Ikinari Steak Philippines: The Japanese Steakhouse Chain Opens in Manila!

In the recent years, more and more international brands have been entering the Philippine market. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen the opening of America’s Foot Locker, Sweden’s IKEA, and Thailand’s Greyhound Cafe. There were also pop-ups of Bored and Hungry and In-N-Out.

Japanese brands are fast catching up. Chains such as Mitsukoshi, MOS Burger, and Sukiya have each launched its first Philippine branch in the past few months. And last December 18, 2022, Ikinari Steak opened at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Square, Pasay City.

Ikinari Steak Philippines at SM MOA Square, Pasay City

Ikinari Steak is a Japanese steakhouse chain with over 300 branches in Japan and several locations overseas. Literally “sudden steak”, Ikinari is known for letting its diners eat steak while standing up, or serving steak without appetizers or sides. Its sit-down restaurant was a later development.

I’ve learned to appreciate and love steaks in the recent years. Having it the Japanese way was exciting to me. Let me share our Ikinari experience to you.

Entering Ikinari was already a feast for the nose. When you smell the steak aroma, it’s almost impossible to get out.

Ikinari is known for its condiments. They have their signature sweet sauce and spicy sauce, garlic paste, horseradish paste, salt and pepper, and wasabi. I like them all, but nothing beats wasabi.

There are only a few sides offered at Ikinari. We got the Beef Soup, which is comforting but needs a bit of seasoning, and the Salad, which can add crunch to your meal. There are two dressing for the salad: Sesame and, if I’m not mistaken, a soy-sesame vinaigrette.

We ordered three kinds of meat, all served on a sizzling plate and with one plate of rice. We planned to order their signature Wild Steak, which is a certified Angus beef chuck eye steak. Unfortunately, it was out of stock. So I got the Diced Cut, which is also a chuck eye steak but cut differently from the Wild Steak.

It is tender but not like their premium cuts. In fact, there were pieces that are chewy. But I like its nice char taste.

We tried another bestseller—the Ikinari Hamburg Steak, which is super juicy. It also comes with an onion sauce, which is sweet and gives a distinct Japanese taste (I’ve tasted it in another Japanese dish). I just hoped the Hamburg Steak was less minced.

Ikinari Hamburg Steak (200g: PHP475; 300g: PHP610)

Of course, we had to get the Ribeye, which is tender and juicy. It’s already tasty by itself because of the fat in it. But you can always add condiments, which enhances its flavor.

Ribeye (200g: PHP1199; By gram: PHP5.99/g)

The ribeye is easily my favorite at Ikinari!

If 200 grams isn’t enough for you, you can order by the gram. Prices differ per cut.

If you’re a steak lover but on a limited budget, then Ikinari Steak is for you. I think their meat quality and service is worth the price. I highly recommend this place to you!

PS They will open a branch at Mitsukoshi BGC soon. (Check out what’s open so far in Mitsukoshi BGC here.)

Address: G/F SM MOA Square, Pasay City, Philippines | Operating Hours: TBA (check their social media pages of updated schedule) | Facebook | Instagram