IKOKA YAKITORI
Ground Level, Two Maridien Building, Bonifacio South Street
26th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Ikoka Yakitori, BGC | @ikokayakitoribgc
https://www.vikings.ph/ikoka-yakitori
ikokayakitoribgc@gmail.com
+639 17 793 0888
IKOKA — which means “let’s go” in Japanese — is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded yakitori restaurant, now open in BGC beside Baristart, brought in by the Vikings Group. Ever since we discovered Yakitori AO’Chan by Suijin in Carmona, we’ve been craving authentic Japanese yakitori in Manila. The options here are still quite limited — with Yakitori Hachibei at Kiwami (often overshadowed by the other concepts) and the go to yakitori OG, Nanbantei.
Yakitori spots are usually small skewer-and-beer joints, not full 50-seater restaurants like this one, so expect a few opening service hiccups. We tried all the yakitori and the recommended à la carte dishes — our tip is to go for the best ones and place your orders as soon as you arrive.
ABOUT IKOKA
Ikoka Japanese Yakitori Restaurant offers authentic flavors celebrated by the world-renowned Michelin Bib Gourmand. Fresh chicken is meticulously skewered and grilled to achieve a perfectly juicy finish.
Yakitori, deeply rooted in Japanese popular culture, is a dish that reflects true culinary sophistication, with its natural flavors elevated simply by salt or a secret sauce. In Japan, the tradition is to enjoy yakitori straight from the skewer — the best way to savor its smoky, grilled essence.
– Masashi Hara
YAKITORI
BONJIRI 140. chicken tail
The standout yakitori at Ikoka is isol – tender, pillowy soft, and irresistibly juicy. Try this!
BUTA ASPARA 150. asparagus wrapped in sliced pork
The asparagus wrapped in pork, served with mayo, is smoky, savory, and surprisingly good.
TEBASAKI 140. chicken wing
I love the chicken wing — juicy inside with smoky-crisp skin and just the right char.
NEGIMA 130. chicken thigh and scallion
USURA TAMAGO 110. quail egg
MUNE 130. chicken breast
The Negima — chicken thigh with charred scallions — is a solid choice, while the chicken breast stays juicy but leans on the safe side. Add the smoked quail eggs to your order for variety.
COLD SAKE
Pair your skewers with sake — try the Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo (150ml – ₱650) or the Kubota Junmai Daiginjo (150ml – ₱480).
TSUKUNE 140. chicken meat ball
CHEESE TSUKUNE 170. chicken meat ball and cheese
The tsukune is generously sized, though not as juicy or flavorful, but still a good option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling.
KIMO 130. chicken liver
This one doesn’t quite match the quality of Carmona’s and could benefit from cleaner preparation or better sourcing.
TOMATO MAKI 140.
cherry tomatoes wrapped in sliced back meat
Cherry tomatoes are big and hot, best enjoyed in one bite so the juices burst in your mouth.
A LA CARTE
SEIRO GOHAN 390. steamed rice in a bamboo steamer
Perfect pairing for yakitori is the steamed rice topped with scrambled eggs and minced pork.
UNI DON 380. sea urchin on rice
This hot steamed rice comes topped with generous uni — clean-tasting and full of umami.
BUTA NO KAKUNI 290. japanese braised pork.
It tastes like Japanese-style humba, with tender meat and a sauce that pairs with steamed rice.
CHICKEN-NAMBAN 330. fried chicken with tartar sauce
Para maiba, they serve fried chicken topped with tartar sauce and vegetables.
ANKAKE DASHIMAKI TAMAGO 250.
Japanese omelette with homemade thick sauce
This tamago is pillowy-soft layered egg, sliced and topped with a rich, thick sauce.
TAN-TAN RAMEN 370.
cold-style noodles with a sauce made from sesame paste and chili oil
The egg yolk adds a creamy coating, making this cold noodle a satisfying alternative to rice.
NIKOMI-TONKOTSU RAMEN 360. pork-bone broth ramen
I also enjoyed the ramen — its rich pork-bone broth and noodles for added variety.
EBI NO TENPURA 380. deep-fried prawns
Tempura is good and makes a great pica-pica, especially alongside yakitori and beer.
DESSERT
SHIRATAMA ICE CREAM 120
Japanese dessert made of glutinous rice
Kinako (roasted red bean)
I like this kinako with ice cream and bits of mochi balls.
CHOCOLATE
MATCHA (green tea)
AZURA (red bean)
If you can, try all the flavors and mix and match — just be quick, the ice cream melts fast.
MITARASHI DANGO 100
Japanese dessert made of glutinous rice
The balls themselves don’t have much flavor, but they go well with the sweet sauce.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ikoka is your go-to yakitori spot in BGC. Start with the Bonjiri, Buta Aspara, Tebasaki, and Negima — best paired with sake or Japanese beer. For rice, go for the Siero Gohan or Uni Don, and don’t miss the Buta no Kakumi for tender, flavorful braised pork. Service can be a bit slow and a problem since only two Japanese grill masters prepare each skewer by hand (and the grill setup feels small for a 50-seater). Also note that they don’t offer Japanese-style medium cooking, so most skewers come out well-done. Budget around ₱1,000 per head, and place your yakitori orders right away so you can enjoy them hot and all together.
Congratulations to the Vikings Group on the opening of Ikoka Yakitori in BGC!
IKOKA YAKITORI
Ground Level, Two Maridien Building, Bonifacio South Street
26th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Ikoka Yakitori, BGC | @ikokayakitoribgc
https://www.vikings.ph/ikoka-yakitori
ikokayakitoribgc@gmail.com
+639 17 793 0888
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. We were invited by our friends from Viking to try Ikoka.
P.S. Check out Carmona’s Best-Kept Yakitori Secret! which is our favorite.