Ma Maison: Cool Japanese Comfort Food

Cool Japanese food in a French-style bistro? Why not.

Ma Maison, which means "my house" seems appropriately named. Japanese home-style comfort food with a cool western touch for a totally unique dining experience.

More like a French bistro or even an English pub, Ma Maison isn't your typical Japanese restaurant. Where else can you enjoy a Caesar's Salad or an appetizer of escargot with your Donburi? And rich desserts too. All in one cool place. 

Inside, homey and casual interiors with a predominantly European feel greet the diner. As with all dining concepts from The Bistro Group, diners are warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. 

Ma Maison is a popular chain by Akihiro Terazawa from Japan, specializing in both western and Japanese comfort food. And the mix is comforting, with familiar flavors and dishes from both the east and west, all in one place. Very cool. And Ma Maison's kitchen fires up for the lunch service...

With a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices and fresh fruit shakes, I go for the Fresh Green Apple Fruit Shake (P 135), naturally sweet and refreshing.

Ma Maison-style Caesar Salad (P 255), a great starter good for two, with fresh and crisp Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sweet corn and croutons in rich Caesar's dressing. Once the bowl is brought to your table, Ma Maison's friendly staff then serves portions on your plate. Nice touch. 

Then, the Baked Escargot in Garlic Butter (P 385) arrived. The baked snails are elegantly presented on a bed of salt, which is then lit up by the server. Nice.

The tender and succulent snails and the rich butter garlic sauce is a perfect combination. And the flaming presentation is pretty cool. No wonder it's one of Ma Maison's consistent bestsellers.  

Ma Maison's Mixed Seafood Set (P 450), served with rice, miso soup and a side salad, came next. Crisp, deep-fried and battered prawns, fish and squid provide a medley of flavors, with a generous helping of shredded cabbage and creamy potato salad, a complete meal.

Crisp and delicate, the subtle flavors of the seafood still come through, great with rice. Lots of rice.

Next up, one of Ma Maison's new Donburi sets, the Tendon Donburi (P 225), served with Japanese rice, ebi tempura, deep-fried and battered carrots and sweet potatoes, garnished with nori and drizzled with tendon sauce.  

The crisp prawns and vegetables are full of flavor and provide a tasty texture that pairs well with rice. Hearty and filling, great value too.

A side of fresh salad comes with the Donburi set.

And for dessert, Ma Maison's Frozen Green Tea Brazo de Mercedes (P 185), a layered dessert with rich green tea ice cream topped with smooth and creamy brazo de mercedes.

Not too sweet, great with a cup of brewed coffee. Cool Japanese food in a French bistro? Definitely.

Ma Maison is located at the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati or call 729-9122 for inquiries.

UPDATE: Ma Maison is now Tonkatsu by Terazawa, the same internationally-acclaimed Japanese chef behind the former Ma Maison. For more on Tonkatsu by Terazawa, check out my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/02/go-black-at-tonkatsu-by-terazawa.html.

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