Another blogger friend just asked me what keeps me coming back to a favorite restaurant for our family. I thought about that question for a while before I answered.
Of course it’s the food. But there are other reasons why we will visit a restaurant time and time again. It’s like it has to have the whole package…and it has to be consistent. I thought about the reasons why we visit YABU again and again and wanted to share them with you.
THE FOOD
The food is always dependable at Yabu. We know when we visit, that we will always have the very best Katsu in the country.
In fact one of the main reasons you must try Yabu is for the Kurobuta. What is Kurobuta, you ask? Well, Kurobuta pork is only the most flavorful and fork tender pork you will know and enjoy. It’s one of those things that once you try, you will want to come back for. Again and Again.
Aside from the most tender tasty pork you will find in Katsu, we go back to Yabu because of their constant recipe development. There are always new additions to the menu popping up every so often. Recently, they even added mixed drinks to their menu in the Greenbelt location! I can’t wait to try them out with my number one guy!

APPETIZERS! Clockwise starting at the top left: Octopus Salad, Cold Spinach Salad, Edamame, Potato Salad, Seaweed Salad, and my favorite, Chicken Salad.
For those of you who haven’t yet had the pleasure of dining in Yabu, you should. Aside from the food being really delicious, you have the opportunity to an all you can eat type of experience without the hassle of standing up for a buffet.
Here’s why.
Your rice is refillable. Your soup is refillable. Your salad is refillable. Your pickles are refillable. AND YES. Your fruit is refillable. Bet you didn’t know that one.

The Oroshi Katsu set is served with slice of Ruby Red Grapefruit. I love this take of the radish atop the crispy tender pork.
SERVICE
One thing you know when you step into those sliding doors here in ATC, is that you will have service with a smile. The servers are attentive, well trained, and they know exactly when you are ready for your REFILLS!!!
AMBIANCE
Not sure if you have taken notice of the trademark back wall in all of the Yabu restos. Those are saki cups! The lighting gives all Yabu outlets a homey feel, and if you request to sit in a booth, you can take your time and pretend that there is NO ONE in the restaurant except you and your date (because it’s always full) and relax while you enjoyed your fried pork.

If Nino’s go to meal is the Oyster Set, mine is Seafood Set Two. With Salmon, Oyster, Ebi, and Creamy Crab this leaves me super YABUsog!
Easy to PARK
Because many of the Yabu outlets are found in popular malls that are easy to get to, that means it’s easy to park. AND for those of you that know my hubby…he hates it when it’s hard to park.

Thank you Yabu for hosting us in your ATC branch! It made driving (and parking) so much easier for my fellow Alabangers! Patty! Joei, Jane, and I missed you, but we are so glad Tristan is all better now!
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Gellibean is welcome. They have high chairs, a kiddie menu, and their staff is also friendly to the kiddos. If you eat out with the kids often, then they should also be used to sitting at a table without walking around the restaurant and disturbing the other guests! I never want MY kid to be the one that is that annoying kid who won’t let you eat your dinner in peace.

Yes. Families are welcome. Most of the time if you take a gander around the resto you will see that many of the tables are all families. This picture was taken on Mother’s Day in 2013 in the SM Southmall branch.
Yabu has a serious hustle and bustle going on in the restaurant because it’s always so full. I don’t worry that Gelli will disturb the super quiet atmosphere or ambiance in the place because it’s really a place meant to eat in with the whole gang. You can have a conversation without whispering (Gelli doesn’t know how to whisper yet.) and you can even celebrate your birthday there!
BIRTHDAYS!!!
Did you know that if you sign up with the restaurant and provide them your email you will have BIRTHDAY Kastu for free? YESSSS! If you fill out the card (I’m sure you’ll ask for that card the next time you are there.) and provide your email address and other important information, they will send you a voucher to your virtual inbox for a birthday Katsu meal just in time for your special day. Bring the printed out voucher in and CELEBRATE!!!
So Jenny…you asked me a while back…”What keeps you coming back to your favorite restaurant?” THIS. ALL of these things keep me coming back to my favorite restaurant…all the time…
Visit Yabu in any of their branches and surely you will receive the same stellar treatment that we receive every time we visit ATC. Check out their Greenbelt branch and try their new mixed drinks curated by Erwan Heusaff.
Yabu on:
I love the photos as well as the food!
Thanks Dad. I know Yabu is one of your favorites too.