It was during our dating years when hubby and I learned that one very yummy common denominator we have is Japanese food. We love everything Japanese and 12 years since we got married, our son has acquired the preference for Japanese food too. Now with Japanese restaurants around the metro, we really could only count with our fingers the ones that serve authentic ones.
For its authenticity for Japanese food and at the same time concept of Japanese fusion cuisine, Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen & Bar made quite an impression on me during my first visit.
I love the overall fun feel of Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen & Bar. Above photo is Tonchaya’s al fresco area.
Right from its entrance, interior and even the fun Japanese shows Tonchaya have on inside the restaurant – it’s the perfect mix of fun, chill and laid back Japanese place. And I haven’t even started how good their food offerings yet. I was going to jumpstart with a favorite but figured soon enough I have loved practically everything they served during my visit. I’m posting by the order that they were served instead. 🙂
Tonchaya’s Special Gyoza, P150
No, I don’t go inside Japanese restaurants without trying out their Gyoza. Those Japanese crescent-shaped dumplings filled with pork, prawns and vegetables are served at 6 pieces per order. I love how Tonchaya have their gyozas seared just right. I like plain steamed gyozas too. But I like the texture of seared ones like Tonchaya’s.
Crunch Crab Maki, P280
Tonchaya’s deep fried shredded crabstick could not have come in a better maki – the crunch definitely gave a whole new way of maki indulgence. And just check out the generous spread of Japanese mayo on top. Convinced, I’m having my maki this way from now on. A must try.
Tonchaya’s Okonomiyaki, P350
Okonomiyaki is oftentimes referred to as the Japanese pizza or  Osaka soul food. It is usually made using some special savoury pancake recipe with plenty of egg-battered cabbage. I cannot help but notice that it might just have the same recipe to another favorite Japanese comfort food of mine – Takoyaki.
Tonchaya made sure theirs is nothing short of phenomenal as it is topped with pork, prawns, cabbage, Beni Shoga (pickled ginger), Aonori (seaweed flakes), Katsuoboshi (Bonito shavings), Japanese mayonnaise and Okonomiyaki sauce.
Tonchaya’s Gyudon, P380
Tonchaya’s Gyudon is served in a huge bowl of tender beef slices with egg served on steamed rice. You can opt to have it in teishoku set (value meal), for an additional P150, you get unlimited rice, miso soup, house salad and no less than USDA beef. This bowl is fit for a king, I tell you. Tonchaya servings are generous. I love it! Split this bowl to share and you’ll still go home full. 🙂
Miso Ramen, P350
Speaking of generous servings, be warned that you have to be at least three of you sharing this bowl of miso ramen. It is the biggest bowl of ramen I have seen served in a Japanese restaurant. Tonchaya serves all their Ramen with half Onsen egg.
Tonchaya’s Special Crunchy Salmon Salad, P295
Served with fresh vegetables topped with salmon slices on a bed of crispy wonton and special wasabi dressing.  This is my runaway favorite! Another huge serving for a salad enough to share. The wasabi dressing and the wonton crip make the perfect texture that is making me salivate right now even as I type away this review. I remember so well how come on the spice was at first bite. It was hard to get enough of it. 🙂
Crispy Pork Belly
Yes, that is one mean, sinful looking crispy pork belly. And delightfully tasty too. Like the perfect Japanese Filipino fusion, with the Japanese salad on the side. I’m definitely coming back for this too.
Sushisig Maki, P220
Sushisig Maki, anyone? If you love sisig, this has the makings of winning you over at first bite. I could have finished  all four if I was not already stuffed at this point.
Green Tea Ice Cream
All the Japanese food feasting was capped by having this sweet bowl of matcha goodness. 🙂
If there is anything that made particular impression on me aside from the great food offerings of Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen, it is the huge servings. It is great value for our hard-earned money and the practical me will always give two thumbs up for good food served in hefty sizes. 🙂
Tonchaya Japanese Kitchen & Bar
The Fort Strip, 7th St. Corner 28th Ave.(across NBC Tent)
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Contact Nos. 808.9750 or 0920-9212694
Website: www.tonchaya.com
Well-written piece! Love it.
Ohh that Okonomiyaki looks delish! I haven’t tried that one yet!
I love japanese food! And everything here indeed looks so good! I wanna try the okonomiyaki and gyudon.. And the sushi too 🙂
Found black gunk inside my miso soup bowl I was serving my 2 year old son. That same black gunk was also found on the tempura basket. They said it was pot grease. Regardless, aren’t they suppose to wash their bowls? They said they got busy and probably did not wash it properly. They only had one other group in the resto by the way. When I tried to report it to the owner, she got all defensive and was very rude and condescending. I would not recommend this place. Any customer should not be treated this way especially when they are the ones at fault.