Sambo Kojin : Yakiniku Smokeless Grill
My friend Paul who works in Eastwood has been bugging me for some time to try this less than a year old smokeless yakiniku style buffet. I was a bit hesitant but when I googled it, all it returned are consistent positive reviews despite its young age; something must be right. And so we tried it for P595 per head to kill our curiosity.
Sambo Kojin's first branch: Eastwood City
We made a phone reservation since it has always been on queue at dinner. Thing is, they can only hold it until 5:45PM to give chance to others so it was an early dinner for us. When we arrived, someone guided us to the second floor where the dining area is located. Along the way, it's like everyone is required to greet and welcome us.
We headed to our table and a waiter immediately approached us to light out grill and briefed us on the condiments placed per table.
Sesame Oil with Salt and Pepper, Spicy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Takumi Sauce, Ponzu Sauce and Sambo Kojin Sauce
We were initially shy to get our food because we were not familiar on this setup. We didn't know where and how to start. But the staff are trained to offer almost everything they can to customers. They provide information about the food, like what's this and that, even before you ask them.
those scattered men in black are ready for your questions on the food
they also make sure that serving plates are replenished promptly - thumbs up!
Food proper na tayo. Of course, food for grill have the widest array.
chicken, pork, and beef of different marinades - tender and tasty meats
bacon wraps, some seafoods and veggies
When a waiter offered us rice, I told Paul to get my part. I actually avoid it because of my fitness goal. But when I tried a bit...
...I just can't help but ask for more! Kamameshi Rice - a dish on its own
wala munang diet-diet, carbs kung carbs!
Let's eat... we admit, the fun factor of grilling our own food right in front of us is what we went here for in the first place :D.
cook them the way you want it ;)
And when you think it's everything grilled, look at this:
bread crumbs parade: Ika Rainbow, Sakana Furai, Sakana Chiisu Maki, Torikatsu (Chicken), Tonkatsu (Pork), Fish tempura, Vegetable Tempura, Kani Tempura and Ebi Tempura
It's hard for a breaded dish to go wrong, right?
It's hard for a breaded dish to go wrong, right?
selection of sushis and the like
And I thought it's all Japanese. Well, I was wrong. Give way to sweet and/or spicy Korean dishes...
Tofu Steak, Yasai Special, Gyoza, Seafood Gyoza, Beef Stew, Chapchae, Pancake, Korean Hot Pot, Tori Kuwayaki, Fish Nagisa and Tebachili
Beef Curry, Yakisoba and Katsudon
I particulary like the Beef Stew, Gyoza and the pancit-like Chapchae
make sure to eat the beef right away, it has the tendency na magsebo (to form solid grease)
make sure to eat the beef right away, it has the tendency na magsebo (to form solid grease)
Vegetable lovers, please stand up (that doesn't include me).
mix and dress your own vegetable salad ;)
I almost forgot - have I told you to save room for dessert?
cakes, fruits, chocolate fondue and ice cream
They use Big Scoop brand for ice cream and it's oh-so-delicious. You can even ask a waiter to get some for you if you already feel too heavy to stand up. Big Scoop's Chocolate flavor is way better than the more famous brands in the market.
sprinkle some candy toppings for some fun
or put a banana on the side and choco syrup on top for an instant Banana Split ;)
Chocolate Fondue
Black Forest is one of my least favorite cake. But it changed that day, Sambo Kojin's is just so soft and delectable.
this is definitely against my fitness goal but is just irresistible
again, carbs kung carbs!
Customer service here is commendable. While we were eating, someone occasionally approaches us to check if we need or want anything and they'll gladly get and serve it for us. They want you to feel special. Kulang na lang alukin ka nila na sila na magsubo sa'yo. Sa totoo lang, I'm not used to this treatment that's why I'm impressed. They also make sure serving plates don't go empty. Such customer service is not so common specifically for buffet restaurants of this type and class.
Btw, I recently learned somewhere that we could have had ask for a Sukiyaki. Sayang!
panindigan ang chopsticks!
Rating: Exceeds Expectations
To Return? While I was writing this, I suddenly had this desire to go back here one of these days. So definitely, it's a Yes! (lalo na kung may manlilibre hihi)
Website: http://sambokojin.com/
o sa october daw sabi ni karen!!! thanks in advance :)
grabe nagutom tuloy ako habang tinitingnan ko ang mga pictures hehehe...