For Japanese food lovers, Osaka Ohsho would probably be a mini paradise. This is where you get a taste of different sorts of gyozas and dishes that guarantee a highly satisfying meal. It dares to cross the boundary from the usual ramen place that’s quite rampant now in the city to one that’s serving another Japanese food specialty: the gyoza. Other than the Philippines, “King of Gyoza” Osaka Ohsho has branches in Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Korea.
In my recent visit to its branch in SM Megamall Fashion Hall, I had stood witness on how the gyozas were made by hand from scratch. For less than a minute there, I thought that if anyone would like to explore the depth and complexity of preparing “The World’s Number One Gyoza,” then definitely watching behind Osaka Ohsho’s open kitchen won’t be anything less than ideal.
It’s also wonderful how Osaka Ohsho consistently surprises and pleases customers as they keep coming up with creative and innovative kinds of gyoza. What are the brand new gyoza flavors launched this season? Let’s find out! π
Review of Osaka Ohsho Philippines (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)
Ambiance: β β β β β
We chose to come in for late lunch on a Saturday, yet surprisingly, the place was still packed both inside and outside. That said, do expect some buzz and noise throughout. Despite that, Osaka Ohsho in SM Megamall has a comforting aura that makes me want to return after the first visit.
We were fortunate to get a good seating in one of those circular chairs with chic old newspaper pattern against the wall. Lightly decorated with Japanese-inspired features, this restaurant is appropriate for the modern casual-dining environment.
Service: β β β β β
The minute we stepped into Osaka Ohsho, we were greeted with or get startled by a chorus of βirrashaimase.” Japanese hospitality was conveyed. The customer service was good as the service crew was attentive and provided good advice in helping diners get the best value from their food. There is no doubt that the Osaka Ohsho pays top attention to the source and quality of ingredients and team in the kitchen is effective and efficient in preparing great dishes.
Food: β β β β β
Osaka Ohsho serves three traditional kinds of gyoza: Original (P175/6pcs., P350/12pcs.), Cheese (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.) and Nori (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.). Now, infusing some twist, the new flavors, namely the Bacon and Cheese (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.) and the Peanut Butter & Banana (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.), are added to the menu. The new gyoza flavors are available only for a limited time for everyone’s dining pleasure.
Honestly, I could not tell the difference among the tastes of the original, cheese and nori apart from one another. It might be that I dipped too much miso sauce with chili oilβor that I was much overwhelmed by the superb taste of the Bacon and Cheese gyoza that I forgot how the classic ones fared. π
In any case, I’m sure that all the gyozas tasted great! With one side crispy, golden brown and slightly burnt and another side with a soft skin, Osaka Ohsho’s gyozas were made with a mouthful of tender juicy minced meat fillings which had a mix of textures. The wrapper was sturdy and moderately thick, never doughy. It was tender with a bit of elastic chew and a translucency that barely reveals the stuffing inside.
As a dessert, the Peanut Butter & Banana Gyoza is a perfect nibble for both adults and kids alike. This gyoza does not contain meat. Rather, for a good hot and cold contrast, it’s filled with Jif crunchy peanut butter and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And no, there’s no polite way to eat it. We had no more shame in scraping the peanut butter and ice cream delight off the bowl after demolishing the gyoza. Yummy!
Moving on, we also tried the Special Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Curry Cheese Tonkatsu (PhP 460). It’s a Fuwatoro Tenshin Han dish surrounded by a flavorful Japanese curry sauce and topped with crispy fried pork tonkatsu stuffed with melted cheese. The curry sauce surrounding the super fluffy egg omelet wrapped around rice was rich and delicious. Even without the star of the dish which is supposedly the tonkatsu, I think I’ll be completely pleased with the egg, curry sauce and Japanese rice with sesame seeds. The combination is that good.
Another premium rice dish we had was the Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Ebi Tempura (PhP 395). It’s composed of steamed Japanese Koshihikari rice also enveloped in a soft, airy egg omelet dome immersed in a light Japanese gravy and topped with crispy fried Japanese ebi tempura. Let it sit for a moment before diving in, as the flavorful sauce will soak deliciously down into the rice below.
Not so fond of either tonkatsu or ebi tempura? You can opt for the Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Chicken Karaage (PhP 395) or Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Mabo Tofu (PhP 380) instead. These are available as set meals good for two people to share, with six pieces of gyoza, miso soup and fruit plates.
The Osaka Ohsho Salad (PhP 195 for half/ PhP 330 for full) looked lively with fresh Romaine lettuce, Lolo Rosa, and Iceberg lettuce mixed with cherry tomatoes, sweet ripe mangoes, grilled crabsticks, and crispy candied walnuts. The aroma which permeated each bite was Osaka Ohsho’s signature honey citrus miso dressing. Quite unique.
Next, the Black Vinegar Chicken (PhP 325) turned out to be a stir-fried hodgepodge of fully marinated chicken, bell peppers and chunks of pineapples in a gloppy sweet soy-based sauce. The real deal packed a flavorful punch. It was savory balanced with a touch of sweetness and a splash of dark vinegar for a fragrant acidity. If you’re looking for something light though, this is not for you. I found that I needed rice to balance the strong flavor somehow.
The bowl of Beef Sukiyaki (PhP 380) was anchored with thinly-sliced beef, onions, noodles and surrounded by vegetables and some mushrooms. The soup’s broth was slightly sweet, light and delicious. Everything was incredibly good and nothing was out of place, seeming like a stroke of genius. On a rainy day, I would like to come back to Osaka Ohsho and order this particularly for lunch or dinner.
