An American-Infused Japanese Dining at Sumo Sam Cebu

Sumo Sam is not a typical Japanese restaurant. The strokes of kanji printed atop the branding, the “hinomaru” circle on its logo, and the part of the name itself, sumo (a Japanese martial art) are your only clues.

The restaurant’s look and ambiance, however, does not feel Japanese at all, despite the presence of some Nihon cultural figures and paintings displayed at the bar. The dining sets look modern and the ceiling lights are pretty contemporary, similar to any “hodgepodge” restaurants out there.

Good thing that the selections on the menu cover a mélange of Japanese cooking. Your options include: sushi, sashimi, me-rui (noodles), donburi (rice bowls), agomono (deep-fried dishes, such as karaage and tempura), yakimono (frilled and pan-fried dishes), nabemono (one pot cooking), and many more.

Flashy lighting of SumoSam Ayala Center Cebu — Flashy lighting

Sumo Sam Starters

For starters, we were served with a plate of assorted sushi and sashimi. The well-prepared plate of tuna sashimi, kani sashimi, salmon sashimi, crunchy tuna roll, dynamite roll, Las Vegas roll, pickled ginger, wasabi, and herb garnish was almost swept after it was served. The spicy dynamite roll was a personal favorite.

Sumo Sam's Assorted Sushi and Sashimi plate — Sumo Sam’s Assorted Sushi and Sashimi plate (Tuna, kani, and salmon sashimi, crunchy tuna roll, dynamite roll, and Las Vegas roll)

We also had SumoSam’s pride salad, which dressing was a bit sweet. The candied nuts seemed out of place though. Its chewy and sticky texture did not compliment to the rest of the salad components.

With the gyoza, squid head karaage, ebi tempura, and red iced tea as refresher, we almost had a complete meal.

Sumo Sam's Squid Head Karaage and Pride Salad — Sumo Sam’s Squid Head Karaage and Pride Salad

SumoSam's Ebi Tempura — Everyone’s favorite, Ebi Tempura

The Hot Pot

In a moment, the restaurant staff demoed us the preparation of sakuyaki bowl. Steamed veggies, noodles, tendered meat, and other ingredients are mixed in a pot. A pre-seasoned hot stock was then poured to the combination. A beaten egg was added slowly while mixing to thicken the soup.

While the preparation looks delicate, the pot did not please everybody. I found the soup very sweet for my plate. The ingredients taste good though, and were very fresh.

Sumo Sam's Sakuyaki — The sweet soup of Sakuyaki didn’t seem to please everybody

The Sumo Board

We also tried their sumo board. The sumo board is a peer sharing package that includes variety of Sumo Sam’s signature dish.

Sumo Sam board options are: The Arena [₱1,399], The Tournament [₱1,399], and Miyuki’s Feast [₱1,699]

SumoSam's Sumo Board — “The Arena” Sumo Board, a “barkada” package with Sumo Sam’s signature dish.

The desserts are also interesting. The banana-chocolate crepe with ice cream is something worth craving.

SumoSam's Crepe and Ice cream — SumoSam’s Crepe and Ice cream

Sumo Sam Ayala Center Cebu Bar — The Bar

Contact Sumo Sam Cebu

Address: Ground Floor, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Contact Number: +63 (032) 401 0643
Opening hours: 10AM to 11PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SumoSamPH/