Kiwami Japanese Food Hall: Bringing Four Brands (Masters) Into One Space

The Standard Group, the food group that opened the katsu chain Yabu, and brought international brands such as Hong Kong’s Elephant Grounds and Japan’s Ippudo, brought 4 Japanese food brands or masters and placed them into one food hall. On the last quarter of 2021, they opened the Kiwami Japanese Food Hall at the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Kiwami is not your typical food hall where you have to order food at every establishment. Rather, you’re given one menu combining all brands, making ordering convenient.

Here are the 4 brands and what I tried from each:

HACHIBEI (YAKITORI)

Although yakitori is literally grilled chicken skewers, Yakitori Hachibei is a brand that offers the beloved Japanese staple in different forms (like pork skewers). Founded by Katsunori Yashima, Hachibei’s mission is to introduce Hakata-style “yakitori” to the world. The said style goes beyond chicken and actually refers to anything skewered, in which pork belly is the most popular.

I tried their 5 sticks platter, which consists of Buta Bare (pork belly), Tebasaki (chicken wings), Tomato Bacon Roll, Tori Momo (chicken thighs) with Mentaiko (salted fish roe in Japanese mayo), and Tsukene (meatball). All of the skewers were juicy, moist, and perfectly charred. This platter is probably my favorite item in Kiwami!

HANNOSUKE (TEMPURA/TENDON)

Hannosuke is a Tokyo tempura tendon specialist which always has snaking queues that last for hours! It is helmed by tempura master Shinya Kaneko, who inherited the recipe from his granddad, Kaneko Hannosuke.

You can either have a tempura set or a tendon set. The difference with tendon is that the tempura items are topped over rice and drizzled with Hannosuke heirloom tendon sauce. Whichever you get, you’ll be delighted light and crisp tempura.

Don’t forget to try the premium sets, which has unagi (eel). It’s delicious!

Ippudo (Ramen)

Founded in 1985 by Shigemi Kawahara and originating from Fukuoka, Ippudo is a global ramen chain serving Hakata-style ramen. While it reached the Philippine shores in 2014, it’s only my first time to try it at Kiwami. Perhaps it’s because I’m picky with my ramen since I have my favorite…located in Salcedo Village, Makati. LOL.

But I’m willing to give Ippudo a shot. So I tried their specialty Tokusei Tantanmen because I love tantanmen, the Japanese take on the Chinese dandan noodles which is spicy and nutty due to sesame paste.

Ippudo’s version has a rich, spicy, and nutty broth. Its noodles are chewy but I prefer it to be chewier. The piece of chashu (Japanese braised pork belly) is tender and the bokchoy gives crunch. Overall, it’s a good bowl ramen and I think I’ll be trying more Ippudo ramen!

Yabu (Katsu)

Finally, the brand that started the katsu (Japanese cutlet) craze in Manila. Yabu was opened back in 2011 with a partnership with Kazuya Takeda, the chef behind Tokyo’s Tonkatsu Takeshin. To this day, the katsu chain is one of the longest standing and is still in the forefront of all the katsu spots in the country!

Here’s another disclosure: I haven’t tried Yabu prior to my Kiwami visit. So I made sure I try it. I got their Rosu (pork loin), which is tender and has a nice light batter.

*Rosu Katsu* Set (80g: P315; 120g: P345; 180g: P460)

One bite and I was filled with regret! How come I didn’t try this before?! Next time, I’ll order again and try their Kurobota or Black Berkshire Pig, which is the wagyu of pork.

Dessert: Hokkaido Soft Serve

With all the amazing food in Kiwami, it has to end with an amazing dessert and their Hokkaido soft serve will not disappoint! It’s creamy and silky smooth. You can get it either in a cup with Kuromitsu Boba (black honey pearls), which give a nice added sweetness, or in a Lengua de Gato (butter cookie) cone, which is genius! I prefer the latter because of it’s buttery goodness!

Hokkaido Soft Serve in a Cup with *Kuromitsu Boba* (P150) and in *Lengua de Gato* Cone (P125)

By the way, they make the lengua de gato cone upon order!

*Lengua de Gato* cone in the making. Talk about freshness!

If you love Japanese food, then Kiwami Japanese Food Hall is a must visit. My wife and I are satisfied with all visits. Although it can hurt our wallets, the delicious, high quality food make every visit worth it. I highly recommend this food hall to you!

Address: C3 Lower G/F Bonifacio High Street, 29th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City | Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-10PM; Friday & Saturday, 11AM-11PM | Contact No.: (02) 8570-4736; 0968-8827684 | Facebook | Instagram