For over 18 years, one store has been the enduring go-to and trusted destination for everything and anything Japanese. From the long well-stocked grocery shelves and chillers to the in-store dining tables, the rich and diverse flavors from Japan are celebrated and enjoyed in a memorable shopping and dining experience. Welcome back to Konbini Store in Greenhills...
Everyone's favorite Japanese neighborhood convenience store remains top-of-mind when it comes to the freshest quality Japanese produce with their wide and impressive selection from imported beverages, fresh fruits, premium Wagyu beef and seafood or even just a bowl of comforting Tonkotsu Ramen all in one place. It's no wonder the Konbini Store along Connecticut in Greenhills is still the undisputed spot for everything Japanese and then some. But did you know that Konbini Store has a hidden and soon not-so secret oyster and sushi bar too? Konbini Store has been elevating the convenient store scene with its restaurant quality offerings, and the addition of the new and still unnamed oyster and sushi bar further sets it apart with the continuing success story of the timeless and well-loved iconic Greenhills establishment. Step inside Konbini Store for some fresh Sakoshi Oysters and read on...
The name is derived from the word "konbiniensu sutoru" which literally means "convenience store." The convenience store plays an essential role in the Japanese social fabric where you can not only grab a tasty late night bite and other essentials but pay bills and pick-up packages. Konbini Store in Greenhills is an homage to the Japanese institution but it goes a step further by transforming and elevating the experience with its curated selection of premium offerings. Inside Konbini Store, one is transported to the famed Land of the Rising Sun with fully loaded shelves showcasing the popular all-time fave staples of the Japanese...
...but you won't find an extensive array of choice products as displayed at Konbini Store at your typical convenience store chain or even your nearest supermarket. And this is what endeared Konbini Store to its countless loyal fans though the years as your one-stop shop for everything Japanese. Where else in the metro can you find specialty products like savory sausages from the Nippon Sausage Factory...
...bannered by the Original Arabiki and Four Cheese variants? That's right. Only at Konbini Store. It's tasty finds like these that keep Konbini Store high up on your list.
Then, there's the prized Ribeye Prime and Wagyu Beef along with other premium meat selections that will have you coming back again and again. Flown in direct from Japan, you'll find all your favorite Japanese gourmet items right here at Konbini Store.
And all the beverages you love from your trips to Japan...
...plus that favorite coffee drink you thought you'll never find in Manila. With its extensive array of products, you're bound to find it at Konbini Store.
Pick up your thirst-quenching and soothing coffee fix straight off the chiller in true konbini style...
...along with some chocolate indulgence and that rare and hard-to-find KitKat variant. It's no surprise Konbini Store has it in stock.
Items for the home or kitchen? Just let Konbini Store surprise you with their awesome inventory.
And those decadent fresh fruits you've only seen in Tokyo are also on display at Konbini Store.
Who doesn't love these golden Japanese Sweet Corn? Better grab a few packs quick, these are gone in no time.
The finest and freshest catch are always in stock at Konbini Store, and you can simply purchase and enjoy your ocean harvest from Japan at home or anywhere you want. But why wait?
At Konbini Store, you'll find a spacious dining area where you can experience a fresh taste of Japan with their popular bestsellers. Konbini Store offers a sumptuous menu of traditional Japanese staples prepared in their own kitchen opening up another layer to your unique shopping and dining experience. When I embarked on my own culinary journey with my food blog more than a decade ago, Konbini Store was one of the first posts featured on the blog (see my posts, Konbini Tokyo Market: Great Food + Great Value from way back in 2011 with my terrible yellowish white balance error photos and Konbini Store's Pita Burger from 2012 with slightly improved photography). My recent visit just revealed how consistency in quality and continuous innovation reinforced the Konbini Store brand's relevance in these changing times driven largely by social media. Konbini Store still rocks...
The signature Yakitori at Konbini Store with its sweet tare glaze is still tops on my list.
From the Momo (P 460) or chicken thighs or the Tsukune (P 320) or chicken balls, these skewers are just spot on with just the right charred finish over juicy chicken.
