Kenshin Japanese Izakaya in Makati: Indulge in Authentic Japanese Favorites All in One Place

Kenshin Japanese Izakaya Restaurant, a well-loved gastro pub near Makati Central Square, has established itself as a staple in Metro Manila’s Japanese dining scene. Known for serving authentic izakaya favorites, Kenshin offers a welcoming atmosphere that brings the tastes and experiences of a traditional Japanese pub closer to the heart of Makati, delighting both locals and visitors alike.

Kenshin, beckons food enthusiasts on a delightful journey through the diverse and delectable world of Japanese cuisine, making it a beloved retreat for both Japanese expats and discerning Filipinos seeking an affordable yet authentic dining experience.

IMAGE from Kenshin Japanese Izakaya Restaurant

If you are a fan of Japanese food, the culinary offerings from Kenshin will ultimately satisfy your cravings especially with crowd-favorites like sushi, sashimi, and maki. They also have onigiri, complete with savory fillings enveloped in an adorable triangle-shaped rice.

Onigiri / IMAGE from Kenshin Japanese Izakaya

Aside from these staples in the world of Japanese cuisine, set meals are also available. For example, you can order your choice of ramen with different sides to choose from such as gyoza, karaage, yakitori, or sushi. Simply affordable and fulfilling!

True to its namen, Kenshin’s Spicy Miso Ramen is a spice-packed bowl of goodness consisting of miso-based broth and firm noodles, topped with tamago, corn, chashu pork, corn, and many more. It’s fiery, chewy, umami goodness will keep you slurping for more!

Spicy Miso Ramen / IMAGE from Kenshin Japanese Izakaya

Of course, no izakaya experience is complete without some irresistible sides! Kenshin delivers on that too! Their Karaage or Japanese fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy inside; flavorful Yakitori skewers grilled to smoky deliciousness; and their Salmon Cheese Gyoza is a cheesy twist on the classic Japanese dumpling, oozing with creamy cheese and packed with rich salmon flavor.

Karaage

Yakitori

Salmon Cheese Gyoza / IMAGES from Philippine Primer

You may also want to try their Buta Shabu, a delightful take on shabu-shabu featuring thinly sliced pork cooked in a savory broth with an assortment of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, served with flavorful dipping sauces for a truly authentic experience.

Buta Shabu / IMAGE from Kenshin Japanese Izakaya Restaurant

One of the unique gastronomic experiences at Kenshin is their Okonomiyaki, where you get on your table a stove, okonomiyaki pan, and ingredients to make it for yourself—your own way. The pan produces 16 big pieces of okonomiyaki, good for sharing the experience with friends and showing off your cooking skills.

Make your own Okonomiyaki / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

While Kenshin has some of the most refreshing beverages there is, the Japanese izakaya also serves your usual fanfare of izakaya drinks such as shochu, umeshu (plum wine), beer, whisky, and, of course, sake.

Kenshin Japanese Izakaya, Makati Central Square / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Craving for a hearty hot pot or a delicious midnight meal? The good news is Kenshin at Makati Central Square is now open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., allowing more time to eat, drink, and celebrate with Japanese food and drinks all night long! This also makes the Japanese restaurant a perfect place for after-work drinks and late-night dinners with your friends and colleagues.

However, please take note that the branch is closed from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. every Monday, so it is best to schedule your visit accordingly.

IMAGE from Kenshin Japanese Izakaya

Ready to savor good Japanese food with your friends or colleagues? You can also book the restaurant’s private rooms for Php 500 to Php 600 per person with a consumable amount of Php 10,000 to Php 20,000. For exclusive use, weekday rates start at Php 15,000 during off-peak hours (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) , while peak times are priced at Php 30,000 (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and Php 50,000 (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Rates for Friday through Sunday range from Php 20,000 for off-peak hours to Php 60,000 during evening peak hours, providing options for both casual gatherings and larger private events.

If you want to bring your favorite drink to Kenshin Japanese Izakaya, a corkage fee applies for drinks. Guests can bring drinks up to 750ml for a fee of Php 300, while larger bottles from 1 to 2 liters are charged at Php 500. Kenshin allows one dish of food, cake, or a small plate to be brought in, free of charge, while two to three small plates incur a fee of Php 300.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

From the rich history of its seven locations in Manila, including Makati Central Square (MCS), The Beacon, The Linear Makati, SM Light Mall, Cash & Carry, SM South Mall, and Las Pinas Vista Mall, Kenshin invites you to savor the essence of Japan in every bite.

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