Another Katsu Player in the Metro? I dont mind. The more the merrier. This Japanophile loves anything Japanese and Katsu plus sushi and sashimi spells happiness to the tummy for me. So found myself last Friday in Quezon City checking out this new international franchise which came straight from Tokyo. It was a bit far from the family’s usual haunt in Makati, Mandaluyong and BGC . But distance nor traffic is not an issue when it comes to Japanese cuisine.
Origins
Apparently Fumizen started in April 1977 or some 40 years ago in New Otani Hotel in Tokyo. It became well known because its bento boxes were sought after by members of the Japanese government.
What was intriguing with Fumizen was that for many years its CEO had all been women until recently that is when Mr. Watanabe became the first male CEO ever in Fumizen’s history.
Katsu, Sushi, Sashimi, etc
Last Friday we were served four kinds of sushi …
Fumizen Special California Maki Roll P245 was an instant favorite. It beguiled with its lovely mango yellow beautifully enhanced by the contrasting brilliant orange of the ebiko or shrimp roe.
Spicy Salmon Aburi Maki Roll P305 , stood out with its glistening crown of cubed salmon which had just the right kick to make it interesting.
Crunchy Tuna Crackers P225 intrigued with its unique presentation. It was definitely not sushi but more of an hors doeuvre. Check out the cubes of tuna on top of the cracker
In contrast Cheese Salmon Aburi Maki Roll P295 looked simple compared to its more flamboyant sisters but is nonetheless equally as scrumptious
Loin Tonkatsu Set 100 grams P375
Hire Katsu Set P405
Prawn Katsu Set P475
Why go?
If you are tired of eating from the same Japanese restaurants you see in the mall, you may want to go to Quezon City just to satisfy your curiosity about this more than 4 decades old Katsu restaurant straight from Tokyo that is so popular to Japanese prime ministers and celebrities.
First of all the attention to detail is impressive. Amazing that their rice called Koshihiari was made by Mr. Tomomi Saito who as they say in their menu ” commits himself to rice making in Seiiro Machi, Ktakanbara-gun.
We all know that rice is in the core of all food in Japanese cuisine and it is very important it is the most excellent rice there is. I can attest to the gorgeousness of their rice which made the experience of eating their sushi such a joy.
For its pork dishes, Fumizen sources its pig from Kagoshima-Ken and Royal LWD Sangenton pig grown in Chibaken. Premium ingredients at a price that is very competitive relative to the other katsu restaurants locally , Japanese Chefs, delicious katsu and sushi. What’s not to love?
Check them out and let me know how it turns out for you.
Fumizen in Quezon City is currently in soft opening stage in the remaining days of December and all transactions shall be on cash basis.
On January 20, 2020, they will open formally.
See you there!
Store hours are from Mondays to Sundays, 11AM to 11PM. For more details and updates on their menu and future promos, you can reach out to Fumizen by calling them at (02) 8370-5587 or emailing them at fumizen.ph@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fumizenph/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fumizenph/ Zomato: https://www.zomato.com/manila/fumizen-japanese-restaurant-tomas-moratoquezon-city