Uma Delica | Katsudon

Japanese Rice Bowls are popular in Asian markets, and fast food establishments have made them affordable (depends on their target demographic). The Western market is slowly catching up to the concept of a rice meal, and sometimes there’s a fusion of ideas borne into a new concept. But for the Asian Market it fits right adding new choices for locals who wants something new at the same time still have “rice” in it. There are restaurants and restaurants would offer their take of what is a Japanese dish should be. But sometimes being too authentic means it becomes a bit expensive. But there are Asian groceries out there would offer their in-house inexpensive take of their Japanese dishes, and New Hatchin Grocery with their line of “Uma Delica” meals.

“Uma Delica” is the name of a range of Japanese dishes produced in-house by New Hatchin Grocery that has two branches in Makati City and Quezon City. Besides their authentic Japanese rice bowls they also serve other dishes including their popular Takoyaki Balls that was originally served only on weekends.

But New Hatchin Grocery has established having their in-house Japanese meals either as a take away and select dishes cooked at the store itself that is prepared for pick-up as they do not have dine-in areas. It is a grocery first and foremost that carry products imported from Japan. Certainly, they have a wide variety of them and yet their in-demand for their authentic Japanese meals.

Tonkatsu + Donburi

Katsudon is a mash up of two Japanese dishes that has become a modern tradition for a rice bowl meal to have before taking exams the following day. It is consist of rice topped with deep fried breaded pork cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments. It has become a staple favourite in some countries and it is one of New Hatchin’s bestseller.

Their take on the Katsudon has varied over the years, and the change is welcoming. The texture and the way it was prepared has stepped up compared to how they prepare and packed the food previously. With change of the store renovation in Makati last year and price increase they definitely put quality in their rice bowls.

Victorious Win

There’s something ‘new’ to what has been established by New Hatchin Grocery for their Uma Delica product namely this Katsudon. The meaty goodness that has been deep fried and prepared is quite a step up from its previous aesthetics. It is the same meal only have an improvement.

This time the colours of the meal is vibrant as the way it is taste continue to be authentic as ever. Of course, beside the new changes is how they packed it now that they also provided a plastic lid cover for the bowl for you to heat it on the microwave and it was definitely a victorious win.

Overall change is good with the food’s texture and colour as vibrant as the quality of taste it still hold up as one of the favourites in their rice bowls. Despite the price increase a few months back they definitely make sure quality is not hindered that made it sure you’re having the right meal for the for the right price.

• Food Quality: 4 out of 5
• Affordability: B+
• Overall: Meaty deep-fried pork topped with egg and condiments is all good.

Katsudon | Retailed at: ₱ 170.00 Pesos [$ 4.37 AUD | $ 2.99 USD]**

** - Currency Converter via Google.com