MANILA, Philippines – Boracay’s dining scene is getting a new Japanese-inspired contender in November! It’s Gyukatsu Motomura, set to open on November 16 at 0445 Zone 5, Road 1 Laketown Balabag, Malay, Boracay, Aklan.
Under the umbrella of Ikigai International Restaurant OPC, Gyukatsu Motomura is a homegrown brand founded by COO of MKKS Food Industry Kevin Tan and Motomura CMO Ricka Raga, who told Rappler that the brand has successfully filed a trademark for Gyukatsu もと村 (Motomura) and secured domain rights, both locally and internationally.
The restaurant is bringing Japan’s renowned deep-fried beef cutlets to Boracay’s shores, an idea born from Tan’s recent trip to Tokyo. Immediately falling in love with the dish, Tan describes gyukatsu as “the beefy cousin of the more familiar tonkatsu, but [taken to] new heights with premium beef.
“We serve it rare, allowing diners to sear it to their liking on a small personal grill. The result? A perfect harmony of textures — crispy exterior giving way to a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth interior,” he added.
According to Raga, Gyukatsu Motomura Boracay will feature a streamlined menu for now, including the signature 30-second self-grilling option, which lets diners cook their beef cutlets to their preferred level of doneness on their tables.
“We’re bringing the much-loved Gyukatsu experience from Japan to Boracay, staying true to traditional techniques while integrating local flavors,” Raga said.
Sourcing high-quality local beef, Gyukatsu Motomura aims to maintain the same standards that Japan’s culinary scene is known for.
The Boracay restaurant’s interiors combine Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch.
What’s at ‘steak?’
The menu at Gyukatsu Motomura Boracay stars the gyukatsu, which is a breaded and deep-fried beef cutlet that’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is said that the proper way of enjoying it involves searing the meat lightly on both sides, dipping it in your choice of sauces, such as soy sauce or wasabi, and chewing slowly.
For a limited time, the signature dish is available at P988, down from the standard retail price of P1,288, to celebrate the brand’s opening.
Part of the set includes cabbage salad with roasted sesame dressing, pickled cucumber, miso soup, and a one-time serving of soft-serve ice cream.
Gyukatsu Motomura will also offer Wagyu Cubes, available for P888 during the opening (normally priced at P1,088).
As part of its launch, Gyukatsu Motomura Boracay has partnered with Klook, allowing guests to book exclusive dining packages and a smooth reservation process.
Two gyukatsu brands – Kyoto’s famous Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu chain and a new Ganso-Gyukatsu concept — opened in SM Mall of Asia and MOA Square this year, respectively. – Rappler.com