Philippines’ No. 1 Japanese Restaurant TOKYO TOKYO Launches New Lifestyle Store Concept + New Menu Items
For over 30 years now, Tokyo Tokyo has been a household name in the Philippines for quality Japanese meals at affordable prices. My heart (and tummy) beats for Japanese food. I fondly remember growing up having Tokyo Tokyo as my family’s go-to-place during Sunday lunch outs. Sure, there may be a thousand new Japanese restaurants that have sprouted around. But nothing beats the original, right?
And recently, Tokyo Tokyo unveiled something exciting for its Filipino fans. Bringing Japan even closer to Filipinos with the unveiling of its thematic campaign #TakeMeToTokyoTokyo. With the campaign, it has launched an all-new young & fresh look for its restaurants. As well as new and exciting food items in their menu.
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
Tokyo Tokyo’s Flagship Store Gets Fresh New Look
I recently visited Tokyo Tokyo’s flagship store in Trinoma. And I was totally surprised on how different it looked. Truly, gone are the days when all we knew about Japanese dining only revolved around munching on tempura and katsudon, set against a basic restaurant setting. I frequent Trinoma and for months now, I did notice that the Tokyo Tokyo has been closed for renovations.
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
And finally, after months of extensively remodeling it, the no. 1 and pioneer Japanese restaurant chain in the Philippines, Tokyo Tokyo, has unveiled a new contemporary look and feel. Giving the store a fresh, vibrant new look (that honestly made me really hungry)! With the 360 makeover, a more delightful overall dining experience can be expected for their Filipino customers.
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
“From its inception, Tokyo Tokyo has always been a pioneer in masterfully integrating traditional and modern Japanese elements. To create signature meals that satisfy the taste of every Filipino, elevating their dining experiences to a whole new level,” said Natalie Perez, Tokyo Tokyo’s Vice President for Marketing. “With more than 60 store locations nationwide and counting, our goal is to eventually have every Tokyo Tokyo restaurant redesigned to match the fresh, new look. It all comes together under Tokyo Tokyo’s brand campaign this year called “Take Me to Tokyo Tokyo”,” added Perez.
Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma: An Art Masterpiece by JJ Acuna
The all-new Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma store cannot be missed even from afar. As it looks a lot brighter than your typical Tokyo Tokyo store. All thanks to the meticulous vision of renowned and multi-awarded Architect and Interior Designer, James JJ Acuna of JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio.
Store Facade. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo Philippines.
“This new concept can be seen as a next generation version of Tokyo Tokyo. It perfectly represents the modernization of the brand. While still honoring its Japanese inspirations in a big way,” shared Acuna. “The store look and feel is romanticized through intricate design details and elements. Which hark back to the iconic street food culture of Japan.”
Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma from the Outside. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
From the outside, Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma boasts of a modern-looking shopfront façade. The design took took inspiration from Japanese Fusama Screens and the pop-neo-anime culture of Japan streets. Completed with a street-style dining stall reminiscent of Japan’s distinct food stalls. And as you step in its interiors, the main areas allow customers to dine and bask against a contemporary dining space that is uniquely Tokyo Tokyo.
Sleek Counters. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo PH.
Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma offers two large dining rooms: the Garden Room and the Tatami Room. On one hand, the Garden Room evokes Japanese teahouse architecture. In which the home’s structure perfectly frames courtyard views. While the Tatami Room’s warm timber cladding makes it a serene place for private dining.
Tokyo Tokyo Trinoma’s New Menu Items
Of course, with the launch of a new store look comes the release of new menu items. As the chain’s flagship restaurant, diners of its Trinoma branch get exclusive dibs on four (4) new menu items from Tokyo Tokyo. These are the: Tempura Dragon Maki, Crazy Kani Maki, Chicken Teriyaki Salad, and Waffle Bowl Sundaes. Let’s go through all of them, shall we?
Tempura Dragon Maki – HTD Favorite (4.5 stars)!
