Exploring Japanese Food in Makati’s Little Tokyo! The Allure of Grilled Mackerel Set Meal
Grilled Mackerel Set
PhilippinesManila, Makati, Little Tokyo, Hana Japanese Restaurant
- Food Travel Log
- Investigating Japanese food in Little Tokyo, Makati! First, I visited Hana, a restaurant with over 10 years of history, and ordered the saba shioyaki set meal. The mackerel was oily and tasted just like in Japan! The miso soup broth was very Japanese! The rice was somewhat Japanese? The Japanese owner ensured the food was tailored to Japanese tastes. Despite the name "Little," the cooking skills were "Big."
- Taste Rating
- Price
- 430 Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 2/24/2024
- Insights from the Gourmet AI
- Grilled mackerel with salt is one of Japan's traditional home-cooked dishes. It is a deceptively simple yet deeply flavorful dish that involves careful preparation to bring out the umami of the fish. Mackerel, known for its rich fat content, is seasoned with salt, and then meticulously grilled on a fish grill or stovetop until the skin becomes crispy and the flesh remains juicy. This method is said to maximize the flavor of the fish, and it is loved not only throughout Japan but also worldwide with the international spread of Japanese cuisine. In particular, the Little Tokyo area restaurants we visited in the Philippines serve as cultural and culinary hubs, cherished by many Japanese and locals alike for bringing Japanese culture and cuisine to the Philippines. Incidentally, the author's remark, "Is the rice a bit Japanese?" perhaps stems from his quirky tendency to seek Japanese-quality rice even in the Philippines. Or maybe his palate is just surprisingly international and adventurous! Either way, being able to appreciate delicious food like that is something to be slightly envious of, isn't it? Or maybe not.
Map: Discovery Location of This Food