Jap invests P2.5 million for new resto

CEBU, Philippines - A Japanese national is trying his luck in Cebu’s dynamic food industry and invested P2.5 million to open an authentic Japanese restaurant, despite the proliferation of Japanese food outlets in the Metropolis.

Yu Yu Tei Japanese restaurant owner Bernadete Kawakami said that there is still good prospects for restaurant business in Cebu, especially Japanese, because there is a growing number of Filipinos learning to love “Japanese food.”

In fact, Kawakami said that if the Cebu venture will show good performance, the company is planning to open more outlets in key cities in the Philippines, like Davao and Manila.

Cebu’s food industry has noted a growing market for Japanese restaurants with more locals now becoming mindful of their food intake, she said.

Kawakami bared that while her first restaurant business is only seven months old, she observed a growing preference among locals over Japanese cuisine, especially those health-conscious diners.

Kawakami said Yu Yu Tei was initially opened to cater to Japanese friends who were looking for a restaurant that offers authentic Japanese food.

“But now, it’s not only the Japanese who appreciate their own cuisine but also a huge number of Filipinos perhaps because Japanese food is known to be healthy,” Kawakami said in an interview.

But in order to gain patronage from the local market, Kawakami, along with her Japanese husband, decided to offer Japanese dishes with “affordable rates” at Yu Yu Tei.

She cited that set meals at their restaurant ranges from P250 to P350; favorites like sushi, ramen and maki are priced around P200 and up.

Dining in an authentic Japanese restaurant does not have to be expensive, she said as Filipinos are learning to appreciate the Japanese healthy food, Yu Yu Tei is trying to pioneer in providing affordable Japanese food to Filipinos.

Kawakami is optimistic its return-on-investment will come within two years as Cebu’s food and retail industry continues to be robust, owing to the resiliency of the local market amid the backdrop of a global financial meltdown.

“People continue to eat but they have now become intelligent spenders. They are willing to spend on food that will give them more value,” she said. 

Kawakami emphasized that Yu Yu Tei offers authentic Japanese food, prepared by Japanese chef Tomoyuki Oyake, who is a veteran chef for 38 years working in various hotels and restaurants in Japan.

In a separate interview with Oyake, who is presently residing in Cebu with his Filipina wife, he said the restaurant only uses ingredients that are imported from Japan to ensure its authenticity.—Ehda M. Dagooc