Japanese wraps in Cebu

Japanese restaurants (big and small), stalls and food outlets have sprung up in practically all corners of cities and towns in the country.

Perhaps one of the most, if not the most, popular and successful food “invasions” in the country is that of the Japanese. We have long known and enjoyed eating raw fish and other seafood, although at this late stage there are still some who can not take uncooked food. Tempura is, of course, a favorite, so is teppanyaki and grilled Misono steaks. There are the little delicious items which have also caught the Filipino’s taste – the sushi and the sashimi, both are small finger items, with the former wrapped in nori (dried, paper thin seaweed). We remember when our apo, a half Brit, in his early years, would munch on seaweed. It is said this is full of nutrients. Perhaps this was why he grew up to be a healthy young man.

Anyway, Japanese restaurants (big and small), stalls and food outlets have sprung up in practically all corners of cities and towns in the country.

Following this trend, we received a report from Cebu about the success story of a Japanese food outlet, Nikumaki Cebu, which has its origin in the city of Miyazaki in Kyshu, Japan in the 1990s. The name means – meat (niku) and wrap or roll (maki). This consists of a Japanese rice wrap with pork seasoned with a sweet sauce, then baked until it is cooked. Offering only one type of food, the Cebuanos immediately gave their approval to the new venture,  which led to its expansion from simply doing deliveries to setting up kiosks. The latest is the outlet in L15, B4 Park Vista Townhomes, Apas in Cebu city (telephone 0925-3693526 and 0908-3105396).

The original single maki sells for P30, the Cheese and Spicy at P35 each and the Bento which comes with three makis, Japanese omelette and potato salad from P99. 

Rockwell on one Friday afternoon was busy, but the usual array of fresh food (fruits and vegetables) was absent. There was only one stall selling mostly organic (so they claim) harvest. The native garlic was tagged at P300 a kilo. After walking for a while around the Rockwell Power Plant mall, we decided to rest our feet and settled at a table at Milky Way. The halo-halo was still super with lots of sweetened elements, including bananas. The dinuguan and puto were just as satisfying. Thus we are happy to note that this establishment has maintained the quality of their food and service.

There is a Santis on the ground floor of the Joya Loft, a convenient outlet for residents and guests in the building. We noted that Joya guest rooms are fully equipped with household needs. There is a kitchenette with electrical appliances, kitchen utensils, china and crockery.          

Have a great family bonding lunch.

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