For the residents of the north, Tomas Morato is a popular haven for different kinds of cuisine from restaurants lining the whole avenue. It is a place that harbors both traditional and modern styles of cooking with menus spanning the whole world, from Italian to Persian to Korean. Soru Izakaya, one of the restaurants I tried during my visit to Tomas Morato, takes Japanese cuisine to a different level by fusing the modern with the traditional.
In Japanese culture, an izakaya is a chill and casual bar where you can go after work for a drink and a bite with your friends. Soru Izakaya brings this culture to the heart of Quezon City, but don’t expect this place to be your average watering hole. Soru stays true to the essence of the izakaya but puts its own twist to this beloved tradition.
The new Nippon
Soru’s different approach to the culture is immediately made clear with their menu. Reflecting traditional ways, their different kinds of sushi are freshly and wonderfully made. But you’ll never get bored with your sushi plate that is meticulously plated and designed with colorful artwork using Japanese mayo. Sometimes I feel guilty ruining the plating with my appetite, but the rich flavors of the sushi are too hard to overcome.
There is a variety of options to choose from, but a clear standout to me is the Lava Maki (P430), one of Soru’s ichiban, or best-selling, dishes. This delectably spicy dish is made with salmon and tuna cubes topped with spicy mayo and a special teriyaki sauce. My other must-tries are the beefy Gyu Maki (P290) and the cheesy Tori Kasai Maki (P290), both are new additions to Soru’s modern and diverse menu.
For those of you looking to add more greens into your table, splitting one of Soru’s salads is never a bad option. I particularly enjoyed the Poke Bowl (P330), a colorful plate of salmon cubes with salad greens, fresh mango, and wakame seaweed. I also unexpectedly loved the Spicy Maguro Salad (P330), a bowl of tuna cubes, miso, and tempura flakes, with just the perfect amount of spice to keep me wanting for more.
The real star of the night was the Tomahawk Katsu (P355), a hefty serving of a deep-fried tomahawk cutlet glazed with Soru’s specialty katsu sauce. This is actually a new addition to the menu but it’s almost guaranteed to be one of Soru’s best-sellers in no time. The curry lovers out there should try the mouthwatering Katsu Curry Donburi (P320) to satisfy their cravings.
Unlimited hot-pot
Soru Izakaya has established branches in BGC and Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, but their branch in Tomas Morato offers something more that many of you will surely love: the hot-pot, or nabe in Japanese. For those of us who want something hot and heavy to warm up our stomachs, a nabe night out may just be what we’re looking for.
Soru offers an unlimited hot-pot deal for only P399, where you get unlimited meats, noodles, vegetables, mixed balls, and sides. There are seven types of broth you can choose from, like Tonkotsu, Spicy Miso, and Sukiyaki. At P499, you can upgrade to also add unlimited seafood, such as shrimp and mussels. What I loved in particular about the hot-pot deal is the variety, because there are different types of meat, entrees, and sides to choose from. You will really get your money’s worth and a fulfilled appetite with this Japanese show-stopper.
If you’re looking for familiar Japanese flavors with a modern and creative twist, Soru is a great option to satisfy those cravings. Whether it’s a quiet daytime visit or an after-work hangout with friends, the modern izakaya experience at Soru is the place to be.
Visit Soru Izakaya Tomas Morato Branch at Scout Torillo cor. Scout Fernando Street, Sacred Heart, Quezon City.
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