The WISIWYG Blog

Back when I was still training in ACTION, our senseis brought us to Yamazaki, a Japanese restaurant--probably their way of congratulating us for having successfully completed the first module of our training course. I think the act has already become a tradition on their part, because from what I've heard, the current batch was also treated to a Japanese restaurant during their first module's end. With 14 trainees, 4 trainers and 2 training assistants, we crowded the tiny restaurant back then. And the amount of food served on our table might well be considered a feast.

More than a year since, I was able to visit Yamazaki again. This time, however, I am not with a crowd. It was only me and Sir Nep, the "chief" ACTION instructor. And unlike our previous visit when the food was a treat, I have to pay for what I'll eat in the Japanese food place.

Upon the prodding of Sir Nep, we had a dinner at Yamazaki last Tuesday, after my training job for ACTION has ended. He said that I must experience eating at an authentic Japanese restaurant again (after a long time, eh). As I am not familiar with the restaurant's menu (with the menu written in Japanese simply increasing my confusion), I was forced to follow what Sir Nep has to order. We had a Hanchan set that night. And while Sir Nep has actually written about this set on his blog already, I don't think he would mind if I write about it again in my own space and give it my own verdict.

So what is a Hanchan set? At Yamazaki, a Hanchan set is a meal composed of 1 big bowl of ramen (don't ask me what kind as I am not familiar with the flavors of ramen), 5 pieces of gyoza, and a half serving of Chahan or Japanese fried rice. This comes with free servings of Mugicha (roasted barley tea), which I believe is served free (and bottomless) with any food ordered from the place. The whole set costs P180. A reasonable price? I believe it was.

When eating at a Japanese restaurant, you'll normally expect that the price you'll have to pay is high. This, however, is not the only thing that justifies the price of the Hanchan set. I'll say there's more than one factor affecting the price, and one of them is the serving size. When I said earlier that it had 1 big bowl of ramen, I meant it that way without any exaggeration. Sir Nep gobbled the whole bowl effortlessly, but I was only able to finish half of it. Then, the half serving of Chahan has more rice in it than a serving in most fast-food joints in the Metro. Feeling full without being able to finish everything, I can't help but cry over the ramen left on my bowl (now that's exaggeration ;p).

As to the set's taste, I'll have to say I found nothing too fancy about it, which is actually good for more reasons than one. The ramen was just what it was supposed to be (my opinion)--a flavorful combination of noodles, broth, some kind of dry seaweeds (don't know what it’s called), two thin slices of pork, and vegetable (I think its pechay). It actually tasted great, though no amount of tastiness can force me to eat up all that is inside the gigantic bowl. The gyoza passed the standards of my discriminating taste buds, but what I loved most in the meal is the Chahan. There was nothing much in it but it was very flavorful. A sucker for fried rice, it made me wish to order more. Then, I remembered my budget. :D

Like the food, there wasn't anything too fancy about the place. The restaurant is small, with simple Japanese accessories. I found the style provincial (if there is really an adjective as such to describe a place) and it reminded me of a bakery-cum-fast-food joint in my home city. If anything, it was a good place for dining, with a Japanese ambiance provided by its style and the people surrounding you while you are eating.

If you want to experience the taste of the Hanchan set or any of the numerous meals offered at the place, visit Yamazaki. The Japanese restaurant (and grocery) can be found at Fernando St., Pio del Pilar, Makati City.