From salmon sashimi to stone pots: Watami redefines everyday Japanese
Who doesn’t love salmon? Silky, rich, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of ingredient that feels just as at home in a comforting weeknight meal as it does in an indulgent feast.
At Watami, this universally loved favorite takes center stage in a newly elevated menu that redefines the everyday Japanese dining experience.
Building on its izakaya roots, Watami’s concept chef Masaaki Ishikawa transforms the fish into a showcase of craftsmanship and creativity. From Smoked Salmon Sashimi, which highlights its delicate natural sweetness, to a flame-seared salmon head that releases a rich, buttery aroma, each dish is designed to draw out nuanced flavors and supple textures.
Beyond sashimi and flame-seared cuts, the menu introduces playful, modern expressions of the beloved fish. The Salmon Taco Aburi arrives stacked on a sushi ladder, before being dramatically torched tableside—a moment of theater that heightens both aroma and anticipation. Crisp, smoky, and indulgently layered, it’s a contemporary reinterpretation of salmon nigiri, delivering bold, modern flavor while retaining the comfort of a familiar favorite.
Equally compelling is the Salmon Stone Pot, where tender slices are nestled over rice in a heated stone bowl, gently cooking to perfection and absorbing savory depth with every stir.
For those who prefer a complete set, chef Ishikawa recommends Watami’s Teishoku—a thoughtfully composed meal that comes with a main, appetizer, miso soup, and rice, offering a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Long before the elevated menu, my go-to was the Salmon Miso Sauce Roll—a comforting classic layered with savory miso depth. Its continued presence feels like a nod to loyal diners, proving that even as Watami innovates, it honors the dishes that built its following.
Everyday Japanese, daily luxury
While salmon may take the spotlight, the new menu’s appeal stretches well beyond a single ingredient. At Watami, everyday Japanese comfort classics are given the same thoughtful attention to detail—beginning with inventive starters like the Nori Nachos. Crisp, fried nori sheets are arranged like a game of Jenga, stacked high and ready to be pulled apart, offering a light yet addictive crunch that sets the tone for the meal.
Katsu—long regarded as the heart of homestyle indulgence—arrives golden and crisp, its crackling crust giving way to tender, juicy meat within. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and executed with quiet precision.
Then there’s the Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen, a soul-warming bowl built on a slow-simmered pork bone broth that is rich, creamy, and layered with depth. Springy noodles weave through slices of melt-in-your-mouth chashu, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and refined.
Together, these offerings reaffirm that while innovation defines the new menu, comfort remains its foundation—familiar flavors, elevated but never overcomplicated.
Where craft meets comfort
The sense of elevation extends beyond the menu and into the space itself. At Watami, warm wood accents, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully arranged seating create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and inviting. The interiors strike a careful balance between modern refinement and the convivial charm of a traditional izakaya—intimate enough for relaxed conversations, yet polished enough to frame the tableside theatrics of dishes like the Salmon Taco Aburi.
In this setting, the experience becomes immersive. The gentle glow of the dining room, the sizzle from a heated stone pot, and the flicker of a culinary torch all come together to heighten the senses. It’s a reminder that dining isn’t just about flavor, but about mood, movement, and memory.
From torched salmon to golden katsu, every plate at Watami turns familiar favorites into moments of delight, proving that everyday Japanese dining can be both comforting and extraordinary.
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Watami is on the ground floor, S. Maison Conrad, Marina Way, Pasay City. For inquiries, follow @WatamiPh.
