A Taste of Japan in the Heart of Cagayan de Oro
🍴 The Hungry Ho — First Serving
The Hungry Ho
A Culinaire Feature with Michael Ho
Sometimes, good food finds you on the road.
That’s how Khelly stumbled upon his first “serving” — a sleek Japanese spot in Uptown Cagayan de Oro that promised Tokyo flair with Mindanao heart.
Khelly was joined by his mom — a fitting duo for a food journey that celebrates not just flavor, but family and familiarity.
“As I drove through the bustling streets of Cagayan de Oro, a sleek and modern Japanese restaurant caught my eye in the vibrant area of Pueblo. Its clean, minimalist design instantly gave off that ‘modern chic’ vibe; the kind that makes you curious enough to pull over and step inside.
Like most restaurants abroad these days, their menu is accessed by scanning a QR code. While digitalization often means fewer staff, I was pleasantly surprised by how attentive and welcoming their team was. True to Filipino warmth, the staff guided every guest patiently, making sure no one felt lost in transition; something that truly stood out to me.
As I browsed through the menu, I couldn’t help but be reminded of one of my solo trips to Japan. I wandered into a few Izakayas — Japanese pubs that serve sake and beer with small, flavorful dishes meant for sharing. Those places had an authentic, cozy vibe: wooden interiors, sizzling skewers, fresh sushi, crispy karaage, and mouth-watering seafood. The ambiance here felt like a modern nod to that experience, a blend of tradition and contemporary flair.”
Here’s what I ordered:
- Wagyu Nigiri
- Koufuku Taco Sushi
- Sakura Latte
- Misoshiru
Since I don’t drink alcohol, I went for a laid-back beverage. The Sakura Latte reminded me of my favorite instant drinks from Japan: creamy, foamy, and comforting, though a little on the sweet side.
The Misoshiru (miso soup), which is usually served for free with combo meals in Japan, had to be ordered separately here. Still, it delivered that warm, familiar flavor that completes any Japanese meal.
Now, the Wagyu Nigiri — that was a highlight. The meat was tender and savory, though the rice wasn’t quite like authentic Japanese rice, which I personally love. I could almost taste how fresh wagyu in Japan melts effortlessly in your mouth, but this version still hit the spot.
The Koufuku Taco Sushi was a pleasant surprise too; the sweet dressing and caviar topping worked beautifully together, creating a rich yet balanced bite.
As for pricing? Well, I’d say Japan might still win in terms of value for quality and portion size but considering how premium meat is priced in the Philippines, I’d say it’s fair.
Overall, I’d rate the experience 8 out of 10. The food and service were definitely above average, but my palate, and maybe my heart still lingers somewhere in Japan.
About Koufuku
Located in Pueblo de Oro Business Park in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Koufuku Japanese Restaurant brings a sleek, modern twist to Japanese dining in Mindanao. Opened in 2024, it quickly gained attention for its digital-first ordering system, minimalist interiors, and a menu that marries traditional Japanese techniques with global and local influences.
Beyond its sushi and wagyu dishes, Koufuku is also known for its creative fusion menu—offering items like Taco Sushi, Katsu Benedict Waffle Stack, and Baked Sushi with Ebi Tempura for breakfast. It’s an experience that blends East Asian precision with Filipino flair, reflecting how Mindanao’s dining culture is becoming increasingly global while keeping its local soul intact.
Of course, the dining scene in Uptown CDO comes with expectations: elevated ambiance, thoughtful plating, and premium pricing. While some diners find the price point steep for portion size, others appreciate the experience and innovation that Koufuku brings to the table. It’s not trying to be Japan—it’s trying to be Cagayan de Oro with a taste of Japan.
And that, perhaps, is where its charm lies.
The Hungry Ho’s Take
Koufuku reminds us that food doesn’t always have to be measured by how perfectly it replicates its origin. Sometimes, it’s about how well it translates—how it connects cultures, adapts to place, and satisfies curiosity.
It’s the kind of place you visit not just to eat, but to observe how global flavor finds its footing in Mindanao. And for us, that’s the story worth tasting.
Score: 8/10 — Good taste, warm service, and a thoughtful fusion of Japan and CDO flair.
