Sticks and Bowls And More: The Grills at Nanbantei of Tokyo Fires Up a Japanese Feast

A sudden craving for authentic Japanese cuisine is quickly satisfied and fixed with a visit to one of the metro's enduring dining institutions. From hearty rice bowls, savory skewers, salads and noodles, sushi and rolls to soothing libations and everything in between, Nanbantei of Tokyo at Bonifacio High Street Central remains top-of-mind when it comes to everything Japanese. Do you have a favorite dish at Nanbantei of Tokyo? Here's a quick rundown on all-time faves and popular bestsellers at Nanbantei of Tokyo...

The grills at Nanbantei of Tokyo in Bonifacio High Street Central have been fired up since 2012, and continues to be a popular dining hotspot for fans of authentic Japanese cuisine. Now with three locations in the metro including Greenbelt 3 and Alabang Town Center, Nanbantei of Tokyo's growing international chain of restaurants around the world is a continuing story of the brand's rich history that began over forty years ago originating in the famed Roppongi district of Tokyo. 

Today, Nanbantei of Tokyo continues the tradition for an authentic yakitori experience and more at Bonifacio High Street Central (for more on Nanbantei of Tokyo, see my previous posts, Nanbabtei of Tokyo Launches New Yakitori Dishes from 2014, Kampai! Nanbantei of Tokyo's Cool New Cocktails on their signature libations from eight year back, A Samurai Feast for Three at Nanbantei on their sumptuous deals and offers from 2014 and An All-Out Chicken Feast with Nanbantei's Yakitori Special from 2015). 

Inside Nanbantei of Tokyo, the glass-enclosed open kitchen gives diners a sneak peek as the master grillers prepare the day's orders...

...with its wide selection of savory yakitori specialties from traditional chicken yakitori to beef, pork, seafood and vegetables. Grilled to order, it takes a few minutes to be finished on the grill. Why not have a refreshing cocktail?

The classic Highball (P 195) is perfect for the summer weather, light and refreshing with the subtle yet deep smoky hints of Suntory Whisky kicked up by the mild sharp sweetness of ginger ale. It's also the ideal pairing with the specialty yakiniku selection of Nanbantei of Tokyo cutting through the savory richness while cleansing the palate. A refreshing sip and savory bite takes you to the busy side streets of the Roponggi district and that calls for another round. Other options include the Hibiscus Mojito, Fresh Rita, Tanqueray Basil and Japanese Mojito. Nanbantei of Tokyo also offers a a wide selection of sake, Japanese and local beer and a variety of spirits. 

A must-have at Nanbantei of Tokyo is the specialty Ebi Tempura (P 385), crisp and golden battered deep-fried shrimps. The light batter adds a delicately crunchy outer layer over the succulent shrimp releasing a burst of briny sweetness with each bite. Textural contrasts, rich flavors and the freshness of ingredients make the Ebi Tempura an essential part of your dining experience at Nanbantei of Tokyo.

If you're really hungry, these bowls are just what you need. The hearty Japanese Rice Bowls at Nanbantei of Tokyo is a complete meal in itself, with a bowl filled with soft and fluffy rice topped with savory grilled meats. The Gyudon (P 230) with tender slices of melt-in-your-mouth beef glazed with a mildly sweet sauce topped with scallions is a tasty meal...

...while the Toridon (P 175) or grilled chicken offers lighter savory notes with a whisper of sweetness that will have you going for another spoonful of rice. And there's more...

The Katsudon (P 195) brings a delectable play on textural contrasts and flavors with a juicy deep-fried breaded pork cutlet on rice. That crunch followed by the juicy pork makes this bowl a popular choice among Nanbantei of Tokyo's countless loyal fans.  

If its more pork you want, then the Yakinikudon (175) or grilled pork belly is the hands down favorite. The light char from the grill gives the pork belly added layers of flavor for another satisfying meal in a bowl from Nanbantei of Tokyo.  

Take a refreshing change of pace with the clean flavors of the specialty sushi and handcrafted rolls at Nanbantei of Tokyo like the Crispy Salmon Roll (P 120) with its contrasting textures...

...or the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Salmon Maki. A chef once told me that freshness is flavor, and you get that with each bite of the Salmon Maki at Nanbantei of Tokyo. The crispness and fresh snap of the vegetables and soft silky smooth texture of the salmon combine for a balanced weave of clean flavors.  

If you're looking for a little spice, the Spicy Tuna Maki (P 230) should do the trick, bringing the fresh and clean flavors of tuna with a whisper of lingering heat to the palate...

...and for something comfortingly familiar, the popular California Maki (P 195) with its blend of fresh flavors always hits the spot. Nanbantei of Tokyo offers an extensive sushi and sashimi selection alongside their specialty dishes for even more options.

