Eggs, eggs, everywhere.
I had no idea how crazy Japanese nationals are about eggs until my recent visit to Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant at SM Mall of Asia. There’s egg in almost every dish I tried — from the ramen to the sukiyaki, to the beef pepper rice down to the Bolognese pizza! And yes, the dishes not only look good, they taste good, too!
Served in a stone pot, the beef pepper rice is Watami’s gourmet version of rice topping made more exciting and delish with a sprinkle of corn bits drizzled with grilled beef sauce.
Watami Ramen, a steaming bowl of delicious ramen with bean sprouts, chasu pork, naganegi and flavored onion in kyshu pork ramen broth, warms the heart and the tummy. But for something extraordinary, try the Bolognese Pizza, thin-crust pizza topped with bacon, cherry tomato and hot spring egg sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. The yolk gushes as soon as you slice the pizza.
“Eggs are a staple in Japan. The Japanese nationals even put eggs in westernized dishes like burgers, pizzas or pastas,†enthuses Lisa Ronquillo, AVP for marketing, The Bistro Group.
At Watami, each dish is crafted with utmost care using fresh, quality ingredients.
Everything’s yummy at Watami
Rooted in the “Ishokuya†concept, which features a balance of three elements — delicious food, great ambience and good service — Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is the brainchild of Japanese businessman Wataname Miki, who in 1984 aspired to launch a dining destination that would bring smiles to guests. The concept was widely accepted, and by the early 1990s, Watami became an Asian sensation.
What started out as a simple dining outlet in Tokyo now has over 700 stores not just in Japan but in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Taiwan, Shanghai, Singapore, Guangzhou, Malaysia and now the Philippines.
The Bistro Group of Restaurants, the same company behind successful dining chains TGIFriday’s, Italianni’s, Fish & Co., among others, recently launched the first Watami restaurant in the country. The 170-seater resto located at the SM Mall of Asia works like a magnet in attracting diners. Here, food lovers gather and enjoy eating together regardless of their age, race or culture.
“Watami’s concept is all about providing a variety of delicious and authentic Japanese food in a casual environment at an affordable price. While we keep the traditional Japanese taste in our dishes, the interiors of the resto depict a modern Japanese lifestyle,†enthuses Watami International president Satoshi Kurihara, who was in Manila recently for the SM Mall of Asia branch inauguration.
Aside from the egg-citing dishes I’ve mentioned, diners are also encouraged to try the well-loved Japanese fare featured in Watami’s menu, which is as varied and big as the appetite of Man v. Food host Adam Richman. There’s definitely something for everyone — from sushi, sashismi, sukiyaki and hot pots to assorted salmon and seafood treats and hearty meat dishes. The beverage list is a different story. Choose from the Fruit Squash selection (fresh kiwi, lychee-grapefruit soda, mango lemonade); Helathy Drinks (orange, green tea, mango or pineapple Yakult); Big Drinks and Original Tea (green citrus green tea, passion fruit tea, and kiwi tea with agar).
The success of Watami SM Mall of Asia inspired the Bistro Group to open its second branch last December at the ground floor of The New Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City.
“We are confident that the success of Watami will be replicated here in the country simply because we have the same recipe for success — young dining out market, wide food and beverage choices, authentic Japanese food in a casual setting, and great service,†enthuses Lisa Ronquillo, AVP marketing, The Bistro Gorup.
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Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant has branches at the second floor, veranda/bayside section, SM Mall of Asia; and at the ground floor, The New Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City.
For inquiries and reservations, call 836-7141, SMS 0927-5641815 and 0915-7206577.