TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FARE AT MINAMI SAKI

Executive Chef Kimito Katagiri

Minami Saki, which means “flowers in bloom” in Japanese, opened last October 2014 to offer its distinctive take on Japanese cuisine in the Ortigas Business district. It veers away from the current katsu – ramen craze and differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants by staying true to the authentic and traditional cooking of its Executive Chef, the legendary Kimito Katagiri.

Chef Katagiri’s career in the country spans more than three decades. He made his mark in some of Manila’s finest dining establishments such as Ginza (Manila Hotel), Inagiku (Shangri-la Hotel Makati), and Yanagi (Midas Hotel and Casino). Now, Katagiri-san practices his craft at Astoria Plaza in Minami Saki, where fresh sashimi, fusion sushi, and many other familiar Japanese specialties are served in old-school luxury and grace. 

The restaurant creates a mood of sophistication through minimalist design. Designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario adopted an earthy color scheme where everything reminds you of sunlight, a fresh breeze, and of course, the promise of flowers in bloom. With cozy dining booths and longer tables for larger groups, the restaurant can comfortably fit 50-60 people. 

Aburi Sushi (5 Kinds)

Authentic and traditional Japanese cuisine is something Minami Saki never fails to deliver, from the design, décor, cutlery and dinnerware used, the overall ambiance, down to the food itself. The menu reflects Chef Katagiri’s creatively crafted balance of simple Japanese elegance and the Filipino taste for fusion, which he learned from years of living in the Philippines.

Meals here start off with Naguro Nota, a complimentary appetizer made of tuna and onion bits soaked in vinegar. Afterwards, you can choose to partake in Chef Katagiri’s signature dishes. Aburi Sushi is a unique take on sushi served “slighty burned.” Composed of tuna, salmon, eel, hamachi, and lapu-lapu with aburi sauce, it is a perfect fusion of East and West. Another signature dish is Kaki Papaya Yaki, a unique pairing of oysters embedded in papaya and miso sauce. The bright orange papaya contrasts its sweetness with the natural saltiness of the oysters to provide a unique and tasty combination. Other dishes to sample include Moriawase Sashimi Take (melt-in-your-mouth cuts of fresh fish), Katsuju (pork cutlet), Ebi with Tamago Sauce (king prawns in sweet egg sauce), and Tempura Maki among others.

If you want a veritable treat, Minami Saki by Astoria will give you an authentic Japanese feast you will never forget. Minami Saki by Astoria is open daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm and is located at the ground floor of Astoria Plaza, 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City 1600. For table reservations, please call 687.1111

By John Tanjangco l Photography by Raymund Isaac & Steve Fortaleza