Genji M: Eat-All-You-Can Sushi and Sashimi in Makati

If there's one kind of food I can eat everyday, it would undoubtedly be sushi! From all the cuisines I've tried so far, it's the Japanese fare, most especially sushi and sashimi, that I hold dear in my heart and palate. And I can still vividly remember the first time I got to eat sushi. It was at a small eatery near my elementary school. Though the sushi was so simple -- tuna, cucumber and mango wrapped in rice and nori, it was one dear memory I will forever remember. The day I fell in love with sushi, and vowed to eat more of it.

If you've been a reader for quite a while, you've probably noticed how I always gorge on sushi after sushi and sashimi after sashimi whenever I'm at buffets that carry my most favorite food on the planet. However, there are times that I'm just fixated on the sushi and sashimi, so dining at an eat-all-you-can restaurant with a very wide spread and a really high price might not seem like a good and sulit option. Good thing I've recently came across a restaurant that offers just what I want and need. Unlimited sushi and sashimi.

Located at Kalayaan corner Makati Avenue, Genji M is an Asian fusion restaurant that specializes in Japanese and Korean fare. When it first opened in October 2013, the restaurant has intended to target Japanese and Koreans in the city. However, with its recent menu revamp, it now aims to also get the attention of the local market. And with its newest offering of eat-all-you-can sushi and sashimi, they really got it going for me!

Unlimited sashimi, sushi and rolls rates, and Sushi Item List;
Please click the photos to enlarge.

The Unlimited Sashimi, Sushi and Rolls at Genji M isn't one size fits all, which I really like 'cause there's something for every type of sushi lover. For those who don't mind skipping the sashimi, you can just get the Unlimited Sushi and Rolls for a pocket-friendly price. For people like me who are crazy over sashimi more than the sushi, we can go for the Unlimited Sashimi which already includes eat-all-you-can sushi and rolls. But for the discerning palates who crave for unagi, uni, and tuna belly, they can shell out more (still less compared to ordering a la carte) and enjoy the premium items on top of the regular selection. You can even enjoy a tuna seafood shabu-shabu session.

My Unlimited Sashimi, Sushi and Rolls Experience

For my Genji M visit, I got to enjoy what I really want, eat-all-you-can sashimi and sushi.

Salmon, Tuna and Lapu-Lapu Nigiri Sushi

To start the sushi fest, we first had this plate of nigiri sushi made with salmon, tuna and lapu-lapu. It was my first time to have raw lapu-lapu, and I liked it! It's mild and delicate on the palate, contrary to what I expected it to be. But I didn't just enjoy the lapu-lapu. I like every single one on this platter. The fish slices were fresh, with wasabi tucked between the fish and the rice. They also used well-seasoned Japanese rice. If I have to nitpick the pieces though, I guess a better ratio of fish to rice would've made the nigiri perfect.

Samgyupsal, Tamago (Egg), and Cuttlefish (Squid) Nigiri Sushi; Baked Tofu Sushi

I came in a little late, so pardon the half empty plate. On this end of the platter, we had pieces of nigiri sushi made with samgyupsal (pork belly), Japanese omelette, and squid, which all tasted good. Texture-wise though, the samgyupsal can be made better if it were cooked a little less done. As for the Baked Tofu Sushi, it was interesting to see a different presentation to the usually-rectangular inarizushi (sushi rice in tofu pockets). Genji M's were pyramid in shape which made it look cuter, and more fun to eat.

Big Maki California, and Tuna Maki

We also had some California Maki (different from the inside-out California Roll), Tuna Maki, California Roll and Kimchi Maki. (Didn't get a photo of the latter 2. My bad!)

✓ Bulgogi Sushi

As a fusion restaurant, Genji M decided to offer a marriage of Japanese and Korean cuisines which gave birth to the Bulgogi Sushi. This is an interesting sushi item that oozes with sweet and savory flavors (something the Pinoy palates will sure fall in love with) that blend nicely with the slightly sweet, slightly sour sushi rice.

Salmon Nigiri Sushi

Since I can't get enough of the Salmon Nigiri Sushi, I decided to order more. Just look at that glorious slices! Don't they look beautiful? When you order through the checklist, the sushi and rolls will come in two's. Except of course, if you order the platters.

✓ Fatty Salmon Nigiri Sushi

The previous salmon sushi was already a good catch. But this Fatty Salmon Nigiri is even better! Not only did they use a fattier portion of the salmon, but they also scorched the top a little to give it a slightly charred flavor. They even topped it with some Japanese mayo and a small onion slice which made every mouthful taste oh-so-divine!

Kani (Crabstick) Nigiri Sushi

Spam Nigiri Sushi

For the kiddos and those easier to please, there's the Kani Sushi and the Spam Nigiri. I didn't care for these 2 that much since I can easily whip them up at home anyway.

✓ Sashimi Platter: Tuna, Octopus, Lapu-Lapu, Tuna Belly, Salmon, Cuttlefish
(Clockwise from bottom right)

Then came my most awaited items, the sashimi. We had different kinds and every one tasted fresh. Definitely not the frozen ones you usually get from fast food chains. As expected, I hoarded my favorite salmon and octopus. The tuna, lapu-lapu, and tuna belly were really good too. Usually, I shy away from ika (cuttlefish) sashimi since I get jaw-damaging rubbery ones most of the time. However, at Genji M, the ika sashimi had a really enjoyable texture. Soft, yet slightly chewy with just the right bite.

✓ Sashimi Platter: Lapu-lapu, salmon, tuna belly, octopus, blue marlin, tuna
(Clockwise from bottom right)

Of course, we had round 2 of the sashimi! But instead of having the cuttlefish again, we had the blue marlin one. And as expected from fresh slices of sashimi, everything tasted great. I can't remember how many slices I had that night. But one thing's for sure, I was the one who had the most number of sashimi on our end of the table!

Complimentary Miso Soup

Complimentary Japanese-Style Salad with Roasted Sesame Dressing

Complimentary Kimchi Salad

When you avail of any of the 3 Unlimited Sashimi, Sushi and Rolls promo, you also get complimentary miso soup which can still use some improvement, Japanese-style salad which was really good, and kimchi salad which I managed to almost finish off... So good with sushi! By the way, I'm not so sure, but I think these 3 items are also unlimited.

Print this coupon and get P250 off! One coupon per person only.

Here's a good news, everyone! You can print this coupon to get P250 off your bill! If you're dining out with say, 4 more people, you can print this out 5 times, and get a P1,250 discount! Or, if you'd like to avail of Genji M's Lunch Specials which only cost P250, you get to eat for free and just pay the service charge! Sounds tempting eh? I-print na yan!

THE VERDICT

For a sushi and sashimi lover like me, this visit to Genji M is like a trip to a cool amusement park for the kids. They may not have the widest variety when it comes to the rolls, but the freshness of their seafood, and the good selection of sushi and sashimi, more than makes up for it. Genji M will definitely be one of my go-to places should I crave for sushi and sashimi. The P699 price tag is very reasonable compared to ordering a la carte. I might even try the premium selection next, when my unagi and uni cravings kick in! So do I recommend Genji M for your sushi and sashimi fix? Definitely!

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

Genji M (Former SamJung), Makati
Kalayaan Ave. cor. Makati Ave.,
San Lorenzo, Makati
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 804-2883
Official Website
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