Takayama: Where flavor meets affordability

Nestled in an unassuming corner of Garapan along Middle Road, Takayama is making waves among food lovers seeking both quality and affordability. The restaurant, which began a dry run last Sept. 5, is helmed by a chef who started his culinary journey on the island, offering a menu that balances creativity and approachability.

Takayama’s offerings include a variety of dishes, with bestsellers like sushi, sushi cakes, beef pares, crispy pata kare kare, and Hawaiian poke. Other standouts include sizzling squid, sizzling finger steak, salmon, and unagi nigiri. During my visit, the loco moco with rice, mixed tempura, and beef short ribs with rice all showcased the kitchen’s focus on bold, satisfying flavors.

The loco moco, a Hawaiian-inspired dish, stood out with its juicy, tender beef layered under savory gravy, perfectly paired with rice and egg. The mixed tempura offered a crispy, light contrast, with seafood and vegetables fried to perfection. Meanwhile, the beef short ribs with rice provided a rich, comforting experience, each bite practically melting off the bone.

Takayama’s cozy setup, with five tables seating a total of 20 guests, lends an intimacy to the dining experience. Its split hours—from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 9pm—make it a convenient choice for both lunch and dinner.

The brains behind this new venture is co-owner Venus Magno Angeles and her business partner. Originally from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines, Angeles drew on her extensive experience in the food industry and customer service to realize her long-held dream.

“I’ve worked in the industry since 1994, and over the years, my passion for food and creating great customer experiences grew stronger,” she shared. Although initially hesitant to open her own business, she ultimately embraced the challenge. “I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I would never know what could be possible.”

Starting Takayama came with hurdles, including finding a location, securing funding, and building a customer base. “At first, it was just friends and family, but through strategic marketing and word-of-mouth, we gradually started attracting more customers,” Angeles said. She credits careful planning, persistence, and a commitment to excellent customer service as key to overcoming these challenges.

Launching during tough economic times was a calculated risk, but Angeles saw an opportunity. “Despite the challenges, I believed the community was ready for something new. Economic downturns can push people to seek comfort in good food, and we aimed to provide that while offering value,” she noted. Takayama’s fusion of Japanese and Filipino influences stands out by blending traditional flavors with innovative twists.

Angeles chose Japanese cuisine because of her team’s strong background in Japanese culinary techniques. “We’ve always been drawn to the precision and artistry of Japanese cooking,” she said. However, Takayama incorporates Filipino influences, creating a fusion that combines the best of both worlds. “It’s about offering something familiar yet fresh, providing our customers with a unique dining experience.”

For those eager to explore Takayama’s offerings, the restaurant can be reached at (670) 286-9378. It’s located beside the Spices Super Store and Vision Home Appliance and Furniture across the NMI Museum of History and Culture.