Fusion is one of the cuisines that never fail to tickle my tastebuds. I always look forward to the explosion of distinct but complementing flavors that spice up dishes I’ve tried over and over. I always find western dishes being fused with ingredients and elements from other cuisines, but I’ve never actually tried them with anything Japanese, until I tried Tokyo Café.
For some reason, I have always been under the impression that the Japanese make great western dishes. I see a lot of western dishes and desserts in their magazines, crafts, artwork, cinema, and television. Tokyo Café did exceptionally well to affirm this impression.
The only thing Japanese about Tokyo Café is its name, so don’t be misled into expecting some sushi, takoyaki, or ramen in this restaurant. Mr. Atsushi Yoshizawa, Tokyo Cafe owner, explains in a ClickTheCity.com feature that in Japan, family restaurants that offer ‘western food with a touch of Japanese culture’ are pretty common. This is what he wanted to share to Filipinos when he opened the first branch in SM Mall of Asia, and eventually a second branch in SM North Edsa. Even the interior of the restaurants are fused–modern minimalist design with neutral colors of brown and white, accentuated by red lantern spheres hanging over the tables. Yes, reminiscent of Japan’s signature colors of white and red.
What will welcome you is an enticing menu of Italian and American dishes with a twist of Japanese ingredients and influence. Is the usual Pasta Marinara boring your tastebuds to death? Try the mother of all fusion pasta dishes, Creamy Ebiko Pasta—made with shrimp, karashi ebiko (spicy shrimp roe sauce), and cream pasta. Do you find Burger Steak with Mushroom Sauce bland and unpalatable? Maybe it’s about time to switch to Italian Hamburg Steak, which makes yummy burger patties even yummier with herbed tomato sauce and cheese topping. Craving for a tasty dessert? Tokyo Café has a delightful roster of mouth-watering crepes. Their Choco Strawberry Crepe is one of the heavenliest crepes I’ve tasted; a perfect sweet treat for every strawberry lover.
With an affordable P200-499 budget and generous serving (dishes are good enough for two people, but it’s easy to find yourself ordering extra when you’re famished), I find Tokyo Café to be one of the few restaurants where I can splurge on divine dishes without actually feeling bad about my wallet. It’s one of my choice restaurants for lunch or dinner with friends, as I’m yet to find someone who doesn’t taste the yummy goodness. They are also constantly coming up with more delectable dishes, so it’s also one of those restaurants that I’ll always find myself checking out!
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