Tacos at Ninyo Fusion Cuisine so he also brought this here at Hamaru. The Nori Taco (P230) is a fusion of Japanese and Mexican influences with its salmon plus nori cooked in wasabi tempura batter. These crunchy and flavorful tacos are a must try especially for those who like to try something different.

Another favorite at Hamaru is the Spicy Tuna Roll (P270) which really looks so regal and menacing. This pumped up tuna roll comes with arugula and salmon roe plus a crown of spicy tuna on top. I’m not that big on spicy food but all my friends loved this. Hamaru’s sushi and rolls are large and eating just a few pieces will already be quite filling

Here’s one giant item that should be good enough for a few diners. The Uni + Tuna Inari Gunkan (P220) is a huge maki sushi filled with uni and tuna slices enveloped by a thin sheet of tofu. It’s actually supposed to be for just one diner, but with how big this serving is, I think it is safe to share.

Hamaru also has the traditional tuna and salmon sashimi on their menu, but I suggest you go for the New Style Salmom Sashimi (P300) which was popularized by the international celebrity Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa at his Nobu Restaurant. I was able to try this during my Omakase Dinner at Nobu Manila (read about it here) but you don’t have to pay such a big amount because Chef Niño also does it so well. The salmon sashimi slices are slightly cooked in olive oil and sauces giving it more highlights and flavors. Those who don’t like eating raw fish now have an alternative with this new style sashimi.

The Oyster Motoyaki (P195) is also a crowd favorite at Hamaru. Motoyaki is a type of cooking where baked items are topped with sauces and served in oyster shells. Here Chef Niño uses Gochujang, a spicy Korean miso paste with cauliflower puree to top off this very interesting dish. Go and try it for yourself because it is really something else.

Who wouldn’t like to pop these Chicken Poppers (P155) in their mouth? These crunchy fried chicken thighs are doused in a sweet sauce then topped with bonito flakes. I would love to have these at home when watching a movie or a series on television.

The main attractions at Hamuri are their Yakitori and Kushiyaki, or skewered meat and vegetables. Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan consisting of skewered chicken parts grilled over charcoal with sweet and salty sauces. You can find all sorts of Yakitori at Hamaru from chicken wings, chicken thighs, chicken tails, gizzard, liver, heart and chicken skin starting from P60 per stick.

These yakitori are just so good and very affordable. Order a few hearty sticks with some beverages and you are good for the night. You can taste the smoky flavors with each bite and there are so many items to choose from.

Aside from chicken, they also have other grilled items like the US Beef Intestine (P115). I’m sure many of us have tried eating chicken intestines (isaw) on the streets, but I did not know that beef intestines were also this good. They are bigger and chunkier with a more meaty flavor.

Other Kushiyaki on the menu are the Salmon Belly (P180) which is actually more to my liking. These are tender and fatty, just the way I like them. Or you can try the Butabata or Pork Belly (P90) which also has a generous amount of juicy fat to go with its delicious pork meat.

If you really want to make it a complete meal, then pair your yakitori with a cup of their Gyu Chahan (P170) or Japanese beef fried rice cooked with wagyu beef. If you are more into seafood, then have the Salmon Chahan (P150) instead for a lighter flavor. Yakitori with fried rice, now that’s the Filipino way of eating.

Now what’s an Izakaya without beverages? For those who want something simple and sweet, try the Hamaru Iced Tea (P90) which is quite different from all the other iced teas in the city.

If you want to spike up your dining experience, go for Hamaru’s exquisite Japanese whiskey selection and other specialty drinks like Sake, Highball, and Chuhi. The Matcha Nigori (P180) is a cocktail combining green tea and sake into one wild drink. On the other hand, the Classic Suntory Kakubin Highball (P240) combines the classic whiskey with sparkling water, one of the most popular drinks in Japan up to today.

But my favorite beverage that afternoon was the Gekkeikan Kirei Peach Sake (P900/bottle). I could not believe how fruity and sweet this sake was. I loved it so much that I asked to have a few more shots for myself. For those who are really into sake, go ask for the Tanka - Sake Flight (P650) which gives you shots of five different sake all with varying tastes and alcohol content. They also offer a Whiskey Flight and so many other bubbly options.

If you really want to maximize your drinking power, head to Hamaru during their happy hour called Drunken Salary Men Nights from 3pm to 7pm daily where you can enjoy Buy 1 Take 1 on selected Japanese beers and cocktails. I now have a new Japanese dining destination that is so much closer to home. Hamaru はまる Yakitori & Sushi has truly impressed me with its modern and authentic Japanese cuisine that is also easy on the pockets. I’m definitely coming back here soon.

Hamaru はまる - Yakitori & Sushi

The Food Hive, 80 Visayas Ave., Quezon City

www.facebook.com/HamaruPH

www.instagram.com/hamaruph

#HamaruPH #HamaruLetsGo #Japanese #Sushi #Yakitori #Whiskey #Sake #VisayasAvenue #TheFoodHive #Quezon City #Restaurant

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