Traveled all the way down south to check out a new Japanese restaurant called ORI Japanese House at Circuit Makati. I haven't been here for years because it's too far for me coming from Quezon City. The road less traveled most likely would take me about an hour but my friend promised that it'll be worth it as the new joint serves great Japanese food which I'd take for a cheat day. ORI means "Opportunity" in Japanese and I guess the owners and their partners see this as that. I could see how they passionately want this to happen when we sat down with them for lunch. It's located at the Ayala Malls Circuit which is part of the old Sta. Ana Hippodrome which they converted into a premier mixed used land. Let's take a look shall we?
The Interiors
This place is huge. They've got several seats outside for after office hours when your friends from work promise two bottles as they serve cocktails, mocktails, local and imported beers. The place could have around 80 people, with an air conditioned area inside.
The decor is a mix of modern Japanese, a bit industrial from the exposed piping and HVAC equipment painted black. Chairs are upholstered and tables are light wood grain laden. There are a couple of fancy artwork in the glass windows, some faux Sakura trees inside as their staff greet you happily when you come in. It was a little bit nippy as it was early when I arrived so bring a jacket if may, I was okay with it as I liked it pretty cold.
The Food
They currently are on soft opening and the menu consists of your Japanese favorites. I was with friends during this time and I suggested they order the other items on the menu because I wanted to take photos of it. They gladly did and take some for their Instagram photos too. It was a mix of appetizers and mains, and they wanted to make their best sellers stand out which I'm glad to say already stood on their own. Just look at our spread!
Tuna Sashimi served with finely chopped daikon and carrots, slivers of cucumber, pickled ginger, wasabi and Kikkoman Soy Sauce. It's not fishy, you can see and taste it's fresh. It was gone after a few seconds LOL.
Salmon Sashimi was served with the same sides as with the Tuna. It's also cold, fresh, lovely and sweet.
Ebi Tempura comes in 5 or 7 pieces. Served hot, with a crispy exterior and less salt so ask for condiments if you need more. They have Tempura dipping sauce served with this as well so order heaping white rice if you're hungry.
This is their best seller called ORI Maki. It's chopped pieces of soft shell crabs served in a Nori wrapper base with Aligue Mayo Sauce and cheese on top. They torch this in front of you after they serve it, it was good that I was planning to take photos of it but it didn't last long on the table. I would highly suggest you order this if it's available, you know soft shell crab is seasonal.
An essential part of my Japanese meal are these piping hot pan fried Gyoza. Dip this in super sour vinegar with slices of pickled ginger and you'll love it. I didn't want rice that afternoon so I just enjoyed this on it's own.
This is their majestic Dragon Maki. It's a long dragon with different sections of it dedicated to Soft Shell Crab, Ebi Tempura, Crabstick, Salmon, Tuna, Tamago, Ripe Mangoes and melted cheese on top. This is literally a mouthful and perfect for sharing, especially if you can't decide what to have for dinner, it's all there!
I had this Tofu Butayaki which is like a Japanese upscale version of our Tokwa't Baboy. They use really soft pork belly meat and remove the skin then add in sliced deep fried Tofu mixed in with their special Ori Sauce which is like a sweet light soy. Pretty good and perfect for beer matches.
This is their Tonkotsu Ramen. They use pork bone broth, fresh noodles, slices of pork chasu, wood ear mushrooms, soft boiled egg and chopped scallions. As preference, I put tons of Shichimi Togarashi which is a mix of spices that includes red chili pepper, orange peel, sesame seeds, Japanese pepper, ginger and seaweed. You can find it in most Japanese ramen shops so just ask if you need more. It's hearty and perfect for the rainy season. I would ask for more chili on mine, just ask the kind servers for condiments if you need it. They don't have condiments on the table perhaps as it would make the spread cluttered. Add a little salt if you need to. Albeit a little pricey (this one is Php 420), it's all worth it with the quality of ingredients they use.
Now there's a great reason to visit the little known mall in this area. If you're looking for a Japanese fix, just go to Ori Japanese House at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati. The place looks nice, the service is good and is very family friendly. They also have a section inside from VIP guests, so just reserve if you need to. You deserve more, you deserve to visit Ori Japanese House at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.
For more information about their food:
ORI Japanese House
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