Bento and more

CEBU, Philippines - If you fancy a Japanese plate as a hunger remedy, then a bento meal is worth the tab.

The much-loved bento is a typical Japanese takeout meal served in either simple or elegant lacquerware box that contains a mishmash of viands complete with gohan (rice), a starter or side dish, main dish and dessert. In the local set-up, a bento meal is commonly present in every table given the variety of dishes arranged in the box, something like a buffet.

Big bites await every diner who wishes to bite off anything and everything Japanese. Sumosam recently unboxed its Bento Lunch Box meals, with otoshi, moyashi, miso soup and coffee jelly with ice cream as dessert. Staying true to its trademark of serving big portions, the bento line-up is just that.

Matsuya Katsu  bento — katsudon (deep-fried pork cutlet), tuna sashimi and gohan – and Chicken Teriyaki bento — chicken teriyaki, tuna sashimi and gohan – are at P298 each, fit for the budget conscious who wishes to lavishly indulge. Osaka Tempura bento – kisu tempura, kakiage (mixed vegetable tempura), dory tempura, ebi tempura, tuna sashimi and gohan – is a non-meat eater’s delight. Meanwhile, the foodie with a big appetite may feast on either Tsukiji  Tonkatsu and Salmon Bento – tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet), grilled salmon, salmon and tuna sashimi and Gohan, and Samurai’s Choice — fish teppan, beef misono, chicken teriyaki, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, kani sashimi, yasai itame (stir-friend veggies) and gohan.

New Menu Choices

Hot in the menu is the Last Samurai Chicken, a six-piece double fried chicken appetizer in a sweet & spicy sauce with ebiko mayo dip that can compete with the all-time favorite buffalo wings!

Meanwhile, available since the onset of the summer season are the Japanese milk teas (with a choice of crystals, black pearls or grass jelly): Strawberry Sakura (milk tea and strawberry yogurt and Yakult), the bestsellers Wintermelon Sanjuro and Yojimbo Green Tea (green milk tea, with a touch of green tea ice cream and red beans), Mango Yakult (milk tea, mango yogurt and Yakult), Sesame, Choco Cream Cheese with Oreo (chocolate milk tea with crushed Oreo).

Part owner Shanna Lopez shared that although Sumosam is a Japanese-American restaurant, it caters to a wide market of diners, keeping them afloat in the dining scene. “We are the only Japanese restaurant that caters to Filipinos,” she enthused. They offer salads and pizzas which are two local favorites. “We cater to all ages. For kids we have Chicken and Fries, desserts and coolers — Berry Blossom, Graham & Cheesecake, and Strawberry & Lychee Shake. And we also cater to Koreans with out Kimchi Ramen,” she added.

Recently, Sumosam rolled its delivery service, making them the first Japanese restaurant to deliver right at your doorstep. Delivery is free of charge to the following selected locations around the metro: Ayala Business Park, IT Park, Escario and Gorordo area, Mabolo and Juan Luna areas for a minimum purchase of P800, from 10AM to 9PM. Beyond those select areas, P50 pesos will be charged. Throwing a party? Regular and large-sized party platters of assorted rolls, sushi and sashimi for up to 20 persons can be delivered.

SumoSam is located at the ground floor of The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu (beside TGIF) and is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. They accept catering, functions and private events.