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
This is a classic Prawn Tempura wrapped in a traditional sushi roll, drizzled with cheese sauce, Japanese mayo and unagi sauce. It’s topped off and sprinkled with Togarashi Powder and Tempura Crumbs.
I loved how the fresh taste of the tempura blended well with the special sauce blend. It was a perfect marriage of my two favorites (tempura + maki), indeed!
Crazy Kani Maki (4 stars)
Crazy Kani Maki. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
A classic California Maki roll coated with black sesame seeds, plus a generous topping of kani salad with ebiko and tempura crumbs. Admittedly, this wasn’t my first time to try a sushi of this sort. But Tokyo Tokyo’s flavor always doesn’t’ disappoint. Loved the crunchy bits on top!
Chicken Teriyaki Salad (4 stars)
Only the best Chicken Teriyaki Fillet on top of a bed of fresh mixed greens, shredded veggies, corn and nitamago egg on the side. Then complimented with a roasted sesame dressing. It was light yet filling at the same time.
Waffle Bowl Sundaes – HTD Favorite! (4.2 stars)
Waffle Bowl Sundae
By now, it should be obvious that I’m an ice cream monster. And a special treat awaits ice cream monsters like me as Tokyo Tokyo offers three flavors of their Waffle Bowl Sundaes.
It comes in Triple Caramel, Strawberry Mango and Turtle Sundae. All three flavors are served with premium and creamy soft serve sundaes in an edible waffle cone. Which gives them all exciting flavors and textures.
Waffle Bowl Sundae: Triple Caramel
Loved all three, obviously, but the triple caramel was my favorite. Sweet with real crunchy Lotus Biscoff bits.
Tokyo Tokyo Specialty Drinks
Matcha Green Tea + Red Iced Tea Slushies. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Tokyo.
Apart from their signature Red Iced Tea, Tokyo Tokyo also has something new to quench your thirst- SLUSHIES! It comes in two exciting flavors — Red Iced Tea Slush and Matcha Green Tea Slush!
I tried the red iced tea slush and it instantly gave me a cool and refreshing feel.
Tokyo Tokyo All-Branch New Menu Items
Now you don’t need to worry if you’re not exactly near Trinoma. As you can still try the other new exciting menu items available in all branches.
Wagyu Beef Cubes
First, you have the Wagyu Cubes Bento Box, that’s been grilled to perfection and glazed with smoky unagi sauce to give you the perfect balance of flavors. These three perfectly grilled sticks comes in Tokyo Tokyo’s famous and familiar bento meal, served with vegetable misono and unlimited rice.
Rainy days are Ramen Days. And that calls for you to try Tokyo Tokyo’s new Black Garlic Ramen. The Black Garlic Ramen utilizes an innovative element – the black garlic oil. It gives the dish its color and strong garlic flavor that will hit the spot when the rain comes pouring down. The ramen also includes premium quality ingredients such as freshly made ramen noodles. As well as a generous variety of ramen toppings that include sliced pork chashu, nitamago egg, rayo oil, nori, and onion leeks. All topped off with tonkotsu broth that was slowly cooked for 24 hours. Definitely worth the Php 170-220 price range per bowl!
#AShotToTokyo Social Media Contest
In line with their brand campaign ‘Take Me to Tokyo Tokyo’ and new store look unveiling, Tokyo Tokyo is launching an exciting social promo called ‘A Shot To Tokyo’!” In a fun and simple Facebook & Instagram photo contest running from August 29 to October 30, 2018 one lucky customer gets a shot to win an all-expenses paid trip to the ultimate sensory wonderland that inspired the birth of Tokyo Tokyo Philippines – Tokyo, Japan! With a lucky companion, nonetheless! For more details, follow Tokyo Tokyo today on Facebook page and @TokyoTokyoPhilippines on Instagram. HAPPY EATING!
#TakeMeToTokyoTokyo #AShotToTokyo #TokyoTokyoPH
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