Among the different types of food that has made a mark in the Metro Manila food scene (including milk tea, donuts, cronuts, and frozen yogurt) these past few years, two Japanese dishes made it to the list: ramen and katsudon. So many restaurants that specialize in either ramen or katsudon have been popping up all over the city lately, and some of the older Japanese restaurants have already been imitating the style (at least in terms of food presentation) of these newer restaurants. The ramen and katsudon market is fast becoming too saturated, and it won't be long before people will already become sick and tired of ramen and katsudon, faster than you can even say "Banzai!"
One Japanese restaurant, however, is looking to make a big mark with its own specialty, which is neither ramen nor katsudon.
Osaka Ohsho, which claims to serve the "World's No. 1 Gyoza" and has over 300 stores in Japan and in countries like Korea, Singapore, and Thailand (among others), has finally opened their first store in the Philippines at the new SM Mega Fashion Hall, and we couldn't just let the opportunity pass to try them out.
It's not everyday when a restaurant claims to be the "World's No. 1" in something, and when they do make such a claim, they better mean it. As expected, these claims which have been circulating on the web and in newspapers has certainly helped generate buzz, thus the crowd of people outside the restaurant. It was a fairly long wait before we were seated at a table, but we really wanted to try it out so we didn't mind.
For those who are unfamiliar, Gyoza is a type of dumpling which consists of a ground meat filling wrapped in a thinly-rolled piece of dough. People may sometimes confuse it with wonton, though wontons are thinner and are usually served in broth.
At Osaka Ohsho, you may order their Gyoza in six or twelve pieces. If you order a set meal, however, the set already comes with three pieces of Gyoza. The rice is also unlimited if you order the set meal. Their set meals usually cost less than P400, so this is considered a pretty good deal, if you ask me.
As expected for a restaurant's opening weekend, the place was really busy, and the waiters were running around from table to table to serve food and then clean up after the customers. It was quite a struggle to take a photo like the one above without a waiter accidentally "photobombing" the shot.
My mom and I each ordered a Matcha Milk Smoothie (P125). It was something I've never encountered before and I just had to try it! It had just the right mix of creaminess and...uh, matchaness?
While we had actually ordered the tempura in 8 pieces, the waiter accidentally gave us 5 pieces. It was immediately replaced, but not before I could take a photo! Anyway, I actually like their tempura--I like how the batter does not overpower the taste of the shrimp. I've had tempuras that are bland or flavorless, as if shrimp wasn't one of the ingredients.
My mom ordered this vegetable dish called Yasai Itame for herself. I did manage to try a few bites but I don't think it was enough for me to make a proper judgment, though.
My dad's Sukiyaki set. Each set at Osaka Ohsho comes with unlimited rice, 3 pieces of Gyoza, Miso soup, and fruits for dessert.
My brother and I each had a Pork Cutlet in Miso Sauce set, priced at P360.
The dish came with shredded cabbage too, but I wish they had some sort of special sauce for the cabbage! Nevertheless, the dish was pretty okay. The pork wasn't as soft as I was expecting though, but I guess they really meant it to be that way.
True to their word, their original Gyoza (which you can dip in either chili or miso sauce) is indeed amazing! The filling is very flavorful with just the right mix of ingredients. It's not really so oily, but it isn't really very dry either. I wish their Gyoza were unlimited too--I could seriously eat more of this in one sitting!
They only offer the original Gyoza for the set meals but apparently, they also put a quirky twist to Gyoza by offering a cheese variant as well as a nori variant.
While I was quite satisfied with their food (their Gyoza, especially!), I do believe they could still improve on their service. The waiters could be a bit more efficient and the waiting time before the food is served could be shortened. This is easily forgivable though, since they only just opened a few days ago. I wouldn't hesitate to come back soon!
Itadakimasu!
Osaka Ohsho
3rd floor, SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
Open daily from 10:00am-10:00pm
Facebook: Osaka Ohsho Philippines
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