Filipinos love tempura for several reasons, but who wouldn’t with its crunchy texture and sweet and savory flavor? And even how it can easily be paired with either rice or noodles–whichever you’re in the mood for, there are just so many ways to enjoy this popular Japanese dish!
Photos: Aburi Manila, Nikkei Robata, Kiwami Food Hall
So if you are craving some airy, golden, and delicately crispy treat, we’ve got you! Here is a list of some of the top Japanese restaurants in Metro Manila serving mouthwatering tempura!
Don Don Tei
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Osaka’s famous donburi chain, Don Don Tei, has recently opened in Manila, allowing Filipinos to indulge in its signature Black Tiger Prawns! These chunky prawns, coated in a light yet crispy breading, are served atop a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice and drizzled with rich tendon sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. You can visit Don Don Tei at Robinsons Galleria and Greenhills Mall!
Boteyju
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Serving authentic Japanese dishes for over 70 years, it’s no wonder Boteyju is one of the go-to Japanese restaurants in Manila. Their menu boasts a variety of tempura offerings, including Shrimp Tempura Popcorn, Shrimp and Crab Tempura, Vegetable Tempura, Tempura Shrimp Ramen, and Tempura Rice Bowl. The must-tries are the classic Golden Tempura and Jumbo Crab Sticks Tempura, both featuring original seasoning that perfectly complements the tempura sauce for an extra burst of flavor! Boteyju has numerous branches across the metro.
Nikkei Robata
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While ebi tempura alone already sounds like a great idea, Nikkei Robata‘s Tempura Moriawase offers even more variety! In addition to shrimp, its flavorful batter coats an assortment of seafood and vegetables, all fried to perfection. These delights are served with the refreshing flavors of ginger and radish oroshi, perfectly complemented by the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant’s distinctive tempura sauce. Try it out in their Uptown BGC, Newport Mall, or Greenbelt 3 branches!
Ooma
What Ooma offers is not your ordinary Ebi Tempura–Moment Group’s bold take on Japanese cuisine takes it up a notch! Their crispy battered shrimp is sprinkled with Aonari (aromatic dried seaweed flakes) and provides dipping options besides the staple tempura sauce: herb aioli and aligue mayo. Discover this sumptuous twist at Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt, Rockwell Center, Salcedo, SM Megamall, Greenhills, and/or Molito!
Kiwami Food Hall – Hannosuke
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Renowned for their Tendon tempura dishes in Japan, Hannosuke has made its way to the Philippines through Kiwami Food Hall! This culinary haven, housing major Japanese food concepts in BGC and ATC, will allow you to order their signature tempuras along with your favorites from Yabu, Ippudo, and Hachibei. Here, you can indulge in their Ebi Tendon Bowl, featuring three pieces of lightly battered ebi served with onsen tamago, eggplant, and nori, generously drizzled with Hannosuke’s heirloom tendon sauce. However, if you’re up for a more extensive experience, try their Deluxe Meshi Set, which includes crisp and golden ebi tempura, Kisu, and Shimeji mushroom, accompanied by onsen tamago, egg, nori, and their signature tentsuyu tempura sauce.
Aburi Manila
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Discover an explosion of authentic Japanese flavors with Aburi‘s Volcano Surf and Turf! This must-try masterpiece is a classic Ebi Tempura Roll tower with the zing of Spicy Seafood Dynamite (featuring Scallops, Kani, Tamago, and Ebi). Plus, your dining experience is elevated with the addition of succulent Beef Aburi Strips and Crispy Onion Rings! The Japanese restaurant in Madison Galeries (Alabang) and One Bonifacio (BGC) specializes in flame-seared sushi and California-inspired dishes, promising your Japanese basics done well and introducing exciting innovations.
Genki Sushi
In case you missed it, Genki Sushi, a renowned chain of conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan since the 90s, has brought its unique dining experience to the Philippines. For those who may not find sushi appealing though, Genki Sushi’s Shrimp Tempura always emerges as a delightful choice! Explore their Metro Manila branches, including SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, U.P. Town Center, SM Aura Premier, Ayala Malls the 30th, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and SM City Grand Central!
Tsukiji
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Named after the legendary Tokyo fish market, Tsukiji Restaurant lives up to its name by importing seafood and beef ingredients directly from Japan! With a history dating back to 1989, this Japanese restaurant in Makati has been a pioneer in authentic Japanese cuisine in Metro Manila. For a satisfying comfort food experience, their Tendon (tempura rice bowl) might just be the best choice!
Miyazaki
If you’ve visited Molito, you’ve likely come across this expansive authentic Japanese restaurant that offers an extensive selection of Japanese dishes. Miyazaki, located exclusively in Alabang, boasts a menu that’s almost like a book. You have the option to dine in, where you can witness the chefs preparing your order, or enjoy an al fresco experience within the lush surroundings of the lifestyle center. With its diverse menu and ample seating, Miyazaki is one of the top spots in the South for gatherings. And of course, no Japanese cuisine feast is complete without Ebi Tempura!
Ippudo
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Another well-loved Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy deliciously crispy tempura is Ippudo! Their scrumptious Tempura will elevate every bowl of ramen with its savory flavor. It is even served with grated radish, ginger paste, and tempura sauce for a truly satisfying indulgence. Ippudo has several branches in Manila.
ALSO READ: 8 Places Where You Can Get Delicious Tempura
Do you have anything to add to this list? Tell us in the comments!
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