Other than anime, I love the Japanese because of their food (LOL). I’ve always had the pleasure of eating Japanese food at an early age since my grandfather, the late Senator Blas Ople, usually hosted a family get together every Sunday at Saisaki along EDSA. I remember being excited waking up every Sunday morning since I know I would be able to eat lots of Tuna Sashimi, Fried Rice, and Steak, hehe. Anyway, a few days ago my girlfriend, my brother, my friend Paul, and I went out for dinner at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants – Kimono Ken. They have several branches already but the best one is their branch along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

QUICKIE FACT SHEET
Name: Kimono Ken
Location: Tomas Morato (they have several branches though)
Type: Japanese Food
Price Range (per dish): P150 – P500

My review of some of Kimono Ken’s most famous dishes after the jump.

Before I start, let me just say that one of the reasons I love going here is convenience. They have valet parking which makes life a whole lot easier especially since it’s always crowded in Tomas Morato. The staff here are also very courteous and warm. Maybe it’s because they know me already since I there 3-4 times a month, hahaha! Let’s get on with the review.

Their Beef and Chicken Teriyaki are two of the most affordable dishes on the menu. The serving is quite generous for the Beef and Pork versions but the Chicken is a bit lacking. I’m not 100% sure but they should set you back P150-P180. I know what you’re thinking… is the Chicken Teriyaki here better than Teriyaki Boy? Nope. Teriyaki Boy trumps Kimono Ken on the Chicken Teriyaki department. Next up, we have one of the most amazing Japanese salads ever – Kimono Ken’s Kani Salad.

This one costs P250 but it is well worth it. The servings are enough for 3-4 people and the salad really has a lot of crab meat on it. The salad dressing also tastes excellent and the dish comes with two pieces of Ebi Tempura. A lot of people come to Kimono Ken because of this salad. It truly is one of their best offerings. Since we’re already talking about Tempura, let’s jump to the next dish – Kimono Ken’s Ebi Tempura.

Now this is the reason why I find myself coming back to Kimono Ken a lot. The Ebi Tempura is just superb. Normally the Tempura you eat at various restaurants around the metro has more breading than shrimp. An example would be Saisaki’s poorly made Tempura these days. Even Teriyaki Boy’s Tempura sucks. Hell – there’s this restaurant along Makati Avenue called “Tempura” but their Ebi Tempura tastes so bad I couldn’t eat more than 1 piece. What I love about Kimono Ken’s version is that they really pick huge pieces of shrimp. You know, the “very” meaty kind. The breading also isn’t overkill so it’s just enough to enhance the taste of the shrimp and not overpower it.

I’ve had nothing but good words for Kimono Ken… well I do have a few gripes. Their fried rice costs P60 bucks and it’s just one small cup. Come on management! I’d gladly fork over P60 but can you at least make it worth my money? It pains my heart to order extra rice because of the insane price paired with the small serving. Other than that, I also don’t like the placement of seats in the Tomas Morato branch. It can be too crowded at times but if the restaurant isn’t full, then it’s just alright.

SUMMARY

Rating Card
1 – Waste of money
2 – Satisfactory – just okay. Nothing special
3 – Wow, something to remember.
4 – OMGWTFBBQ I WANT MOREZZ PLZZ

FOOD QUALITY: 4
DISH PRICES VS QUALITY: 2
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 3
RESTAURANT CLEANLINESS: 3
RESTAURANT OVER-ALL RATING: 3

Kimono Ken can be a good place for dates or family meals but this isn’t the perfect spot to have barkada get-togethers. It can be a bit pricey, especially since they put a hefty price tag on the rice and the sodas. If you do have cash to burn though and you want quality Japanese food, then this is the place for you.