Secret Menu: The Counter by Ginza One's Chilled Specials Bring a (Literally) Cool Edge to Your Omakase
Don't miss the hidden yakitori omakase spot's off-menu specials, designed to help you keep your chill this season.
(SPOT.ph) There's something especially intimate about dining at the counter, relinquishing control to the chef right in front of you. It's an art the Japanese have just about mastered at their omakase establishments, and at The Counter by Ginza One—the semi-hidden counter dining spot along Chino Roces Avenue Extension, with Masahiko Kodama (of Tokyo's Yakitori Kodama) as partnered chef—guests get the counter dining experience as they nosh their way through expertly grilled yakitori and other Japanese plates. And for a limited time, you can take your course meal to (literally) cooler heights with the two specials they've come up with for the SPOT.ph x Esquire Secret Menu.
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Secret Menu noods and sips at The Counter by Ginza One
The Counter by Ginza One is letting you upgrade your multicourse meal with their off-menu specials that can be ordered as add-ons. (Note that these are not available for ala-carte orders.) It being the summer now and all, they sought to create chilled items that would help beat the heat—something we could all absolutely use more of this time of the year.
There's the Ume Shandy Gaff (P350), a simple but oh-so-satisfying cocktail of Japanese draft beer mixed with plum sake, which make for quite the light, crisp combination. There's just a hint of sweetness from the plum to keep things pleasant, without the drink crossing over to juice territory—which is to say it goes great with any and all of The Counter's umami-forward offerings.
They're also bringing out their interpretation of a Japanese summertime favorite: Tori Hiyashi Chukka (P550). In case you've never had the cold ramen dish, think of it as a lighter, more refreshing noodle salad of sorts compared to its typically stick-to-your-ribs hot counterpart. Over a bed of chilled noodles, The Counter layers over seaweed, kani, cucumber, pickled ginger, egg, wasabi, and chicken chashu; a yuzu-laced dressing is then poured over to tie everything together.
These Counter by Ginza specials is part of the SPOT.ph x Esquire Secret Menu, a month-long partnership that lets you try exclusive items from top restaurants in the city using your UnionBank credit card. Just let the servers know your order, and charge the total amount of purchase to your UnionBank credit card—note that restaurant representatives might ask for proof of identification. Only one credit card can be used per transaction, and the promo cannot be combined with upgrade certificates, other promotions, packages, and privilege/VIP cards. These are available for dine-in and takeout; no minimum spend is required.
You only have until April 29 to try this and other Secret Menu items from participating establishments. Don’t forget to tag us on socials (@spotph), and use the hashtags #SpotTheSecretMenu #EsquireSecretMenu #UnionbankSecretMenu when you post!
Read more about the SPOT.ph x Esquire Secret Menu. The Counter at Ginza
G/F Eco Plaza Building, Chino Roces Ave Extension, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, contact 0917-621-2171. For more information, check out The Counter by Ginza’s Instagram page.
UPDATE (April 10, 2025, 12:31 p.m.): Kodama is partnered chef of The Counter by Ginza One, which is owned by the Ginza group. The article has been updated to reflect this development.
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