Are you a fan of Japanese food? Do you like sushi or ramen? Do you enjoy a glass of cold Asahi beer with your yakitori?
 |
| A flatlay of Skillet's bestsellers |
If you've answered 'Yes' to these questions, unfortunately, Skillet is not the restaurant for you. This Japanese cafe and bistro that is located in Norkis Cyber park along A.S. Fortuna, does not serve your usual Japanese fare. It's a one of a kind Japanese restaurant in Cebu.
There are 8 bestsellers in Skillet that would make you change your mind about eating Japanese.
They specialize in modern Japanese-style cuisine. They've adapted and innovated dishes from all over the world and made it their own. They have pasta, steak, fried and baked dishes. And their desserts include your fave Japanese cheesecake and other sweets that are not your typical ones.
Their variety of comfort food would make you come back for more and more. Their food is specially made by Japanese Chef and Owner, Masaki Tsuji, who is also an expert on Italian cuisine. He's able to bring that authenticity to the food that he prepares.
Skillet reminds me of Tokyo Cafe which is a restaurant in SM Mall of Asia. If you have been there, they have similar food dishes but Skillet elevates it to a higher level. And they have more bold flavors plus they're not afraid to create unique hearty dishes. I'm also giddy with joy that I don't have to go to Manila to enjoy Westernized food with a Japanese flair.
Dew Droplet Cake
How do I describe this new dessert? It's not an actual cake, it's texture is similar to gelatin. It has a clear taste on its own. You have to combine it with the Soy bean powder (that has the same flavor of Espasol powder or sweet rice flour) and black sugar syrup (which is popular in Japan and has the same taste as Taho syrup or arnibal). When you eat all of these elements together, you'll understand why they all make sense. This is a refreshing way to end your meal in Skillet.
 |
| Drew Droplet cake straight to my mouth |
As of now, they only prepare 10 plates of the Dew Droplet Cake every day. You have to call in and ask for one to be reserved for you. It takes 2-3 hours to make it. You also have to eat it within 30 minutes after being served since it kinda evaporates afterward.
Panna Cotta with Mango Granita
Who doesn't love custard cream? It's the Italian version of our leche flan. Skillet adds a generous amount of Mango granita that adds texture to the dessert. I like that it's not too sweet even with the mango.
 |
| Mango Granita Panna Cotta |
Spaghetti Crab
Spaghetti pasta cooked with crab and tomato cream sauce. The noodles were al dente. The crab flavor is not overpowering. You don't have that fishy smell or after taste. The sauce balances off the flavorful crab meat. This is one of their dishes that I will order again.
 |
| Spaghetti Crab in tomato cream sauce |
Chicken Nanban
Fried foods are good as long as they're prepared right. Their Nanban is not oily, but crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Goes well with their special tartar sauce. You can eat it as is or with rice.
 |
| Washoku or fried food is the best! |
Japanese Stewed Hamburger Steak
You can choose from 2 different sauces for your hamburg steak. It can either be made with demi-glace or tomato sauce. It's your choice whether to have a brown sauce or the red one. There is a hint of moringa (malunggay) added to the beef patty to minimize the gaminess of the meat.
 |
| Hamburg steak in demi-glace |
I was able to try this with the demi-glace sauce and I have to admit, I liked it. I'm not really a fan of hamburger steaks but this could change my mind.
Rice Gratin
Rice some more --- We, Filipinos, love rice so much that this dish was a delight. It did help that they use good quality rice.
Rice Gratin with white sauce and lots of cheese. It's a complete meal since it has bits of seafood in it as well. This resembles the Italian Risotto, a baked one. It's so creamy that I couldn't stop the hand-to-mouth action that happens when a food is sooo good. This meal made my day. And I'm not a rice person.
 |
| Rice Gratin in white sauce and cheese |
Chicken Pot Pie
Just imagine a huge baked chicken empanada and that's what a pot pie is. This dish is actually baked in a skillet! For total foodie experience, use a spoon to dig in to the golden crisp pastry with the brothy gravy and tender veggies. You won't miss out on the chicken since you have chunks of it in the stew. Another dish that I have added on my food list.
 |
| How do I like thee? Let me count the ways. |
Baked Scallop
A Cebuano's all-time appetizer food. Skillet's version uses different kinds of cheeses that covers the entire shell. The scallops were delicioso. 6 pieces are not enough for me.
 |
| A homage to Cebuanos, baked scallops |
Prices
Average price is between 250php to 350php. If you're on a date, you can choose 2-3 dishes plus dessert to share with and it would complete your night.
Ambience
The restaurant is adorned with art by a Japanese artist that the owners especially flew in to create the artworks.
Skillet Japanese Cafe and Bistro is open from 11am-2pm and 5pm-11pm, Mondays to Sundays. You can call for reservations especially for the Dew Droplet cake at 032 417 28 05.
Comments