Here’s where to savor Japanese flavors with a Kapampangan twist

Yuji Izakaya and Ebi10 arrive in Angeles, Pampanga

Conveniently situated under one roof, Yujo Izakaya and Ebi10 are the places to be if you’re going for a Japanese dining and drinking experience whenever you’re in Angeles, Pampanga. Officially opened last Dec. 3, both venues light up the iconic Fil-Am Friendship Highway scene with Japanese flavors with a twist of local flavors, and drinks and mixes spiked with adventure.

With a fully stocked bar, Yujo Izakaya offers all sorts of local alcoholic beverages while featuring Japanese beers, whiskey, and sake. For those who are looking for Yujo’s of signature cocktails, they offer Suika Paloma, a refreshing Japanese-inspired version of the tequila-based cocktail made with honey and watermelon; Daijin-Mai Sour, a whiskey-based drink with Japanese plum and topped with bonito flakes; and the Yuu-Hi, a whiskey highball with a sweet and tangy twist.

Chef Kel Zaguirre compliments the beverage menu with Japanese dishes infused with Kapampangan local dishes: Batute-age (frog and chicken karaage) and Yujo gyoza (dumpling with sisig in ponzu sauce). While chilling or grooving, guests can enjoy the nightlife scene with curated music and events courtesy of music directors Jason Soong and Kiko Nepomuceno and their crew of talented DJs.

On the ground floor of Yujo, guests can find the newest location of Ebi10, the popular comfort food spot in Manila known for their generous servings of Japanese home-style recipes. This branch makes available to Kapampangan diners their signature menu items of tempura of assorted kinds, fusion sushi rolls like Senju Roll and Dragon Roll, and rice meals like the tangy-but-sweet Steak Rice and no-fail Katsudon.

A must-try is the Teppanyaki menu hot off the traditional Japanese metal plates. Families and groups of friends or colleagues can enjoy a variety of steaks (Australian Tenderloin, USDA Prime Rib, and Wagyu), premium seafood (Gindara, Hokkaido Scallops, and King Prawns), vegetables, and fried rice freshly-cooked teppanyaki style. Side dishes such as Beef Chahan, Scallop Chahan, Moriawase, and Yasai Itame are also on the menu.

Raymond Cunan, a Pampanga entrepreneur, and Marco Viray of the popular Makati watering hole, Kampai, brought together the elevated izakaya and Japanese restaurant.

“We had a space on the ground floor of the izakaya, and I thought it would be perfect for one of my family’s other businesses, that’s Ebi10,” shares Viray. “While Yujo provides a nightlife experience that fuses Japanese taste with a Kapampangan touch, Ebi10 completes the full dining experience for people of all ages.”

Yujo Izakaya and Ebi10 is located at Lot 9-11 Blk 49 Friendship Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga.

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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph