Ben-san: Japanese food and vinyl records come to life

IT all started with a young man’s desire to bring authentic Japanese food (with a touch of Filipino flavor) and vinyl records come to life in one place: that’s Ben-san, a unique place for food and music!

Inspired by his frequent visits to Tokyo’s booming record store and bar scene, young entrepreneur/owner Bench Dizon established Ben-san (meaning his grandfather’s name) here in Angeles City on April 20.

“I am a DJ by profession. I have a deep appreciation for vinyl music and I love Japanese food, so I kind of incorporated everything into Ben-san. Hoping to provide a different dining experience to Kapampangan foodies,” said Bench.

Vinyl will never go out of style, it seems, and that’s clear as soon as you step into Ben-san and see old-fashioned turntables, shelves of records and those retro speakers, old-fashioned cameras and TV sets.

All that watching and wondering whetted my appetite for Ben-san’s house specialties: Katsudon – breaded pork cutlet and egg rice bowl, Ebi Tempura – crispy and delicious shrimp dish, Kani salad and Philadelphia roll. In addition to house specialties, bento boxes were served, complete with miso soup, vegetables, main course and fried rice. Set your senses on fire with the ramen, yakiniku, teriyaki and teppanyaki selections.

“We have well-trained chefs and restaurant staff, all with intensive work experience in Japanese cuisine. Affordability and quality are always our mission,” said Bench.

With a selection that includes jazz, world music, classic rock and most genres in between, Ben-san has vinyl for every taste and generation. This urge for variety is also reflected in the food offering and the beer on tap: Sapporo premium or black.

The opening day festivities were graced by AC Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Raphaela P. Lazatin, Benjun and board member Fritzie Davod-Dizon, Bench’s parents, family and friends.

Open daily from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm. Ben-san is located in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City (opposite Westfields International School). For more details follow the Ben-San Facebook and Instagram page.

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Photos by Ning Cordero/Gerald Gloton