Fusion is what King Kaijoo is all about! 🙂 Literally, Kaiju is a Japanese word which translates to “strange creature,” “monster,” or “giant monster.” It refers to large creatures mostly seen in movies from Asia. King Kaijoo Fusion uses this as inspiration to promote different cuisines and form harmonious a fusion to satisfy customers. We were impressed by the creativity of not just their food, but also how they described them as well on their menu. You’ll see what I mean below! 🙂
Review of King Kaijoo Fusion (Banawe, Quezon City)
Ambiance:
Just beside Chinatown’s Best Food, King Kaijoo Fusion is located in Banawe, where a culinary innovation is booming in new concept restaurants. The space doesn’t look anything festive or atmospheric but rather cozy. This is ideal for those looking to dine in a quiet and reserved place while not having to drive far away from Banawe area. Spotlights and dark upholstery fabric suggest an ambiance of class and set the mood for intimate conversations. One wall is covered or decorated intentionally with a map, which provides a hint that food here are inspired diversely from across the globe.
Food:
Mimiga (PhP 248) didn’t strike me as the love-at-first-bite type, but its texture was spot on, positively and delightfully crunchy. It’s a good snack to have as a conversation starter that you can eat by your fingers. Made of crispy pig’s ear with shichimi, it was served with vinegar dip on the side. It wasn’t greasy at all.
Next came the Giddora Onion Soup (PhP 178) which four of us shared. 🙂 It’s a blend of three onions, cooked with beef stock, and topped with cheesy croutons. It’s one of the better onion soups we’ve tried.
Given our penchant for tacos, West Coast Tacos (3 pieces, PhP 288) was obviously a must-order item, and boy, did it ever deliver. The miso and black sesame seeds just added a fantastic depth and savor to the sashimi, which was then utterly balanced by the brightness of wasabi aioli and coriander.
Miso Monster Wings (PhP 348) were presented as 6 pieces of chicken wings in a platter. These chicken wings showed off a wonderful back-and-forth of the combination of salty, sweet, earthy and savory elements of the miso glaze. Make sure to squeeze out the lemon to add a citrus accent and freshness to the harmony.
Volcano Kimchicken Nuggets (PhP 298) was another standout as it imparted an almost explosive rendition of kimchi fried rice. The kimchi was spicy, but not in-your-face spicy as you can still relish the flavored taste of the rice. Gooey cheese sauce, fried chicken nuggets, and spring onions were all superb ingredients making up the dish.
Furi-Kareizee Fries (PhP 278) were fluffy yet crunchy on the tooth, with a subtle taste of bacon goodness, masterfully made with furikake (dry Japanese seasoning). When you’re done, you’ll have that same sense of surprise as when your fingers hit the bottom of a bag of chips you thought you only just opened. Yummy!
The Legendary Seafood Pasta (PhP 378) was similarly enjoyable. With a oceany character that married well with Thai herbs, the pasta was cooked with green curry and a mix of seafoods, it had a creamy consistency but still light on the palate. Like their other dishes, this recipe welcomes creativity. Imagine marrying the taste of carbonara and laksa. It’s uncomplicated and soothing for any meal.
KFC Sandwich (PhP 288) looked chunky and tasty. It’s Korean fried chicken, gochujang glaze, sriracha mayo, brioche bun, with fries.
For desserts, we started with their Chocolate Tempest Tempura (PhP 298) as it’s recommended on the menu. What set this one apart was the interaction between the hot deep-fried snickers and cold vanilla ice cream topped with a caramel swirl. It resulted in a lovely sweet, hot and cold creamy interplay. Quite nice!
Lastly, their Fire and Ice (PhP 248) was indulgent, with a slightly over the top presentation and a little bit boozy. It’s neopolitan ice cream, meringue, and brandy surprise. Inside, expect to chew a crumbly texture with subdued sweetness of chocolate and vanilla well-matched with the tartness of strawberry.
Price for Value:
Prices won’t set you back much, but they aren’t cheap either. But what’s important is that you’re happy as you walk out of their door. We left King Kaijoo almost button-burstingly full and also impressed. King Kaijoo in Banawe isn’t the flashy type of restaurant, so it might not be one of the places you’ll consider for a weeknight date or a family meal. If you like creative fusion food with a hodgepodge of global influences, it’s worth a try! 🙂
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
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