First-time in Suzu Kin

I agree. The best places to visit are those recommended by locals. I haven’t heard or read about this particular Japanese restaurant. The taxi I was riding zoomed past it and I wouldn’t even have taken a look at the signage. But the cab driver, eager to make pleasantries with his passenger (that was me!), suddenly pointed at the small eatery at the corner of Kamagong St. and Sampaloc St. in Makati, Philippines. “Ma’am, the food there is delicious and affordable. I often take my lunch there and I order their budget meal that has almost everything in it.”

This is Suzu Kin Japanese Restaurant. Curious, I looked back and caught a glimpse of the place, with its large windows giving a preview of its interiors. It seemed like a carinderia or a small eatery. I told friends of the “tip” from the cab driver and a few weeks after, my officemate and I made a sudden dinner outing at this hole-in-the-wall.

We arrived at Suzu Kin half-full; the guests were families or executives. A lady handed us the menu card with her pleasant smile. I immediately saw their all-day-everyday meal that includes chicken furai, ebi tempura, fried dilis, pork kushi yaki, tai kimiyaki, tuna steak, rice and soup. This must be the meal that the driver was talking about because for all these food, it only costs P123 (US$3). But I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish all those so I settled for other offerings in their menu.

I ordered the oyako don and nigiri sushi. My friend ordered gyoza and gyudon. The miso soup came a few minutes after we placed our orders, signalling that their service is fast and efficient. I liked the taste and the ingredients that came with it, like that delicious crunchy thing and some sotanghon noodles. So far, it was the best miso soup I’ve ever tasted.

We didn’t have to wait long before the gyoza was served, which was cooked just right and it tasted good. The nigiri sushi had a mix of shrimp, egg, tuna, and salmon sushis and I have to hand it to them because the sushis tasted fresh and clean. Our rice bowls came after and the oyako don was very tasty and it seemed that it can feed two people (according to my standards).

More families and office workers were coming in. A group of ladies at the corner were already having some beer. People were enjoying their dining experience. So were we. And we promise to be back for more.