How Do You Like Your Steak? Right Now. At Ikinari Steak in SM Mall of Asia Square...

Loosely translated to "sudden steak,"Ikinari Steak lands in Manila with its first branch in Southeast Asia straight from Japan. The unique Japanese concept is built around the idea of serving the best quality steak as quickly as possible at a reasonable price, and Ikinari Steak nails it with its sumptuous steak offerings at SM Mall of Asia Square. From Ribeye, Tenderloin, Striploin, Assorted Cuts, Ikinari Hamburg Steak and their specialty Wild Steak fresh off the fiery grill, Ikinari Steak has just what you need for a sumptuous and satisfying steak fix. Ready for your steak? Then, read on...

Located at the ground floor of the IKEA Building in SM Mall of Asia, Ikinari Steak recently opened just last December 18 and one look at the long queues makes it one of the eagerly anticipated brands making its entry to the local culinary scene.

At Ikinari Steak, the highlight of your dining experience is centered around their mouthwatering selections of premium Certified Angus Beef in a variety of cuts for that quick yet satisfying meal. Part of the experience is choosing your cut...

...masterfully carved and trimmed by their skilled butchers before hitting the grill inside their semi-open kitchen. In Japan, the concept resonated particularly among office workers offering a quick fix to steak cravings without busting your budget. In some branches of Ikinari Steak in Japan, bar type configurations without the stools reflected the quick service theme of the unique steak concept where diners enjoyed their steaks standing up for a fast meal before heading back to the office. At the SM Mall of Asia Square branch of Ikinari Steak, seats and tables both inside and al fresco offers comfortable options. 

Once settled in your table, the the kitchen is all fired up and ready for your order. And you're just minutes away from the fresh off the grill Ikinari Steak experience. At the lunch service, the kitchen becomes a blur of frenzied yet finely tuned choreographed moves honed by their intensive training from the Japanese master grillers of Ikinari Steak. There's a flow and rhythm in the kitchen that keeps it in pace with the lunchtime rush of orders and it's a sight to see, adding one more layer to your experience.

Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, the slabs of premium Certified Angus Beef are romanced by the flames of the grill...

...adding a fiery finish to an impressive performance. And why not, the kitchen is also a stage at Ikinari Steak.

Flipped once, the premium slabs of Certified Angus Beef are finished with a delicate lattice-like pattern of charred grill marks and served. Once served at the counter, the staff rushes to your table with your order in clockwork precision.    

A fast meal doesn't mean skipping on the classic steak essentials like a hearty bowl of Beef Soup (P 60)...

...or a refreshing side of Salad (P 60) to complete your steak feast. The light broth infused with the savory richness of bold beefy notes warms the palate while the salad adds a delectable play of fresh and crisp textures finished by the silky smooth and creamy sesame dressing to open the palate for the main course.

For the first course, it's the house specialty. The Wild Steak (P 599-200g/P 850-300g/P 1,195-450g) is the perfect introduction to Ikinari Steak's redefined concept of a steak feast with a slab of Certified Angus Beef Chuck Eye Steak and broccoli, carrots and corn on the side and a dab of white pepper margarine. The Wild Steak is served rare, just leave it on the sizzling hot cast iron plate for a few more seconds to your preferred doneness. At Ikinari Steak, cuts served on their Round Plates are always served rare, simply allow a few seconds to let it sizzle for that perfect finish. And it only takes mere seconds so keep a close eye on your steak. 

I've always enjoyed my steaks medium rare with a juicy pink center, and the Wild Steak at Ikinari Steak hits all the right notes from its juicy texture and mild bite to its flavorful and savory finish. Each bite delivers a flavorful burst draping the palate with all the beefy notes you love in a good steak. Ikinari Steak offers a choice of Ikinari Sweet or Spicy Sauces on the table along with crisp garlic chips, wasabi, horseradish mustard and minced garlic paste. And here's an insider tip. Tadeo Chua, one of the key movers behind the brand shares his own favorite with the Ikinari Sweet Sauce blend with a generous dab of wasabi. The subtle sweetness of the sauce complements the bold beefy flavors while the wasabi cuts through the richness for that balanced finish. 

