Fumizen in Quezon City: Home of Authentic Japanese Katsu
The Philippines is a melting pot of shared cultures from all over the world—including the cuisines. For sure this is one of the reasons why there are countless restaurants offering foreign flavors here in the Philippines with Japanese cuisine being one of the most popular.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Sushi, ramen, tempura—these are what first come to mind whenever we think of Japanese food. Aside from these staples, however, Japan is also a powerhouse when it comes to tonkatsu, a type of breaded deep-fried meat popular in the country.
Now if you are looking for the authentic crisp and tenderness of tonkatsu, Quezon City is one of the places where you should drive to!
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Fumizen is a famous and well-established katsu house in Tokyo, Japan. It has first opened its doors in Quezon City last December 2019. Amidst the various Japanese restaurants in the country, the owners felt like something was lacking in terms of Japanese cuisine in the country—the authentic Japanese tonkatsu!
What sets Fumizen apart from other existing katsu houses here in the metro is the fact that they use the same meat preparation and ingredients as their branch in Tokyo. Most of their ingredients are imported from Japan and their ingredients are made specifically and especially for Fumizen, which is why they are proud of their katsu’s authenticity.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Two of their best-selling katsus are from their Rosu (Pork Loin) Katsu Sets—the Loin Tonkatsu with Rice Set and the Assorted Katsu with Rice Set. Both sets come with a bowl of Japanese rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and seasonal fruit.
Loin Tonkatsu with Rice Set boasts a crisp and golden loin cutlet. Each serving has six cuts of generous, thick, and savory meat, which customers can either season with salt or drizzle with Fumizen’s special tonkatsu sauce.
Loin Tonkatsu with Rice Set / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Meanwhile, the Assorted Katsu with Rice Set is a delicious mix of pork tenderloin, one piece of tiger prawn, and menchi (ground meat) katsu.
Assorted Katsu with Rice Set / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Fumizen also offers a mouthwatering set with Shogayaki or ginger pork. The thinly-sliced tender pork is marinated in Fumizen’s special shogayaki sauce and served with the same set of sides as the katsu sets.
Shogayaki with Rice Set / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Aside from tonkatsu, the restaurant also serves noodle sets with seafood katsu like the Prawn Katsu with Noodle Set. The fresh, buttery tiger prawn katsu is served with either soba or udon noodles, shredded cabbage, and seasonal fruit.
Prawn Katsu with Noodle Set / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Another seafood choice in their menu is the Grilled Gindara with Rice Set. The fresh and delicate gindara or black cod is grilled to perfection and comes with shredded cabbage, miso soup, and seasonal fruit.
Grilled Gindara (Black Cod) with Rice Set / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Following the standards of Japan, Fumizen offers unlimited rice and sides for all their sets.
E-Lounge
The newly opened Fumizen E-Lounge was brought about by the idea of bringing a different image to a Japanese restaurant by combining both modern and traditional Japanese concepts. Specifically known as a speakeasy, the E-Lounge was established for people to have a place to unwind and relax.
Acquiring the whole Western concept of a bar, the E-Lounge also has performances from distinct DJs, local singers, and live bands to fully bring out the speakeasy vibe!
Fumizen E-Lounge / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The E-Lounge also has a poker room where people can play cards and enjoy a glass of Japanese cocktail. If you are to avail of the poker room, you will be given a dealer, poker chips, security, and of course, E-Lounge’s exhilarating drinks.
The Japanese concept, of course, was instilled in E-Lounge’s beverages. Some of these Japanese-inspired cocktails are the Sakuramba, Citrus Sake, and the Saketinni.
Sakuramba, Citrus Sake, and the Saketinni / IMAGES from Fumizen
For your events, Fumizen accepts reservations for their three function rooms on the second floor, which can accommodate groups of six, 16 and 20. A part of the first floor can also be reserved for big events like birthdays and reunions.
Fumizen’s Function Room / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
How to get here
- Fumizen is located at No. 34 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City. The landmarks around include Livestock and Tomato Kick.
- From Makati Avenue, drive to Buendia via Paseo de Roxas then take the Kalayaan Flyover to EDSA. Drive straight until you reach Kamuning.
- Take a sharp left then make a right onto Timog Avenue then another right to Sgt. Esguerra Avenue. Fumizen will be on the right.
Words and photos by Hannah Carmona
