Fukumimi in Makati: Manila’s First KUURAKU Group Yakitori Izakaya
The yakitori scene in Manila is growing more exciting than ever! A wave of new yakitori specialty restaurants and izakayas is set to open soon, including Fukumimi, which promises to take your love for perfectly grilled chicken skewers to the next level.
IMAGE from Fukumimi Philippines’ Facebook page
This November, Poblacion in Makati is set to welcome Fukumimi, the Philippines’ first yakitori izakaya from the acclaimed KUURAKU GROUP.
IMAGE from Fukumimi
Established in 1999, KUURAKU GROUP operates 18 locations across Tokyo and Chiba and has expanded internationally to Canada, India, Indonesia, and China under the names Fukumimi and Kufuraku, earning a reputation for authentic Japanese dining experiences.
The restaurant brings a true slice of Japan to Manila. Guests are greeted by a lively atmosphere emanating from a U-shaped open kitchen, reminiscent of KUURAKU’s Japanese locations.
IMAGE from Fukumimi
Certified Japanese yakitori chefs, known as nintei yakishi, grill a wide variety of skewers over charcoal. The restaurant uses a blend of Japanese salts, including seaweed salt, and its signature tare sauce, a secret recipe passed down since the company’s founding.
Beyond yakitori, many other menu items faithfully replicate dishes from Japan, allowing diners in Manila to enjoy the same flavors and experience as the Ginza flagship.
IMAGE from Fukumimi
Signature offerings include the Special Five-Skewer Assortment (Php 480), a carefully curated selection of five skewers, each offering unique flavors and colors.
Another must-try is the Fukumimi Yaki, a chicken thigh wrapped in skin, grilled to a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside, making it an iconic skewer of the restaurant.
Fukumimi Yaki (Php 150) / IMAGE from Fukumimi
For something rare and flavorful, the Tsunagi (Php 90) skewer, which connects liver and heart, delivers a rich umami taste and is available in limited quantities.
Beyond yakitori, Fukumimi serves a variety of other dishes that showcase the chefs’ expertise. The Fukumimi Ramen (Php 400) features a rich chicken and pork broth crafted with yakitori mastery. The Ultimate Toro Liver (Php 290) is prepared using a low-temperature cooking technique to achieve a safe, silky texture. The Wagyu Beef Sushi (Php 900) is made from carefully selected A4 wagyu, balancing lean and fat for a decadent bite.
For larger groups, Fukumimi offers a VIP and group seating area accommodating up to 30 guests. The restaurant’s chefs bring international acclaim, including representing Japan in the 2016 UNESCO International Culinary Contest.
With its authentic flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and vibrant Japanese ambiance, Fukumimi Makati is poised to become a must-visit destination for yakitori lovers in Manila, offering a genuine taste of Japan in the heart of the city.