The specialty Karaage (P 440-P 830) is another masterfully executed rendition of a timeless Japanese staple.
Perfectly crisp, juicy and richly seasoned, you don't need any sauce at all with the Karaage by Konbini Store. This is as close to the perfect chicken dinner you'll find anywhere in the metro. It's that play on contrasting textures and real uncluttered and uncomplicated flavors that will have you going for another crunchy and juicy piece.
And yes, one more piece please. The Yakitori and Karaage are the perfect sides to your main course at Konbini Store...
...the hearty and comforting Tonkotsu Ramen (P 390). And this is what sparked my long love affair with ramen.
From the savory slabs of pork chashu to the vegetables, noods and rich creamy broth, the Tonkotsu Ramen at Konbini Store never fails to satisfy any appetite or craving. Each comforting and even nostalgic sip just takes you back to that very first time at Konbini Store. Good times.
Each contrasting note and texture comes together perfectly for that much deserved ramen fix you've been craving. And 18 years and counting, Konbini Store continues to nail it with each sumptuous bowl served since.
But Konbini Store is ready to start a new chapter in its 18 year journey of providing the very best Japanese produce and flavors with the silent opening of its still unnamed oyster and sushi bar. Behind the shelves and chillers, you'll find a narrow fifteen-seater bar counter against stark white concrete walls accentuated by light wood tones. The elegant space used to be a stock room, and its dramatic transformation is a clear sign of Konbini Store's long-term vision in the metro's ever changing culinary scene. Near the entrance, you'll find the Japanese characters for Ichigo-ichi translated as a "once in a lifetime encounter" at Konbini Store which sets the tone for the new oyster and sushi bar.
Launched late last year, the new oyster and sushi bar is still pretty much under the radar among the metro's serious diners. But you really can't keep a good thing a secret for long. That day, I enjoyed the tranquil quiet stillness and intimacy of having the entire oyster and sushi bar all to myself. But the sushi chefs were busy behind the counter...
...prepping a chirashi bowl for one of Konbini Store's loyal customers.
The bowl is finished with slabs of fresh premium salmon...
...and served. With access to many of the freshest and finest Japanese produce including top shelf seafood available from its chillers, you're assured of the very best sashimi and sushi at the new oyster and sushi bar of Konbini Store.
But it's the famous Sakoshi Bay Oysters that clearly has the spotlight at the new oyster and sushi bar. The Sakoshi Oyster Sashimi from the cold frigid waters of Japan's Sakoshi Bay is one treat you just can't pass up.
Drizzled with tart ponzu, the large, plump and succulent Sakoshi Bay Oysters drapes the palate with bold, vibrant yet fresh and clean notes with a lingering briny sweetness. The Sakoshi Bay Oysters are best enjoyed raw as the Sakoshi Oyster Sashimi with ponzu but you can also enjoy a fried tempura version. But nothing beats enjoying the very best oysters in its purest form.
Among some of the world's best, the Sakoshi Bay Oysters offers unrivalled freshness as each oyster is tediously and carefully inspected before shipping. Sourced from Japan's finest fisheries, the Sakoshi Bay Oysters are rich, clean and sustainably raised. And guaranteed clean and safe too, grown in certified waters and lab-tested twice weekly. All these ensure you get the cleanest, freshest flavors. Now that's all the reasons you need to visit the new oyster and sushi bar at Konbini Store.
The Sakoshi Bay Oysters are available at the new oyster and sushi bar and can also be purchased by the bag containing 12 pieces at Konbini Store. Shopping or dining, Konbini Store is still your reliable go-to spot for everything Japanese 18 years on. And more. Savor the flavors of Japan fresh off the shelves and chillers as well as the restaurant table and now at the new oyster and sushi bar all in one place at Konbini Store.
Konbini Store is located at 57 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. You can visit their FB and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/konbinistoreph and https://www.instagram.com/konbinistore__/ for more information and updates or call 0916 614 1935 for inquiries.
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