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Tonkatsu by Terazawa Opens in Ayala Center Cebu!

As much as I'd hate to admit it, I've only been "converted" into Japanese food worship only a few years back. I grew up in a kitchen that mastered the oily goodness of Filipino food down to a science, and even when we went out, our family would constantly seek the same thing. It took eating out on my hard-earned salary to finally be able to sit down and appreciate a subtle, artful Japanese meal. I haven't looked back since then, with Japanese food ranking high on my list. Ranking much higher on my personal list of Japanese favorites, however, is Tonkatsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet dish served since the 19th century. The words "deep-fried pork" might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of authentic Japanese cuisine, but it is as genuine as it can get, and for me, it feels closer to home.

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I got to try out the oyster, prawn and pork set. Nom. Just thinking about it makes my stomach grumble

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Go the extra mile with your Tonkatsu by smothering it with their special sauce and cabbage shreddings. Lifechanging, I tell you!

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Matcha ice cream cake. Garrrrrrrrrrr. I could certainly use one right now

lunch dates Edd of IluvCebu and superstar PR girl Precious!

quite ironic considering that high-quality pork is the flagship product of Tonkatsu... but hey, it's still cute! lol

Once more with feeling! It tastes as good as it looks :)

With that, I knew I couldn't refuse the invite from Selrahco PR and The Bistro Group to join them for lunch to launch their newest baby in Cebu, Tonkatsu by Terazawa. Known for bringing top foreign dining chains to the Philippines such as TGI Fridays, Bulgogi Brothers, Italianni's and more to our shores, The Bistro Group is at it again with this famed international tonkatsu chain. Established in Japan 20 years ago, Chef Terazawa from Nagoya Japan challenged himself to make the best breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet orTonkatsu in town. Currently he has restaurants in Nagoya, Singapore,Malaysia and eventually found its way to the Philippines.

The food looks really great in pictures, but in all honesty... they taste even better than they look! The pork is absolutely tender and flavorful, the breading light and crisp (and non-greasy, by the way!), overall making quite a remarkable katsu meal. The secret lies in Tonkatsu's natural way of sealing all the flavor in by wrapping the meat in white cloth for three days before cooking. Best-sellers include Kurobuta Rosu Katsu (imported black Berkshire pig meat), Hire Katsu, Iroiro Katsu and Deep Fried Oysters. I personally tried their Pork, Oyster and Prawn set for a bit of variety, and I wanted seconds! It was quite good. Price points may be a bit steep ranging from Php 300-600, but the servings are hearty, and you can tell it was prepared with exquisite care, so I can definitely say that it's well worth the price.

Tonkatsu by Terazawa is located in Greenbelt 2 in Makati and Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, and now at Level 1, The Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu.