There's a new restaurant in Malate. Well, it's not really new but I've only eaten there twice. It's Nihonbashi Tei. Obviously it's a Japanese restaurant.
The first time I ate there was with my office mates. I tried the Katsudon (breaded pork chop rice topping) set meal. This includes the appetizer and dessert - a choice between nata de coco and iced coffee. I chose the latter. Let me tell you, one serving is enough for two people already.
My office mates ordered Tempura and Gyudon set meals. We also ordered the Salmon sashimi. It's to die for. It literally melts in your mouth. By the end of lunch our tummies were already very full.
The day after I was there again, this time with my boyfriend for our monthsary. We ordered A LOT of food - Miso Ramen, Tempura, Salmon sashimi, and Katsu Curry, which we just took home. The Miso Ramen was heavenly, very authentic and different from other Japanese restaurants. The prawns used for the Tempura were huge. Katsu Curry was flavorful and not too spicy for my taste, and I don't like spicy food most of the time. The meat though was a little tough for my sensitive teeth.
Things I don't like about Nihonbashi Tei: they allow smoking in the restaurant, and their toilet is clogged up. Another downside is that most of the patrons are foreigners sans GROs, but hey, we're in Malate.
My ratings (1 to 10, with 10 being the highest):
Ambience - 6.5. I really am not one for smoking. Although I can't smell it, I know I can breathe the smoke in.
Food - 8. I have the feeling that they serve the most authentic Japanese food here in the Philippines, although I have yet to try some of the other Japanese restaurants.
Service - 6.5. Although the servers are diligent in performing their tasks, they can be noisy, talking to each other even though they are at different corners of the restaurant.
Nihonbashi Tei has two branches in the Philippines that I know of:
Malate branch(in front of the Hyatt)
483 Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Tel: +632-708-2807
Makati branch
806 Arnaiz Ave., Pasay Rd.
Makati City
Tel: +632-818-8893
I hope they put up a website soon.
