One fine weekend, I get to bring my family in this posh but niche mall in BGC. Mitsukosh BGC. Located in Taguig, Metro Manila, iit s a Japanese-inspired lifestyle mall that offers a curated selection of Japanese and local retail brands, dining options, and a premium supermarket. The mall provides a modern Japanese shopping and dining experience. Inspired by traditional Japanese department stores, the mall aims to provide an elevated retail and cultural experience. It was developed as a joint project between Japanese and Filipino firms.
Since it is new to all of us, we were amazed by the tenant choices and the products displayed in key areas. That is why when its time for lunch, we took time to see what restaurants are available in Mitsukoshi.
And after a few minutes of looking, we decided to dine in Bijin Nabe. A specialty Japanese cuisine that offers “Hot Pot” as its specialty.
Bijin Nabe by Tsukada Nojo in Mitsukoshi BGC offers more than just a meal—it offers a ritual. Known across Asia for its signature “Beauty Hot Pot,” this restaurant elevates the humble nabe (hot pot) into a sophisticated, health-focused dining experience centered around one extraordinary ingredient: its famed Golden Collagen Stock.
The moment you step inside, the ambiance sets the stage. The space is refined, minimalist, and draped in warm wood tones, providing a soothing, intimate escape from the bustling Bonifacio Global City. It feels less like a busy mall restaurant and more like a quiet haven where nourishment and well-being are prioritized.
The star of the show, the Bijin Nabe, is served not just as food, but as a ceremony. Instead of a liquid broth, a glistening, milky-white gelatinous “pudding” of solidified collagen stock is placed directly into the pot. This is the essence of the dish, made from Jidori chicken (often called the “Kobe Beef of chicken”) bones, stewed for over eight hours until every ounce of flavor and collagen is dissolved.
The staff are meticulously trained to guide you through the process. As the stove heats up, the pudding melts before your eyes, transforming into a rich, creamy, and golden broth. Before any other ingredients are added, the server offers you a tiny cup of the pure broth. This is the moment of truth: the taste is deeply savory, comforting, and packed with a clean, intense chicken flavor that instantly justifies its reputation.
Once the initial tasting is complete, the process truly begins. Fresh, colorful vegetables—from sunflower sprouts to zucchini and sweet potato leaves—are artfully arranged and gently simmered in the broth. This step changes the dynamic of the soup, adding a refreshing, vegetal lightness to the rich base.
Next come the proteins, typically featuring tender chicken and prawns, followed by the handcrafted tsukune (minced chicken meatballs). The collagen, now fully liquefied, coats every ingredient, leaving a subtle, nourishing stickiness that feels luxurious on the palate.
The meal concludes with the traditional Japanese hot pot finale: the addition of either thin tsuru-tsuru noodles or rice to the remaining broth to create a savory porridge (zosui). This final step ensures no drop of the precious Golden Collagen Stock goes to waste, transforming the meal from a simmered feast into a comforting, concentrated finish.
Our verdict for Bijin Nabe
Bijin Nabe is certainly a premium experience, but it’s one that delivers on its promise. It’s a meal that nourishes both the appetite and the skin, offering a unique blend of Japanese tradition, high-quality ingredients flown in from Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, and attentive service. For those looking for a Japanese hot pot experience that is refined, restorative, and unforgettable, Bijin Nabe at Mitsukoshi BGC is a must-try destination.
4 stars out of 5
Location: Bijin Nabe, 2/F Mitsukoshi BGC, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City
