Celebrating 12 years of culinary excellence
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Minami Saki By Astoria celebrates its 12th anniversary with a special menu created by Japanese Executive Chef Naiki Atsushi, who brings more than 25 years of culinary experience shaped by his work across Japan, China, and Cambodia.
With expertise in authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to tempura, fugu, banquet cuisine, set meals, and omakase, Chef Atsushi brings together refined techniques and a deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions.
For this year’s celebration, he has created five dishes and one drink exclusively for guests to enjoy as the restaurant marks another year of exceptional dining.
Chef Naiki Atsushi’s exclusive specialties
Aburi salmon sushi
Lightly torched salmon sushi with aburi sauce
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Crispy rice unagi sushi
Crispy rice topped with freshwater eel and filled with kanikama (imitation crab) and spicy mayonnaise
Maguro usugiri with wasabi sauce
Thinly sliced fresh yellowfin tuna served with a tangy, aromatic citrus sauce infused with wasabi
Hitachi wagyu sukiyaki
A Japanese hotpot dish featuring sliced A5 wagyu beef, vegetables, and tofu simmered in a sweet-and-savory soy sauce broth
Pistachio kataifi truffle mallows
Handcrafted dark chocolate truffles filled with strawberry compote and pistachio kataifi, wrapped in chocolate mallows and dusted with premium cocoa powder
Sparkling umeshu plum sake
A sweet, tangy drink made with fully ripened Japanese ume plums and finished with a fizzy spritz
A taste of ube at the anniversary celebration
Alongside its Japanese specialties, Minami Saki By Astoria is adding a distinctly Filipino touch to its anniversary celebration with a selection of ube delicacies made using Astoria Philippine Ube Powder.
The special creations showcase the versatility of authentic Philippine ube in a variety of sweet treats, bringing a familiar local flavor to the restaurant’s anniversary menu.
The anniversary's ube selection includes:
- Ube Macaroon
- Ube Nougat
- Ube Macaron
- Ube Bibingcute
- Ube Biscotti
- Ube Custard Pudding
- Ube Ice Cream
- Ube Matcha Cheesecake
View its preparation guide and recipes here.
The story behind Astoria Philippine Ube Powder
As ube, or purple yam, continues to gain popularity in the global culinary scene, its seasonal availability presents challenges in meeting growing demand. In response, Astoria's team of chefs, agricultural specialists, food scientists, and quality control specialists developed a 100% pure ube product that is shelf-stable and easy to use.
Made from 100% dehydrated and pulverized ube, or pure Dioscorea alata, Astoria Philippine Ube Powder contains no additives, preservatives, colorants, or extenders. Designed for professional kitchens and food manufacturers, the powder offers a convenient way to use authentic Philippine ube throughout the year.
Unlike products that use taro or other root crops as substitutes, Astoria Philippine Ube Powder preserves the authentic flavor and character of genuine Philippine ube.
To ensure safety and quality, Astoria Philippine Ube Powder is manufactured in an FDA-, Halal-, GHP-, and HACCP-compliant facility under the supervision of food scientists and quality assurance specialists.
With a shelf life of up to 18 months under room-temperature storage conditions, it makes authentic Philippine ube available year-round for domestic and industrial kitchens.
Our story
Behind the product is a commitment to supporting the communities that cultivate the ingredient.
Backed by nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industries, The Astoria Group developed Astoria Philippine Ube Powder in partnership with small-scale indigenous farmers from Central Luzon.
Since 2023, the group has been sourcing their produce at a fair price to help support their livelihoods, empower their communities, and bring Philippine-grown ube to more tables.
This initiative is an important part of The Astoria Group's corporate social responsibility efforts, reflecting its commitment to supporting local communities while sharing the richness of Filipino ingredients with a wider audience.
About Minami Saki by Astoria
Located in the heart of the Ortigas Business District, Minami Saki By Astoria offers an authentic Japanese dining experience shaped by its elegant interiors, carefully prepared Japanese cuisine, and attentive Astoria hospitality.
Known for its refined Japanese fare, the restaurant brings together traditional Japanese flavors and a welcoming atmosphere for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Beyond dining, Minami Saki By Astoria offers function spaces suited to different occasions, whether for an intimate gathering, a business meeting, or a collaborative discussion.
Guests can enjoy the privacy and comfort of these spaces while sharing thoughtfully prepared Japanese dishes.
For those looking for a satisfying midday meal, Minami Saki’s Executive Weekday Lunch is available for a limited time, Wednesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The menu features a selection of ramen creations, rice bowls, and side dishes, making it a convenient choice for a business lunch or a well-deserved break in the middle of the workday.
To know more about Minami Saki By Astoria, you may view its website here.
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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Minami Saki By Astoria.
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