MANILA, Philippines – Think of local katsu places around the Metro – does Yabu come to mind? 

For many, it does – after all, it’s been a consistent contender in the katsu game since 2011. Best known for its crunchy katsu menu (pork, seafood, chicken) and unli-sets, the household name has kept diners happy with its reliable menu of 8 years. 

Although Yabu isn’t known for introducing new additions to their menu (why fix what isn’t broken, right?), 2019 is the year they digress, launching two new dishes inspired by Japan’s Kanazawa region: Kazuya Katsu Curry and Curry Cheese Gyoza.

Both dishes were specially created by Yabu’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-starred chef, Kazuya Takeda, who claims the Michelin award for a “good quality, good value restaurant.”

So, what’s new from Yabu?

Kazuya Katsu Curry Set (P450-685)

What sets this curry apart from the rest? For one, it’s meatier and definitely more filling, serving up twice the meat of a regular curry.

Diners first decide on their signature Yabu katsu of their choice – hire (pork tenderloin), rosu (porkloin), menchi (minced beef, pork, and cheese), chicken, hire Kurobuta or rosu kurobuta. 

Served alongside is the special curry sauce which is cooked with minced pork bits – not only is it an extra serving of meat, but it also gives the curry a deeper, more savory flavor.

The Kazuya sauce though just may be what’ll curry you away – considering that it’s thicker, richer, darker, and more flavorful, made with a different blend of bolder spices compared to the others’ soupier, sweeter sauce.

The secret? A longer simmer, lots of spice, and everything nice. 

Curry Cheese Gyoza (P295)

Yabu’s first ever gyoza dish, the Curry Cheese Gyoza, is best enjoyed with the Kazuya Curry or even on its own, because really – what isn’t better without cheese?

The popular hand-made Japanese dumpling is unlike its usual steamed form, though – this is deep-fried until super crunchy, its insides juicy.

The gyoza is then topped with crunchy nori salad, swimming in the same rich curry sauce of the Kazuya Katsu, which is finished off with some melted mozzarella cheese. 

Both dishes are now available in all Yabu stores nationwide. Which will you try out first? – Rappler.com