Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine: Where Fusion Works

I don't usually get excited with fusion, and I remember trying some that tasted somewhat strange, or maybe too new and unfamiliar. But I was intrigued when I saw a photo at Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine's menu board, and curious as to how the elements will be fused. What else could you do with crispy pork belly, right?

A lot more I guess...the Skewered Pork 72 (P 370++), crispy pork belly on rolled rice with black & white sesame seeds and a side of crisp fried spinach and nori. A tart, citrus based Ponzu dipping sauce completes the dish.  Using the tradtional Filipino Lechon Kawali or deep-fried pork belly as the base, the dish then combines elements of Japanese cuisine resulting in something new and refreshing, a pretty cool twist on crispy pork belly.

It takes three days to prepare a batch of pork for this dish, hence the "72", with one day for marinating, another for oven baking and air drying, and it's ready for deep-frying by the third day.

The pork is crisp, yet juicy and tender, and the Ponzu sauce provides a flavor contrast to balance the richness of the pork.

The rice rolls have a subtle vinegar flavor similar to sushi rolls, adding another flavor note to complement the pork, while the sesame seeds provide some texture and crunch.

The fried spinach and nori strips also provide additional flavor notes and textures.

I think this is one dish where fusion works, an interesting take on an old favorite. And that works for me.

The overall presentation and plating of the dish is pretty cool, a visual feast.

A clean sweep...it's that good.

I have yet to try the other dishes, but I was quite happy with the Skewered Pork 72. Maybe my doctor won't approve, so we'll just keep this a secret.

Geisha Modern Japanese Cuisine is located at the Upper Ground BGC East Superblock, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. For inquiries, call 621-3196 for details.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the FB Page for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar.