My WAFU Izakaya Festival Fun Night

"You know how to drive in rain

And you decided not to make a change

Stuck in the same old lane

Going the wrong way home

I feel like my heart is stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic,

I'm under pressure

Cause I can't have you the way that I want

Let's just go back to the way it was.."

You know that feeling when you’re stuck for almost four hours along EDSA and you have no idea what’s going on, maybe there was an alien abduction and the cars were just left behind? Your gas gauge is already on empty, you’re hungry, and you’re running very, very late for your next event.

It’s the kind of situation that tests every ounce of patience you have.

No amount of de-stressing, deep breathing, or random sing-alongs in the car can save the situation anymore, you’re simply not going to make it on time.

Thankfully, I was headed to a food affair that promised a whole new way of enjoying Japanese cuisine with the launch of the Wafu Izakaya Festival.

Suddenly… what stress?

Strategically located in the heart of the shopping and dining strip in Greenhills, Wafu Japanese Restaurant stands out with its inviting space and striking interiors. It blends a luxurious yet lively atmosphere, combining traditional and modern Japanese design elements that create a warm and engaging dining experience.

The next time you’re in the mood for a night out with friends, the relaxed setting and vibrant Japanese bar scene make it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy good company, food, and conversation.

The izakaya experience is deeply rooted in Japanese local culture. It’s typically lively, a bit noisy, informal, but always full of energy and fun.

The setting is usually casual, with simple wooden tables and chairs that create a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere for guests. This pub-style arrangement is often complemented by food stations or booths where chefs prepare dishes right in front of you, adding to the interactive and authentic dining experience.

During dinner service, Wafu transforms its outdoor area into a vibrant open-air izakaya. All dishes, such as yakitori, kushiage, kushiyage, sushi, and sashimi are prepared fresh as you order, ensuring everything is served hot, fresh, and satisfying straight to the table.

The pub fare at the festival is best enjoyed with a cold bottle of Asahi beer or a serving of sake.

As with any izakaya experience, the dishes are reasonably priced, with smaller portions designed for sharing, yet still satisfying and filling. Diners can choose from a wide variety of options, including sushi and sashimi platters, maki rolls, tempura, grilled items like yakitori, deep-fried specialties, and other well-loved Japanese favorites.

Items are conveniently priced at 120, 150, or 180 pesos, making it easy to enjoy a few rounds of food and drinks with friends without worrying about the bill.

For instance, kushiyaki is not your typical barbecue. It features skewers of meat, seafood, or vegetables that are simply grilled and then seasoned with either salt or a choice of sauces before being served.

Meanwhile, kushiage uses a heavier batter compared to tempura, making it a more filling snack-on-a-stick that’s perfect for casual eating.

Kushiyaki options often include chicken cuts such as breast, thigh, liver, or tail, as well as pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, beef tenderloin, and salmon belly. For kushiage, you can enjoy skewers like chicken, pork belly, prawns, scallops, zucchini, and quail eggs.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, other popular traditional dishes are also served at Wafu Izakaya. These include okonomiyaki, or Japanese-style cabbage and meat pancakes, along with gyoza, tofu steak, and grilled specialties such as grouper, snapper, and salmon jaw.

I’m not really a sake drinker, but I did try the recommended Asahi beer and it was a great choice. After that, I opted for their Bai water to wrap up the meal.

Overall, I truly enjoyed my experience at Wafu Japanese Restaurant and would definitely come back. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy good food, and have a relaxed night out.