Authentic Japanese dining experience at Ichiba Japanese Market
 
 
Just when you thought Japanese food couldn’t get any better, here comes Ichiba: Japanese Market to redefine your dining experience.
 
 
Seasoned restaurateur and Ichiba CEO Bryan Tiu was inspired by the numerous fresh food markets in Japan like Tsukiji, Kuromon, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The inspiration led to the conclusion that it’s high time to bring the best of Japanese cuisine—as fresh as it can be—to the Philippines.
 
 

 

 
Ichiba, which means ‘market,’ is the first ever Japanese market in Metro Manila where guests can witness their food being made—from the net to the table. Tiu replicated the fresh seafood markets of Japan inside Ichiba, where diners can catch the seafood of their choice—from lobsters to crabs to a wide assortment of fish—and have it cooked in the Ichiba kitchen to their liking.
 
 

 
Apart from the fresh seafood market, diners can also choose from the six food stations in the center of Ichiba, each one serving the most irresistible Japanese fare: Gyoza, tempura, yakitori, ramen, takoyaki, and donburi. Each station is buzzing with activity, much like how Japanese markets are busy with customers and different kinds of produce.
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Another station is dedicated for sashimi, where diners can watch Chef Nobuyoshi Onishi (of Midori Sushi in Japan) in action—slicing some of the finest seafood and turning them into sushi and sashimi.
 
 
At the far end of the restaurant is the first ever Asahi Bar in the Philippines. What better way to end an authentic Japanese meal with the best Japanese beer?
 
 
There are two ways of ordering your food at Ichiba: (1) look at their extensive menu and give your order to their staff, or (2) walk around the “market place” to watch how each dish is made and place your order on the station.
 
 
Deciding which dishes to order could be a daunting task, especially in a place as lively and as packed as Ichiba. We suggest having gyoza and takoyaki for appetizer, then order a steaming bowl of ramen or donburi for your main course. If you’re having ramen, order a few sticks of yakitori for that additional depth and flavor to your meal.
 
 
“I wanted to bring something new here,” Tiu told Expat. “I don’t want just another Japanese restaurant. I am bringing Japanese experience [here in the Philippines] and with Chef Nobu, we will only serve the best authentic Japanese dishes.”
 
 
Ichiba: Japanese Market is located at the second floor of the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. For more information, call (0917) 732-2176. Follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IchibaPH) and Instagram (@ichibaph).
 
 
 
By CHING DEE