In between bites, be sure to balance your feast with a refreshing salad and the Kani Salad (P 195) with its creamy and mildly sweet notes from the dressing and shredded crab sticks always works. Each ingredient complements the other for a balanced play on fresh flavors. The freshness of the greens completes the dish.

One bite and you just can't stop. Follow it up with some crisp and juicy deep-fried Tori Karaage (P 220) or breaded chicken with Ponzu Sauce for some tasty bites on the table, before the famous specialty grilled skewers of Nanbantei of Tokyo are served...

Order another round of Highballs with The Yakitori Special (P 950), a lavish selection with 21 sticks including Chicken Wings, Chicken with Onion Leeks, Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Sauce, Chicken Skin, Chicken Tail, Chicken Heart and Chicken Liver. It's an all-chicken feast Nanbante of Tokyo style. Fresh off the grill, the assortment of chicken skewers are lightly charred romanced by the grill for deep and smoky savory flavors. 

The Chicken Wings, Chicken with Onion Leeks and Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Sauce deliver rich and juicy notes while the Chicken Skin, Chicken Tail, Chicken Heart and Chicken Liver add distinct and unique flavors to the platter. Simply seasoned with salt or shio just the way I prefer my yakitori, the flavors of the crunchy skin, tail, heart and liver comes though with each bite. And that Chicken Skin along with the tail and liver are among some of my favorites at Nanbantei of Tokyo. Raise your Highball and pick up another skewer...

The Best Sellers Platter (P 1,100) is a savory combo which includes Asparagus with Pork, Chicken Wings, Pork with Garlic Flavor, Pork with Shiso Leaf, Chicken with Onion Leeks and Potato with Bacon. The addition of pork gives this platter a savory play of rich and unctuous flavors. The Asparagus with Pork brings the fresh sweetness of vegetables complemented by a thin slab of pork bacon, while the Potato with Pork is a comforting tandem of hearty flavors. The Pork with Garlic and Pork with Shiso Leaf add layers of nutty hints from the garlic and bright almost minty finish of the shiso leaf pairing well with the pork. 

Nanbantei of Tokyo also offers other platter options including the Seafood Platter (P 1,100) with the day's fresh catch of salmon balls, baby squid, capelin fish with roe, skewered shrimps and salmon belly with onion leeks and Surf & Turf (P 1,200) with Beef with Garlic, skewered shrimps, Asparagus with Pork, Potato with Bacon, Salmon balls with Teriyaki Sauce and sweet corn.

That Roppongi vibe with a refreshing Highball and a platter of skewers just transports you to another place right here at the heart of Bonifacio Global City. The Platters by Nanbantei of Tokyo offers a taste of everything, but you can also opt for individual orders. Another Highball calls for repeat orders of Chicken Wings (P 120/two sticks with the option of ordering by the stick) and Corn (P 90/two sticks)...

...more skewers of the Chicken Meatballs with Teriyaki Sauce (P 120/two sticks)... 

...Chicken Liver (P 90/two sticks)...

...and Pork with Garlic Flavor (P 140/2 sticks). More must-try options at Nanbantei of Tokyo include the Japanese Green Pepper if available (seasonal), Japanese Mushrooms, Whole Salmon Head and Baby Squid.

The grilled offerings on skewers are Nanbantei of Tokyo's most popular items, but there's a whole lot more to discover on their menu...

...like the Wakame Udon (P 220), a comforting bowl of thick noodles with egg, seaweed and leeks topped with bonito flakes with its soothing flavors warming the palate with each sip and bite. The light broth delivers light and subtle yet deep flavors, rounded out by the richness of the egg, briny hints of the seaweed, delectable sharpness of the leeks and the unique flavors of the bonito flakes. The smooth and soft udon noodles completes the dish making it one serious meal guaranteed to satisfy any craving or appetite. 

One final round with the pair of old favorites Chicken Skin (P 80/two sticks)...

...and Asparagus with Pork (P 140/two sticks) caps another memorable dining experience at Nanbantei of Tokyo. The grills at their Bonifacio High Street Central location have been fired up for over ten years now since 2012, and remains one of the enduring dining destinations in the metro slowly opening up after two long years of the quarantine experience.

A Highball and one more skewer of crisp and juicy kawa fresh off the grill, that's what makes you keep coming back to Nanbantei of Tokyo.

For dessert, the Green Tea Ice Cream (P 100) cleanses the palate with its soothing sharpness and sweetness after rounds of savory bites. Authenticity and variety keeps the dining experience fresh and consistent and for loyal diners, that's all the reasons needed for a return visit. For over ten years and counting, Nanbantei of Tokyo will keep the grills fired up for your next visit...