April 04, 2025

Japanese Restaurant Sekitori in Makati: Serving Authentic Chanko Nabe and Many More

Wanna know where Japanese expats in Manila go-to for authentic chanko nabe? It’s Japanese Restaurant Sekitori in Little Tokyo, Makati.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Owned by a former sumo wrestler, the restaurant not only serves as a testament to sumo tradition but also as a delightful exploration of diverse Japanese flavors. The heart and soul of Sekitori lie in its signature chanko nabe, a hearty stew made from dozens of different ingredients simmered for hours. Aside from its sumptuous taste, this hot pot is also wholesome and nutritious because it contains lots of vegetables that effortlessly addresses any vegetable deficiency in one’s diet.

Chanko Nabe / IMAGE from Sekitori

You can also enjoy the Gomoku Ankake Ramen, crafted by an ex-sumo wrestler owner. The soup is made using the same special recipe as their chanko nabe, simmered for about five hours with chicken, pork, pork bones, chicken carcasses, and a variety of vegetables and fruits to concentrate the umami.

Gomoku Ankake Ramen (Php 420) / IMAGE from Sekitori

It is then enriched with plenty of vegetables, shrimp, and pork, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. The portion is generous, making it the perfect amount for two to share. This luxurious ramen lets you fully savor the deep flavor of the special soup.

While chanko-nabe takes the spotlight, Sekitori also offers a variety of Japanese cuisine staples that have garnered their own share of popularity. Get to order more as they serve about 150 dishes meaning there’s always something new whenever you go back such as salads, tonkatsu (breaded pork chop), karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) and sashimi, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

Salad

Ika

Sashimi

Tonkatsu / IMAGES from Sekitori

Sekitori goes above and beyond by incorporating local specialties and products from various regions in Japan. Aomori’s Squid Mentshi, Yamanashi Kofu’s Chicken Motsuni, and Mie’s Chicken Yakiniku are just some of the country’s regional treasures can be found here . Not to be missed is Hakodate’s exclusive Hokke Sashimi, a rare delicacy that transports diners straight to the shores of Hakodate. The restaurant also serves katsudon with thick slices. Its meat (450g/1 serving) is dipped in collagen extract and fruit juices for a day, making it tender and juicy.

Tonkatsu / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

For another hearty treat, the Tofu To Botaniku No Karamiso Itame, a one pot meal made from stir-fried pork with spicy miso and various vegetables.

Tofu To Botaniku No Karamiso Itame / IMAGE from Sekitori

For big eaters, try Sekitori’s set meals. It is a wondrous blend of flavors and textures, as it highlights the best of what the restaurant offers such as sashimi, tempura, miso soup, rice, and a bunch of side dishes to balance the meal’s flavors.

Set Meal Sample / IMAGE from Sekitori

As patrons enjoy their signature nabe dishes or regional specialties, they can admire the interior’s ambiance, which is a blend of a rustic Japanese restaurant and a traditional kitchen. The old-school posters also add some charm to the place!

At Sekitori, you can also opt for private gatherings and exclusive rentals. Their popular all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat course, which includes the famous Chanko-nabe hot pot, is available for groups of 6 or more people at Php 1,500, Php 1,800, or Php 2,000 per person. Reservations for this course must be made a day in advance.

For private events, this Japanese restaurant offers several private rooms with flexible seating arrangements. One room can host up to 44 people and allows smoking when reserved for private use with a minimum of 35 guests. Other rooms accommodate 25 and 26 people each, with smoking permitted when booked for groups of 20 or more.

Sekitori also allow guests to bring their own food or drinks without paying corkage fees, but only when they choose the all-you-can-drink course when dining in.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

At Sekitori, every dish is not just a meal but a celebration of Japan’s culinary diversity by inviting diners to savor the flavors of tradition in every slurp and bite. Make sure to visit this place and have a filling, authentic Japanese dining experience like no other!

*Prices may change without prior notice