Out of the cab and a few steps inside, I had to make a double take as I thought I was already in a small village somewhere in Japan with all the wooden designs and hanging lanterns aglow. I say, not bad for a first impression! though to make the transportation complete, it's not only my eyes that need be satiated but my growing hunger as well.
Futo Maki PHP 280.00 or USD 6.47. Gigantic rolls generously stuffed with crab stick slices, crisp and fresh cucumber, slightly sweet tamago, pickled radish and tasty shiitake mushrooms. A single order is good enough to make 2 hungry people ecstatic, case in point ~Batch and I. I really enjoyed pigging out on Hana's futo maki. The contrast of flavors and textures just can't be organized into words that would give justice to how good it was. Even Batch, a questionable Japanese aficionado relished each roll and greedily gobbled up her share. :)
Takuyaki PHP 120.00 or USD 2.77 [6 pieces]. I've tried so many Filipino takuyaki versions before that I really anticipated finding out what makes the real thing stand out against all those commercially sold takuyaki. The verdict: I was not sold. Maybe my taste buds are already tainted by eating the Filipino style takuyaki that Hana's takuyaki failed to get a major impression out of me. Even Batch shared the same sentiments. I wonder, what is wrong with me?
I finally find out for myself that I'm not a fan of authentic Japanese takuyaki but I still am positively a sushi and maki lover! We're planning to try Kagura's Okonomiyaki on our next visit and I hope it does not disappoint. Have you guys tried dining at Little Tokyo? Any other highly recommended dishes to pig out on? I'd love to hear them all! Hope to see you on my next pig out session. :)
Hana, Little Tokyo
Location & Phone:
Hana, Little Tokyo
Don Chino Roces Ave., Legaspi Vill.
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 339-3855
Website: None found, but they have a Facebook Page HERE
Delivery: No
Estimated Budget: ~P200.00/meal
Payment Methods: Cash
Business Hours: 10:00AM to 11:00PM Daily
Your pig out buddy,
Madz