Japanese Fusion: Sango

There’s something innately charming about a Japanese restaurant serving burgers and calling themselves “The Burger Master”. Such daring! It’s like an American restaurant proclaiming itself Sushi Expert. Off-kilter and just a little bit crazy. In adspeak, when someone comes up with a weird but intriguing concept it is immediately called, “Japan!” Slightly irrational but fun.
And so I paid a visit to Sango (The Burger Master) one rainy Saturday night. Copywriter friend Kara recommended it, when I bemoaned the dearth of cheap new places to eat in Manila. “All burgers within the 100 peso price range,” she promised.



Sango is fluorescent-bright and cheery. Which is a good thing because apparently it is next door to Pharaoh, a dimly-lit massage/karaoke/entertainment center of sorts. We had to line up for a table because the place was full of boisterous families – parents and kids alike having a swell time. It’s a bit smoky, but in a good way – the waft of sizzling meat fills the air. The floor plan includes an open kitchen where you can watch the cute little Japanese chef churn out burgers and fold origami flowers and animals.

Hubby got the Master Double Cheeseburger (the priciest item on the menu at P158) and fries. Standard fare. Except that the cheeseburger had a huge dollop of spaghetti meat sauce on top which you can dip your fries with. No wonder kids like this place so much. Yumyum – the sauce adds an interesting, delicious, messy touch. And the fries are not mass-produced ones. You’re getting real thick potato. Masarap.





Feeling a little adventurous, I ordered the Yakiniku rice burger (P88). Okaaay but won’t hold a candle to Hubby’s pick. And there’s something funky about eating a burger with rice. Maybe you’ll enjoy it but just a little too “Japan” for me. I topped off my meal with a Strawberry Corn Flake shake (P50) – soft serve ice cream loaded with cornflakes and strawberry jam. Too thick to be a shake but a nice cap to the evening just the same. The corn flake shake also comes in blueberry and maccha azuki (green tea with beans).

To complete the Japanese experience we were given origami Voltes V rings. Sweet.





Sango (The Burger Master) is located at the ground floor of the Creekside Mall, Amorsolo Street Legaspi Village. You can even call in your orders at 830-0391 for speedy turnover. It’s beside Pharaoh and a Japanese coop convenience store where all the items sell for P88, including imported Japanese chips and snacks.

P.S. I’m on a Jap food fest and hell-bent on checking out interesting Jap places in the metro. You will notice that my next posts all center on Japanese cuisine – fusion and purist. Know of any good Jap places I can try out? Hit me!