Kitchen

This Low-Fi Japanese-Peruvian Makes Us Low-Key Want A Weekly FriDate

by Kevyn Gohu
July 28, 2022

A manifest of “East Meets West”, Japonesa serves Japanese Peruvian twists that low-key make it the perfect “FriDate JUNK” spot.

Hidden in the alleys of Poblacion, Makati, Japonesa by Head Chef Luis Higa offers a relaxing spot to enjoy a meal with soothing low-fi music. After a long day at work in the buildings along Makati or Buendia Avenue, it’s nice to find a bar that isn’t usually blaring loud music. Sometimes, we just want a quiet drink with our partners or colleagues after a long day of dealing with the stresses of work.

Experience The Comforts of East Meets West

Although fusion restaurants focus on more innovative recipes, Japonesa has a different take on theirs. While they have a few innovative ones, they also reinvented and shined up some comfort foods. Their Bomba de Camaron takes the classic deep-fried shrimp recipe before adding the Japanese smoky elements of a spicy Japanese mayo while decorating it with some togarashi powder.

Once the palate has woken up with some spice, there are two ways you can go. Either challenge your understanding of what katsu is with their melt-in-the-mouth Lengua Katsu. Or, enjoy minimalism with the Sake Ajo Verde, a salmon steak with its skin fried to a nice crisp and its soft meat placed on top of a green garlic sauce.

Of course, no Fridate ends without drinks. For the designated drivers, their Japonesa Iced Tea is just the perfect cleanser. But they have a variety of classic drinks like the Daquiri to spike up the night.

Fridates should still be a thing even when married and with kids!

Granted the place may be more for adults, having Fridates keeps the marriage alive instead of relying on the rage to discipline the kids. As a small and hidden place, it’s the perfect restaurant to take time off. Besides—when the usual bars are full of people, sometimes you want something more low-fi. Being an adult sometimes means we’re not in the mood for flashing lights and head-banging music anyway.

Japonesa is currently on 5658 Don Pedro St, Corner Jacobo, Makati, Metro Manila. You can also find them on their Instagram.