Nikkei’s Exquisite Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine Made Accessible
Nikkei has been in the dining scene for several years already; but I believe that it’s just lately gaining mainstream traction after expanding to a number of branches and establishing tie-up’s with discount apps like Booky and Zomato.
ABURI ROLL (5PCS – P350; 10 PCS – P695)
Nikkei started it out with a trimmed down menu filled with things I’ve never heard of: causas, tiraditos, and huancaina risotto. If that wasn’t intimidating enough, these small plates also came at a high price tag.
NIKKEI (P195)
Back when it first opened in Makati, I opted for its more reasonably-priced lunch bento sets which come with a bowl of miso soup and a scoop of their interesting ice cream flavors. Over time, it expanded its menu as it expanded its number of branches. Despite that, the Nikkei Tiraditos remains as a mainstay on my table as I love the harmony of flavors that play on the plate. You have thinly-sliced fresh sashimi (I opt for the Salmon variety, but you can swap it for white fish or tuna) served with a semi-sweet and tangy glaze and topped with tiny red chili fingers and cilantro. If you’re looking for something with more weight, their rolls are also satisfying. The Aburi Roll boasts of a combination of ebi tempura and salmon topped with a wonderful torched cheese crown.
KAKIAGE TEMPURA (4 PCS – P220)
Small plates such as the Kakiage Tempura are perfect appetizers and sides to have, especially since Nikkei’s main dishes are on the smaller/lighter side. Unfortunately, its Kakiage Tempura left a lot to be desired. The medley of julienne slices of squash, carrots, onions and sweet potatoes were held together in a beautiful golden-brown batter; but it was ultimately forgettable taste-wise.
SEARED TUNA WITH SEA URCHIN RISOTTO (P680)
One of the first dishes I had in Nikkei would be their Seared Tuna with the Huancaina Risotto; since then, its beautifully striking yellow risotto never left my mind. However, to change things up, we opted for its new variation, the Seared Tuna with Sea Urchin Risotto. Equally tasty, equally unique, and equally delicious. This is one of the few dishes in Nikkei that’s perfect for sharing. For those wary of uni, I believe this serves as a wonderful introduction to uni as you won't feel the slime nor taste any of its fishiness here.
BUTA NO KAKUNI (P680)
Pair the Risotto with a slice of its Buta No Kakuni, which uses juicy Kurobuta Pork Belly, drizzled with the playfully tangy ponzu sauce.
CHAHAN (P180) and SALMON TERIYAKI (P495)
A number of their main dishes don’t come with a side dish such as the Buta No Kakuni and its Salmon Teriyaki. A solution to this would be opting for a cup of its Chahan, or its take on the classic Japanese fried rice. This tasty cup can feed more than one person; and is flavorful enough on its own.
CARRILLERAS (P395)
However, it’s the Carrileras which easily became a new favorite. Melt-in-your-mouth cubes of delicately braised Iberico Pork cheeks lay on top of a delicious truffled mashed potato bed. It’s a perfect meal in itself. The smoky savory flavors of the cubes are wonderfully balanced by the creaminess of the fluffy mashed potato. You’re guaranteed a perfect bite in each bite!
My recommendation? Make the most out of its partnership with Zomato Gold as it’s still offering a 1+1 on its dishes (as of this article’s writing) to make most out of your experience!
Nikkei
GF, One Rockwell, West Tower, Rockwell, Makati City
Date of Visit: February 5, 2019 with Wilson Chua, Lily Chua, Jared Chua and Jem Chua
