MANILA, Philippines - Long after our interest in anything Japanese has abated, we enrolled in a Japanese language program. We took the extramural class for, to quote Eugenides, for the simplest and dullest of reasons: we wanted to read Japanese literature in the original text.
One module down and another which we didn’t do well in, we realized that every time our sensei (teacher) uses the word tabemas (to eat) in its many conjugations, we automatically think of (what else?) Japanese food. There have been numerous times when a classmate and I would go to the small Japanese restaurant located inside the campus to satisfy our craving. The dishes are as good as your P150 can get you.
We were reminded of this when we went to Watami, the latest Japanese restaurant to open in Metro Manila, and discovered that you don’t have to spend all that much to enjoy authentic Japanese dishes.
“Most of our ingredients are imported from Japan and Hong Kong to make sure that our dishes remain consistent with the quality and flavor of Watami’s branches in Japan and other Asian countries,†Watami Chef Noboru Ozeki told us.
Chef Ozeki is not only an expert in Japanese food (he has opened several Japanese restaurants in the country), but also knows the kind of Japanese food that Filipinos want.
He has observed, for example, Filipinos’ penchant for rice dishes. This is why when they were choosing the dishes to be included in the Philippine menu, he made sure that it included what Filipinos love.
Coming together
We asked Chef Ozeki what Watami means and he told us that it’s more of a concept that celebrates “coming together in one place to enjoy good food.†He even drew the kanji for us.
Bistro Group marketing manager Michelle Navarro added that Watami’s concept is rooted in ishokuya—a balance of the elements of good food, great ambience and good service that can bring people together.
“Watami wants to spread smiles and ‘thank yous’ to the world,†she said.