The Japanese also love their hamburger steaks and the Ikinari Hamburg Steak (P 475-200g/P 610-300g) is one of the many savory surprises at the Japanese steak chain. Thick and juicy all-beef patties drizzled with a rich onion sauce topped with white pepper margarine and served with a fresh medley of vegetables, this is a serious meal in itself. As is, the juicy patty delivers and it just gets better with a bowl of Japanese White Rice (P 60). A dab of garlic paste or wasabi adds even more layers of flavors and depth to the dish.

The Ribeye (P 1,199-200g) is a slab of Certified Angus Beef perfection grilled to your preference. Best enjoyed medium rare as the sizzling hot cast iron plate continues to sear it, the Ribeye at Ikinari Steak is one of the premium cuts guaranteed to satisfy your steak cravings. 

You can have your Ribeye carved for sharing, but you'll want this close by your side. The perfectly marbled beef with its thin layers of fat gives this slab of Certified Angus Beef that buttery mouthfeel and finish. Try it with the Ikinari Spicy Sauce for that flavorful kick and lingering yet soothing heat along with a dab of minced garlic paste.  

The Tenderloin (P 1,345-200g) is Ikinari Steak's most premium cut, and it's easy to see why. The thick slab of Certified Angus Beef is impressive, served sizzling hot to your table fresh off the grill... 

...but before you carve it up, take a longer, closer look. Perfectly grilled and served with fresh vegetables topped with white pepper margarine and crisp garlic chips, the Tenderloin is a much leaner than the Ribeye but the flavors are just as deep, rich and intense. 

Have a slice and prepare for a buttery burst of beefy goodness. Consistent with its game-changing concept, the Tenderloin is an unrestrained and uncluttered expression of a simple and good steak without the usual bells and whistles. And it just works, No need to complicate a good steak, right?

Pair your steak feast at Ikinari Steak with their specialty Ikinari Beer in true Japanese style. Ikinari Steak also offers a selection of fine wines, Japanese and local beers and non-alcoholic beverages like Ikinari Yuzu Soda, Matcha Latte and Cold Brew. 

The Striploin (P 1,199-200g) is another option that makes the cut at Ikinari Steak, grilled to your preferred doneness and simply topped with crisp garlic chips and a side of broccoli and sweet white onions. Simple and uncomplicated, it's steak bliss at its purest form. 

With just the right bite and thin layer of fat along with the subtle smoky hints from the grill, the flavors of the Tenderloin at Ikinari Steak just punches through draping the palate with a savory richness. Perfect as is or with a dab of wasabi, carve up another slice. 

The Wild Steak, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Striploin along with the Ikinari Hamburg Steak banner the all-beef selection at Ikinari Steak. And it's a stellar cast. Everything is streamlined and simplified for a carnivore's dream.  

You can also opt for the Wild Combo (P 777) with their specialty Certified Angus Beef Chuck Eye Wild Steak ( 150g) and Ikinari Hamburg Steak (150g) for a double dose of beef or the Diced Cut (P 566-200g Chuck Eye/P 780-300g Chuck Eye) to fix your steak cravings and great for sharing.

One more bite washed down with Ikinari Beer, and you're soon planning a return visit to Ikinari Steak. That delicate balance of quality and value for money is a well-defined and seamless experience built around a simple concept of serving the best quality steak as quickly as possible at a reasonable price. There's this old saying, you get what you pay for. At Ikinari Steak, the selection isn't only worth what it costs but a whole lot more specially for carnivores. 

How do you like your steak? When you want it right now without the frills or fuss, Ikinari Steak is a guaranteed bet. And it's ready to take on the new year with its all-beef offerings and a solid concept built around its Certified Angus Beef selection served fresh off the grill without the exorbitant prices of the usual steak options in the metro. And that's a welcome addition to the new year's culinary scene...