First impressions do last. And if the initial dinner sets at Fukudaya Japanese Dining are any indication, the newest Japanese dining concept this side of BGC is off to a great start...
Fukudaya Japanese Dining offers its unique take on modern Japanese cuisine combining the freshest ingredients with both traditional and modern culinary techniques. And the best way to sample their culinary style is with their Set Menus, served like a formal degustacion, Japanese-style. Read on for a taste of Fukudaya Japanese Dining...
Located at Arya Residences along McKinley Parkway at BGC, Fukudaya Japanese Dining is a short drive away from the crowded section of The Fort, a welcome change. Inside the modern yet cozy interiors of Fukudaya Japanese Dining, one gets a glimpse of the chefs in action at the semi-open kitchen configuration. 
With three Japanese master chefs in the kitchen, Karaki, Oki, and Youchi prepares each of your dishes with precision and the exacting standards Japanese cuisine is known for, with years of experience gained from one of Japan's largest and successful catering companies. And this includes making their own Dashi from scratch, the traditional soup stock and base for many Japanese dishes like miso soup and other dishes with simmering broth. Only the freshest ingredients are used in their dashi, with imported kombu (edible kelp or seaweed) and dried bonito flakes or katsuobushi. And no, Fukudaya Japanese Dining does not include MSG in any of their dishes. Pure and clean flavors are drawn from the use of the freshest ingredients and cooking methods without any need for additives.
Recently opened last August 1, Fukudaya Japanese Dining offers two Set Menus, and that evening we sampled their Set B Menu (P 1,400 per person, 12% VAT inclusive), a four-course dinner set with an appetizer, sushi, main dish, and dessert. Start with an an ice-cold Sapporo or a sweet Plum Sake, and let the chefs do the rest... 
Then, the first course was served...
Fukudaya's Appetizer offers a variety of tasty bites with distinct flavors, with Shredded Chinese Cabbage with seven kinds of Japanese chili powder and homemade mayonnaise; Shrimp, Mango, and Pomelo with Sweet Tofu Paste; Chicken with Green Beans and Sesame Sauce, White Fish with Japanese White Vinegar, and Sweet Corn Pudding with a hint of wasabi. Each of the starters has its own unique notes, yet the fresh and clean flavors are consistent with each dish. The attention to detail in the preparation of each dish, and the blend of flavors gives you an idea on Fukudaya Japanese Dining's inventive culinary style, combining traditional elements with a modern spin for a refreshing take on Japanese cuisine. The wide range of flavors open up your palate for the next dish...
After the Appetizer, the Nigiri Sushi was then served, with Wagyu Beef, Torched Salmon, White Fish, Tuna, Squid, and Winter Melon Maki.
Each bite releases a burst of briny sweetness from the fresh white fish, tuna and squid, contrasting with the mildly smoky notes from the torched salmon and the rich beefy notes of the Wagyu beef. The second course is capped by the fresh and clean notes of the Winter Melon Maki, kicked up by a light drizzle of soy sauce from the spray bottle. 
For the Main Course, Fukudaya's US Double Gold Prime Tenderloin Steak was served, with garlic sauce, grilled mixed vegetables, and dashi-flavored garlic rice. Perfectly grilled to medium with a juicy pink center, the steak is fork-tender releasing the beefy richness of the premium tenderloin, layered with a lightly sweet and nutty garlic sauce for even richer flavors.
The grilled mixed vegetables pair well with the premium steak, even better with the dashi-flavored garlic rice. The play of subtle and distinct flavors deliver multiple layers of flavor that complement each other in a delicate balance. The flavors of the different ingredients do not overpower the other, masterfully weaved together by Fukudaya's Japanese chefs.
The dashi-flavored garlic rice is soft and moist, with the familiar umami notes of dashi and crisp garlic merging in rich yet balanced flavors. The set menu should provide a tasty sneak peek at Fukudaya's inventive style, a preview of the ala carte dishes to be offered starting August 15, 2016.
Fukudaya Japanese Dining completes our experience with their desserts, going a step further from the usual fresh fruits in traditional Japanese restaurants. The Set Menu is capped by a sampler of Fukudaya's signature desserts, with their velvety smooth Coffee Jelly infused with Japanese Whiskey, a tasty Matcha Cream Puff with Sweet Red Bean, and Black Sesame Ice Cream.
The smoky notes of the Japanese whiskey pair well with the coffee jelly, and once again, Fukudaya's Japanese master chefs weave contrasting flavors in a balanced blend. And once the ala carte dishes become available on August 15, the regular order for the Coffee Jelly infused with Japanese Whiskey will be served with dark chocolate filled with dried mango, consistent with the play on contrasting notes.
As an added treat, we also sampled Fukudaya Japanese Dining's Raindrop Cake with Soy Powder, a delicate yet indulgent dessert, and part of their ala carte dishes starting August 15. Pure, fresh, uncluttered and clean notes with traditional Japanese flavors executed with a refreshing and modern spin. And it works. And it's a welcome addition to BGC's rich and diverse culinary landscape.
Fukudaya is located at Unit 7, The Plaza, Arya Residences, Tower 2, Mckinley Parkway corner 8th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 1634, Metro Manila or call (02) 800-3563 or (0927) 264-0171 for inquiries and more information. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/FukudayaPhilippines/
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