Craving that juicy chunk of ground beef seasoned to perfection? These places in the city offer just what you need to satisfy the tastebuds.
The Japanese have a way of making anything uniquely theirs. Their take on the German hamburg steak and American Salisbury steak—which they call hambāgu—is no exception. How can you go wrong with juicy patties of seasoned ground beef or pork (sometimes both) typically coated in a tangy, sweet demi-glace sauce? Add a helping of hot white rice and maybe some grilled or sauteed vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.
The hamburg steak is really having a moment, and it seems like the F&B scene in Manila is sensing the demand for these deliciously meaty comfort treats with a growing number of specialty establishments. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or hey, even merienda (we don’t judge), anytime is the right time for a hamburg steak. Got that hankering? These spots have exactly what you need.
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Niku Niku Oh!! Kome
Arriving straight from Japan and specializing in beef hamburg steaks, Niku Niku Oh!! Kome has made a home in SM Mall of Asia. Expect top-quality meat, as the restaurant makes their steaks fresh on a daily basis, served in a myriad of iterations the way they do it in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Go with the classic—your choice of sukiyaki sauce and egg—or opt for something different like a cheese overload or creamy mushroom sauce. Either way, you’ll find something to satisfy the palate. And of course, diners can enjoy unlimited rice, grilled broccoli, and miso soup alongside their indulgent offerings.
Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is located at Level 1 of North Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Hamburg Yoshi
Another Japanese franchise has traveled from Tokyo to Manila, specifically Bonifiacio Global City. At Hamburg Yoshi, meat is ground in house and grilled over charcoal, then served as a set with a heaping bowl of unlimited rice, a raw egg, miso soup, and pickles. Diners can also try the steaks with the restaurant’s demi glace sauce (with the option to mix in cheese).
Hamburg Yoshi offers the same variation of signature hamburg steaks as it does in Japan, which includes the Wagyu Hamburg, Beef Tongue Hamburg (a crowd favorite for its depth of flavor and texture), and Regular Beef Patty for those who prefer sticking to the basics.
Hamburg Yoshi is located at Verve Residences Tower 1, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City.
Ikinari Steak
While not necessarily specializing solely in hamburg steaks, another famous Japanese franchise still cooks them right. Ikinari Steak offers a thick beef patty drizzled in savory-sweet, caramelized onion sauce and topped with that dollop of garlic butter. Choose the size of your steak, as well as the level of doneness (it can be served rare or medium-rare), and enjoy it on the restaurant’s sizzling plate with corn, vegetables, and beef broth soup.
Ikinari Steak has branches in SM Mall of Asia Square, Robinsons Magnolia, One Ayala, and Allianceland Tower, Makati.
Hikiniku To Come
Hikiniku To Come is, well, coming soon (pun clearly intended)—but we’re still including it in the list so you have something to look forward to. The Japanese hamburg steak concept is opening its very first Philippine store in Uptown Bonifacio, bringing its freshly-ground and grilled hamburg steak and rice combos to the country. If its official Japan website is any indication, diners are in for a treat with a streamlined menu that focuses on excelling in the basics with the freshest ingredients: hamburg steaks, condiments, miso soup, and of course, a raw egg for a steaming scoop of rice.
