JAPANESE CAFE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED.
Arafu has always been a favorite of mine. A favorite secret of mine. But this little-known Japanese restaurant is too good to be kept from the public's knowledge, so may this review do Arafu some well-deserved justice.
Arafu is located in BGC, in a condo building near Serendra. To be specific, it's at the ground floor of the South of Market Condominium, where you can spot its bright pink shop sign with a silly Comic Sans font. Upon going inside, you will be greeted in Japanese by the store's super friendly staff, and yes, also by the smiling Japanese lady owner. The small dining area is at the second floor, and it's a bit of a climb on a spiral staircase.
The star of Arafu's menu is their Tawara Hamburger Steak. It comes with hot miso soup, rice, a side of corn and green beans, and some tasty Japanese mayonnaise. You can also choose between demi-glace sauce and Japanese sauce, any combination is a winning one I tell you. If you tell the waiter you want to try both, he will very well give you both sauces, at no extra charge. I've asked for this every visit and they are really generous about it. Every bite of the Hamburg steak makes me crave for more, as I taste the ground meat, which is likely a mix of beef and pork, minced with onions and secret seasonings. Pour the sauces at your patty, or dip at the mayo, follow it up with a spoonful of Japanese rice, sip some soup, munch on some corn - eating this meal is a guaranteed delight every time.
Afterwards, you can wash down your meal with their refreshingly sweet iced green tea latte served with a nice-tasting homemade cookie. Feel thoroughly satisfies as the staff greets you again in Japanese when you exit the restaurant. The lady owner even holds open the door for you and gives you a big smile and a small bow. Which I always give in return. read more
