Blog Anniversary Giveaway #7: Tempura Japanese Grill

If it isn't too obvious yet, my favorite cuisine of all time is Japanese. And if it isn't any more obvious, authentic Japanese cuisine is pretty heavy on the pocket. However, you'll have to agree with me that there are just times you want to eat your favorite food but for less. You know, like have a tasty sushi roll without having to break an arm and a leg...

The only problem with settling for fast casual restaurants is, as you know, you'd have to expect quality to be a lot lower. And this is true most especially for Japanese cuisine. However, there's a particular Japanese fast casual dining place that never fails to satisfy me while giving me the bang for my buck. Yup, it's Tempura Japanese Grill!

Forgive me for failing to take a photo of the restaurant when the beau and I dined at the Trinoma branch. I wasn't feeling too well that time. Haha! I know, I know. Excuses! If you've roamed through some of the major malls though, I bet you've already seen this resto. Slightly warm lighting, red, cream and black color scheme, and a simple décor...

✓ Uncle Sam's Maki (P210)

For the food, we first started off with Uncle Sam's Maki, a sushi roll with shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber strips and mango, topped with bacon and mayo. Even though I wasn't feeling well that night, this fusion roll didn't fail to bring back my appetite. Every mouthful gave off a really tasty sweet and savory flavor, while the toasted sesame seeds on the outside gave every piece an enjoyable crunch. Definitely at par with Omakase's maki!

Ebi Chizu Tempura (3pcs P195; 5pcs P300; 8pcs P450)

Since we're at Tempura Japanese Grill, I thought it'd be fitting to order their tempura. However, since I've already tried their regular one, I decided to be more adventurous and get the Ebi Chizu Tempura instead. It was a mistake though. As I remember, their regular tempura was enjoyable. But, I can't say the same for this cheese-flavored one. It was crunchy, yes. However, the batter reeks of cheese powder. And when you dip it to the sauce, it somehow just becomes regular tempura. I think this is a dish better ordered for kids, not for legit tempura lovers. Even the beau shared the same sentiment.

✓ Ramen Burger (P245)

Not so long ago, the resto introduced this Ramen Burger. I can say I'm one of those skeptical foodies who likes their ramen pure, and their burger either paired with rice or sandwiched in a bun. However, I've always been the usisera type, so I also wanted to give this fusion burger, which is inspired by New York's Keizo Shimamoto, a try.

At Tempura Japanese Grill, the Ramen Burger consisting of layers of pan-fried ramen bun, signature Japanese barbecue sauce, roasted onion with sesame seeds, homemade beef patty, honey-cured bacon, lettuce, and again pan-fried ramen bun, is served with a side of thin crispy potato chips (which the beau really digs, by the way).

It might look good, but I didn't let my guard down. I was still as skeptical.... Not until I took that first bite. I'm not the type who goes crazy for burgers, but I seriously loved this Ramen Burger. The beef patty was super meaty and succulent, and was even enhanced by the tasty barbecue sauce. The bacon was an added bonus. I think the burger can stand alone even without it, but it's a very welcome treat. And the ramen bun? I initially thought I wouldn't like it, but I enjoyed it so much I told the beau to get some patty but not some of the ramen bun! Since it was pan-fried, the outside was crispy. The center on the other hand, was a little chewy which I found highly enjoyable. It held together really well too contrary to what I initially expected. This is definitely a must-try!

Tempura Udon (P220)

Normally, it's the beau who'd order the more meaty and flavorful dish. However, he's trying to lay low with his meat intake, so he ordered the Tempura Udon, a bowl of thick wheat flour noodles with mushrooms, carrots, flat green beans and two pieces of tempura in a probably shio-based broth. The beau liked the tempura and the udon although it was firmer than what we would've wanted. However, it was the broth he didn't dig since it tasted like vegetables daw. Silly beau! This is actually good for him, but I guess he was so used to having tonkotsu-based broth. This dish is okay for me though.

As you know, a meal isn't complete without a sweet ending. We still wanted to stay for dessert, but I was already coughing my lungs out, so maybe next time. *sob*

THE VERDICT

Tempura Japanese Grill has been one of my trusty quick fix for Japanese cuisine. They have a variety of modern Japanese appetizers, soups and salads, sushi and makimono, tempura, grilled meats, seafood, noodles, rice bowls, and their newest offering, the Ramen Burger. Of course, they're not at par with authentic and high-end Japanese restos. But for what you're paying, they serve pretty good fast casual Japanese food. With our most recent visit, we only shelled out about P800, and we were already left very full! Just imagine where a thousand or more at Tempura Japanese Grill can take you!

Taste - 3.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 4.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Tempura Japanese Grill, Trinoma
L/2 Trinoma Garden, North Ave. cor Mindanao Ave.,
Sto. Cristo, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 916-7007
Official Website
Facebook Page
Instagram

Other Branches:
Banawe, Tomas Morato, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Midtown, U.N. Avenue, Convergys Makati, SM Pampanga, and SM Cebu

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It's been a while since I last threw a giveaway for my 2nd Year Blog Anniversary, so let's pick up from where we left off, shall we? The beau and I sure had a good time at Tempura Japanese Grill, and I want YOU to do so too. Oh, and make sure you order the Ramen Burger. You should definitely, definitely give it a try! *wink*

Prize: (1) winner of P2,000, and (2) winners of P1,000-worth of gift certificates valid for food and drinks at all Tempura Japanese Grill branches

The gift certificates are also valid for use at Flavors of China, Holy Cow, Karate Kid, & Congo Grill.

PLEASE READ!
Guidelines to enter the giveaway raffle:

1. Be a Metro Manila resident or someone (even not within Metro Manila) who can actually use the prize, or have a person you'll give the prize to in case you can't use them. (Don't join please, if you know you can't use the GCs.)
2. Follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below to join.
3. Make sure you do all the first six mandatory steps to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway raffle will run from today until February 24, 2014. The winner will be drawn, announced and contacted a day after. So what are you waiting for? Join now and get a taste of the amazing Ramen Burger from Tempura Japanese Grill!

Disclaimer: The prizes were sponsored by the good folks from Tempura Japanese Grill.