Nikkei opens new branch in The Podium, Ortigas

What happens when Japanese cuisine meets Peruvian cuisine? Fireworks of flavors.

At Nikkei, Western and Oriental meet– making it the best of both worlds. On the ground floor of The Podium at the Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, they’ve brought their rustic yet romantic feel that will invite you in for a variety of dishes and drinks. After the success of their branch in Rockwell Center, Makati City, they’re sharing the goodness of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine to the people who are at the heart of Ortigas Center.

Through the great minds of business partners Carlo Lorenzana and Chef Juan Barcos, they’ve decided to create Nikkei, letting Filipinos have a mesh of Japanese and Peruvian Cuisines. The marriage works well, as the simplicity and the clean taste of Japanese flavors are made vibrant by the bold and citrusy flavors of Peruvian spices.

Ebi Furai, 5 Pieces (Php 295)

It was back in 2015 when they first opened the concept and their first store in Makati, and after two years people still can’t get enough of their dishes just yet. Now, with their latest branch of Nikkei in Ortigas, they are inviting everyone to appreciate and indulge themselves in their unique medley of flavors.

Maguro Uni (Php 220)

Chalaquita (Php 180)

“Half of my body, for some reason, is in Asia and the other one is in South America… I’ve always had this curiosity of Asian food and culture,” said Chef Juan on his inspiration on Nikkei. The immigration of Japanese people to Peru made the merge of culture profound in recreating dishes with local ingredients. Nikkei is on the mission to introduce these two cuisines in the country.

Mixed Jalea, assorted fried seafood (Php 680)

A combination of earth and ocean, you can enjoy their nigiri, sushi, rolls, and temaki with a twist. One of their bestsellers is the Ebi Furai (Php 295 for 5 pieces and Php 545 for 10 pieces), a roll stuffed with fried prawns, avocado, white fish, togarashi topped with Nikkei’s very own Ceviche sauce.

You can also try their Maguro Uni (Php 220), uni on tuna, shiso and seaweed, something simple yet appetizing. To fully experience a blend of Japanese and Peruvian, we recommend their Chalaquita (Php 180), a Chalaquita is a medley of chopped peppers, onions, and cilantro. For the main course, don’t miss out on their Mixed Jalea (Php 680), a party of seafood coated and fried to perfection with a drizzled of their ceviche sauce.

Huevo (Php 220)

Tres Leches (Php 295)

If you’re still looking for some options, Huevo (Php 220)  is the way to go, with tuna with togarashi and quail egg injected with ponzu sauce. If you’re not into dipping sauce this dish will make it easier for you to eat it. End your meal with their house-made desserts, such as the Tres Leches (Php 295), a sponge cake soaked in custard cream, condensed milk and drizzled with a unique and sweet and salty syrup which is actually soy sauce.

Sake Sangria (Php 295)

Nikkei has a Happy Hour from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm that lets you avail a 20% discount on all food and beverages items (*except KOBE items.) Choose from their sakes, cocktails, wines and Japanese Whisky. One thing for sure is that Nikkei is the place to create memories, dine with friends and families, all while experiencing authentic Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.