SumoSam, Shangrila Mall - Edsa, Philippines

Located at my FAVE Mall in Manila, Shangrila-Edsa, SumoSam has got to be one of the BEST -- in just about everything! -- a Japanese Restaurant has to offer...

I first tried this place a couple of years ago, after finding out that it is owned by a FAVE actor of mine, Marvin Augustin... thought I would give it a shot just for the heck of it... I loved it -- and I have been a BIG FAN and FREQUENT visitor since!!!
From the really cool Menu... to the Deliciously, well presented, food... and right down to the Great & Friendly Services by the rainbow colored accented hair staff (this is a prerequisite for those who works here!) -- everything is just to my liking!!!

Our fabulous meal along with a shot of the equally fabulous decor...
Photos are taken during my last visit in Manila with my friend, Juliana... Of course, I had to start out her visit by showing her my most favorite places -- the Shangrila Mall, ZARA, & SumoSam...

Beard Papa

Beard Papa's (麦の穂, Muginoho?) slogan is "Fresh'n natural cream puffs" -- and boy do they LIVE UP to this!!!! This Japanese company that is about a decade short, founded in 1999, has over 250 stores in Japan and 300 worldwide.

When I was first introduced to them last year, I instantly fell in love with their trademark product: Cream Puffs with Custard filling. This choux pastry shell is usually filled with whipped cream custard, available in vanilla, chocolate, and specialty flavors such as green tea, strawberry, pumpkin, Earl Grey Tea, Èclair, and coffee -- just right up my alley.(The one located at the Newest SOGO Department Store in Taipei!)(Freshly Baked Everyday in Every Location!)(Delicious Custurd Filled Cream Puffs)

Their cafes island wide are usually small and located in shopping malls -- but this serves them just fine as most people stop by to get boxes and boxes full to take home and share with the family, myself included.Beard Papa Taiwan
Beard Papa Worldwide

Otoro Dining Room, Taipei

Friday, the 5th of August -- met up with David at the newest SOGO Department Store on Chung Hsiao East Road... we were checking out the City Super Supermarket for his work and decided to have dinner at Department Store... lots of restos to choose from..... different types of food...at different price ranges.... we opted for the middle of the road resto, OTORO Dining Room... we were in the mood for some SASHIMI and SUKIYAKI.... it was definitely a good choice.... the Sashimi was as fresh as fresh goes.... and my LAMB Sukiiyaki was soooo delicious...
The portions were just right... not too much, not too little.... with for less than $15.00US per person -- with the Shrimp Salad to go with the meal - it was definitely inexpensive....

After dinner we walked around the food areas of the Department Store and admired the various packaging of the many products available for purchase....

Overall, it was a GREAT NITE for eating out....

Teriyaki Boy - Philippines

Anyone who knows me long enough, knows that am BIIIG on TONKATSU, deep fried, breaded pork cutlets... Not sure when the LOVE for this dish started - but it goes waaaay back -- that's for sure! I believe it was at KIMPURA HOUSE, Makati that I first got my TASTE of Tonkatsu - many years ago and I have loved it ever since... When in Japan - am always in HEAVEN as I can have this anytime, anywhere....

In Manila, there are a few places one can go to for cheap, fun, and tasty Japanese food - and for me, Tonkatsu specifically... There' SUMO SAM at the Shangrila Mall, Edsa - a bit on the PRICEY side but very much worth it... make sure you have plenty of time to sit and chat though as it gets crowded during dinner time... if you want to go a bit more affordable without sacrificing the taste and service, there is TERIYAKI BOY. They can be found in a lot of places all over the city but my favorite one is located at The Promenade in Greenhills.... (For other branches & locations - Check Here)
Teriyaki Boy prides themselves to be a Fast-Casual Japanese Dining Restaurant - and time and time again, they prove themselves well.... They have yet to disappoint me, my family & friends... we visit at least one of the places, each time I do fly into town... Besides my FAVE Tonkatsu , one can also select from the many offerings in the menu - SUSHI, SASHIMI, Gyoza, and of course, Teriyaki...