Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo is a franchise from Singapore but partnered with Japanese Jidori chicken farms. Their specialty is called the beauty hot pot using collagen extracted from Jidori golden chicken from their own farms in Japan.
The ambiance is simple but still very Japanese in light wood colors. Seats and table are not cramped but less flexible because of the presence of the electric cooker in the tables.
The Bijin Nabe/ Beauty Hot Pot is charged per serving with a minimum of 1 order for 2 people. The serving portion is quite hefty so getting 1 portion for 2 people allows you to get a couple of their side dishes to complement.
Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad (P240). Not your usual Caesar salad as this one uses their homemade dressing and is topped with salted seaweed. Lots of crunch paired with creamy and salty flavors.
Steamed Chicken with Ume Sauce (P210). We really enjoyed this shredded chicken tossed in salted plum sauce dish and even wanted it to be a little more sour to whet the taste buds.
Maximum Fried Eggplant (P180). Read the following description on the menu and you’ll find out that these triangular pieces of breaded eggplant are seasoned with “Maximum” spice and served with sweet chili sauce. I’d skip the sweet chili sauce and just pop the perfectly seasoned eggplant into your mouth and enjoy the airy and soft texture.
Chicken Nanban (P295/original, P315/spicy). This is traditional dish from Miyazaki in Southern Japan. It’s a fried chicken dish topped with a sweet and sour dressing similar to tartar sauce that has unique taste all it’s own. They also serve a spicy version that I would stay far away from unless you have a high tolerance for spice.
Nikumaki (P105/original, P115/cheese, yuzu-mayo, spicy). This is the one that took us by surprise. A rice ball that’s wrapped in bacon and slathered with a sweet, savory and smoky sauce similar to teriyaki and service with a lettuce leaf. There are 4 versions but the ones I highly recommend is the cheese and the original. It may look small but it packs a wallop in the stomach so order a max of only one per person.
Roasted Chicken Fillet (P225). Grilled chicken thigh served with bean sprouts. Nothing special so I’d skip this one unless one of the kids really only eats this.
Bijin Nabe (P750/portion). This is the main event and the biggest reason to dine at Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo. The picture shown above is a 5 portion pot. I was a little slow taking pictures so the collagen that looked like “taho” had started melting into the pot.
Every portion comes with sunflower sprout, red raddish, lettuce, chicken, prawn, enoki mushroom, baby sweet potato leaves, baby corn, lady’s fingers, deep fried tofu, zucchini, black fungus, and chicken meatball.
Once the pot boils, the server will give you a taste of the collagen soup in small sake glasses so you get the silky, flavorful explosion minus other ingredients.
Next step is to put the tsukune/chicken meatball into the simmering broth.
Then the vegetables are added in a set order by the server depending on what will cook longest. Once the pot including the vegetables boil, the server will portion out into the bowls so you can start enjoying before she proceeds to the next step. 
They will remove the chicken pieces and then add the prawns. Each prawn will be de shelled and served including the a different kind of broth with the flavor of the sea. I found the prawn to be superficial and if I had the option I would have skipped in favor of more vegetables.
Last step in the bijin nabe experience is the carbs, new stock will be put on the pot with your choice of noodle or rice. It will then be simmered in the fresh broth so have to roll yourself out the door after. Don’t skip this step or you’ll regret the very tasty ending.
Irene and I loved our first experience at Bijin Nabe and will definitely go back soon. We’re not sure if the beauty benefits and health benefits are noticeable but the food was good and fairly priced.
Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo
2/F S Maison at Conrad ManilaSeaside Blvd. cor Coral Way, SM Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City, Philippines
Contact No.: (632) 809-1268
Facebook Page: Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo Philippines
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