In terms of food preferences, I love authentic Japanese cuisine  because of its simplicity yet healthy offerings. I was surprised to know that there is an authentic Japanese Restaurant here in the South which was just near our home in Laguna.

Since it was college semestral break, I have asked my daughter to accompany me to try Minori-Tei located at First Philippine Industrial Park along R.S. Diaz Avenue at Sto. Tomas Batangas. Yes, it is inside near Microtel Hotel. Maybe that is the reason when we were passing by, we did see them along the highway.

Minori-Tei means golden harvest – golden grain from the sun.

The restaurant was designed to cater to those Japanese nationals who are working inside the industrial park.  It is actually “a home away from home” style as the interior depicted the folkloric culture and nature of Japan.

Headed by Chef Honda who personally do the marketing and selection of ingredients himself to defy the authenticity of each dish.

Let’s get it on by introducing you to the food we feast on that day.

Appetizers

Edaname is a green peas to munch.  Fresh yet so crunchy.  It is my first time to dig-in with this kind of food where I have to crack like nuts to get those green peas.  Hopefully, I can substitute this one to chips every time our family will have a movie marathon at home.   Healthy alternative, I may say.

Edamame, price is  P 120.00

I have ate a bite-sized pieces of raw fish when going to a Japanese restaurant but this is my first time to taste a raw shrimp.   Ok, so this is Hokkaido Sashimi. Yes, it is still best partner dipping it with soy sauce. Love its freshness!

Hokkaido Sashimi

California Maki has this big serving for each roll.  Even this is my favorite, I have to control.  They will be serving more food and I am very enthusiastic to taste all of them.

California Maki – Price is P 240.00

 Spicy roll is a roll in salmon with scallion in a hot sauce.  Really, really hot, I may say!

Spicy Roll – Price is P 220.00

I got an array of Mix Sashimi in one plate , 5 kinds to be exact –  from red tuna, salmon, shrimp, squid and among others.  Wahh, its all fresh!

Mix Sashimi – Price is P 650.00

 Fried chicken balls are like small crunchy yet tasty nibbles to munch while waiting for the main dish.

Fried Chicken Balls

 This Tempura Roll is topped with fried prawns rolled with cucumber and tobiko.  Found their fried prawns too oily for me.

Tempura Roll – Price is P 240.00

Salad

Love the greens all over tofu with this Tofu Salad.

Tofu Salad – P rice is P 210.00

Kani Salad with shredded crab meats and mango surrounded by those greens is my all-time favorite ever since.  The ingredients like  mixed veggies and dressings are just right on taste.

Kani Salad – Price is P 240.00

Some of those Main Course

Fried Calamares

I always cook Tonkatsu at home since this is the favorite dish of my kids.   Those pork cutlets is too thick for me to bite.  Best partner with shredded cabbage.  I am looking for a miso soup to complete more the meal.  Overall, breading with pork is dredged around which made this dish soo juicy.

Tonkatsu

Gindari Yaki is a grilled fillet of black cod.  The fillet got those rich flavor and soft texture.  In cooking, to enjoy a grilled food, it has to be marinated well which make this Japanese dish flavorful.

Gindara yaki

We have Shabu-Shabu for soup where the broth is rich in taste while noodles are firm.

Shabu Shabu

Big serving of prawns for Ebi Tempura.  As I said, the taste is too oily for me.

Ebi Tempura, Price is P 320.00

Tori Karaage is just a common fried chicken for me.   Maybe to make it a healthy dish, putting those  side salad is an added feature.

Tori Karaage, Price is P 280.00

Again this  Teriyaki Chicken is marinated well playing around with those ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, sugar topped with those sesame seed leaving a sweet yet spicy taste.

Teriyaki Chicken

Mixed Aburi is a combination of grilled salmon and mackerel.

 Mix Aburi Sushi, Price is P 140.00

Dessert

For dessert, we had this mixed platter of fruits from banana, pineapple, watermelon, kiwi and papaya.  Ice cream and mochi are great combination to make it more sweet.

Mixed Platter of Fruits with Ice Cream and Mochi

Overall, I was oriented with the traditional yet  innovative way of Japanese lifestyle cuisine.  Some of them were my first time to try.

Definitely the zest for sharing those meal are natural gifts of the earth and water  setting them beautifully in this table banquet where all the sushi and sashimi I have tasted got those fresh taste.  I love my Japanese food experience with Minori-Tei which made me drool again to come back.

Minori-Tei is open from 11 am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm daily.

For inquiries, call (043) 405-5791, (043) 405-5001 or 0917-5236318

Visit their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minori-Tei-Japanese-Restaurant/283892561716968