Kuma Cebu: Japanese Casual Dining Restaurant

Every time a restaurant opens in the metro, I get thrilled with the idea of how Cebu’s getting more diverse when it comes to cuisine choices and flavors. Had a brief, early dinner at a newly opened Japanese restaurant today, and I was pleased to have left the eatery satiated.

Kuma Cebu, which opened  just yesterday ( 14 January 2018),  is a  casual dining restaurant serving Japanese food, coffee and dessert. Initially, Kuma Cebu offers only one (1) starter, two (2) mains, a variety of desserts and beverages.

Cebu is blessed with a great selection of Japanese restaurants offering the classic and traditional fare favorites, from sushi to ramen bars. But what Cebu is currently short of is the modern, current Japanese casual dining type. Well, Kuma seems to fill in the particular category. The visit earlier, I got to sample two of the mains – Miso Glazed Salmon, and Chicken Teriyaki Sushi Burrito.

Kuma’s Chicken Teriyaki Burrito, aesthetically is a fusion of the Japanese’ temaki and the Mexican burrito, but the flavor is very Japanese. Seared chicken with homemade teriyaki sauce, fresh citrus coleslaw wonton wraps, avocado and caramelized onions. If you like your maki without the nori, then this one is for you.

Miso Glazed Salmon is salmon fillet capped with Japanese salad,  on top of blanched bokchoy and Kumamoto rice drizzled in home grown miso recipe and unagi sauce. This,  I’ll be craving for for sure in the coming days. One of the best salmon dishes I’ve had.

For dessert, had the Japanese custard, Purin. It’s creamy and smooth with the right kick of sweetness. Would work well, even without the wafer roll and whipped cream.

Walking out of a restaurant with a happy tummy is a high sign that I’ll be going back for sure to try the other offerings at this delightful new Japanese food place. Pretty excited to try their coffee which is made with locally sourced beans.

Kuma Cebu is located at Crossroads Banilad Cebu City. Soft opening operating hours is from 4PM-10PM. They might open longer during the Sinulog weekend. You may get in touch with them through (032) 520-8899 for inquiries and reservations.

Kuma Cebu’s Initial Menu as of 15 January 2018