We also enjoyed the Yakisoba (PhP 348), which was presented with an assortment of veggies on top. The glass noodles were hearty and a little chewy. It was far from the instant noodle-yakisoba from groceries I’m more familiar with. You can expect a shot of freshly cooked noodles sans the weird-tasting teriyaki sauce and spice.
Under Yakimono (Grilled) items, the Saba Shio Yaki (Roasted Mackerel) (PhP 310) is exactly the kind of fish you must order in Osaka Ohsho. It might seem simple, but getting that oily, salty fish skin to a perfectly crisp char is an art. The grilled salt-seasoned mackerel was served with finely grated daikon (I think).
For my drink, I ordered the Fresh Mango Yakult (PhP 125) which was contained in a “gigantic” mug. It’s too sweet for me and the mango flavor overpowered the taste of Yakult. I didn’t like it very much, but I thought it’s okay as a thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.
Price for Value: β β β β β
For a restaurant that takes pride in serving the number one gyoza in the world, prices on the menu seem reasonable. You don’t need to spend a fortune at Osaka Ohsho for a few delicate bites of their food. The place gets crowded even in non-peak dining hours, so it’s wise to make a reservation. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I already ate here and got the bacon cheese gyoza..Oh my it was good..I want to try that peanut butter and banana gyoza..it looks really mouth-watering.
Bacon Cheese Gyoza is the bomb! I think one should not leave Osaka Ohsho without tasting this flavor of gyoza. The dessert gyoza will be worth your trip. π
WOAH!!!! I so love Osaka Ohsho and their gyoza! I love it so much that my family, friends and I have been here a loooot of times. Not just because of the GYOZA >> bacon and cheese but because they serve a lot more.. Like the vinegar chicken.. and those freaking huge rice bowls!! YUMMY! π π π
Haha I feel the same about the portion of the dishes. They’re really good for sharing. That’s why it’s so sulit to eat here. I’m excited to bring my family and have them try the great Osaka Ohsho dishes. π
Love Gyoza together with dumplings and other Chinese foods. Well, for this kind of store, it must be spacious and huge dining all.
Yeah, the restaurant is pretty spacious as there’s a lot of seating that can maybe accommodate up to a hundred guests. π
The place looks perfect.Thanks for this detailed well written wonderful review.
Thanks, Debarpan! If you are in SM Megamall or somewhere in the vicinity and have craving for gyoza and other Japanese food, make sure that you go to Osaka Ohsho. π
This is really a great place for dinner.Those dishes are also looking so delicious as well.
Try this place and you will be happy you did. We’ll definitely visit again!
These looks so yummy! We haven’t been there yet.. I have to try next time I go to Mega Mall. Have you tried Tim Ho Wan yet? My family is addicted to it recently, lol.
Hehe I haven’t but I’ve always wanted to try. Tim Ho Wan has received so many raves from various customers. The only thing that stops me from going in is that LOOOONG queue even during weekdays and non-peak hours. Maybe I can finally give it a go once it opens a branch here in MOA. π
Their Gyoza looks so delicious and they have variety. I’ll check this out the next time I’m in Megamall.
Yup, their gyozas are really good. I bet you’ll also recommend this to your friends. π
Hmmm a restaurant that specializes on gyoza… sounds like exactly my husband’s kind of restaurant hahaha… I don’t really like any kinds of dumplings (but i did love dumplings in Taiwan, so yummy! Haha) but my husband’s the total opposite! The peanut butter & banana gyoza sounds intriguing though, i’d love to try that out!
We love vegetable dumplings with kuchay mostly served in Chinese restaurants as dim sum. I’ve never tried any other flavors of dumplings before. Taste-testing the different awesome flavors was a great dining experience. What I also liked about Osaka Ohsho is that is has a magical aura of warmth. As soon as we sat down at the table, we quite felt right at home.
I think I’m also gonna love the curry cheese tonkatsu.
That’s a pretty good choice. It’s also perfect as a feel-good dish during the chilly weather.
I love and enjoy reading your reviews, always thorough and nicely written. I think in the uk we missing out on such types of restaurants, the food looks delicious and I am so hungry right now looking at all these food pictures.
Thanks, Myrabev. Thanks also for reading through my posts. π Modernized and really great restaurants here in Metro Manila have just started to blossom and expand since the last two years, I think. Now we have more choices so it’s becoming more difficult to decide where to go.
I’ve never had Japanese food before but I’d love to give it a try. The decor in this restaurant looks really lovely and clean. The food looks really good, I know my fiance would really enjoy it.
Yeah, I think you will also enjoy these dishes. π For me, Japanese restaurants are either a hit or a miss. Osaka Ohsho is a home run day after day.
Oh my goodness that food looks so good. I’ve only eaten Japanese food a few times. I’ve always wanted to try the gyozas. I’d like to try the one with peanut butter and banana.
Oh yes, you will love that one. No other restaurant serves the same! π
we had dine here before, I love that Saba Shio Yaki, and the Yakisoba its a full meal noodle dish.
Those two are must-tries! They’re beautifully served with a strong emphasis on freshness and presentation.
I love japanese food, so I know I would love this place!Everything looks so fancy in the restaurant as well, so I love that! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Lauren. All these food tasted great and a joy to photograph. π
I absolutely love Japanese food, so Osaka Ohsho would definitely be paradise for me. I love the decoration and the open kitchen concept. The food all looks so delicious. I so wish there was an Osaka Ohsho in my country.
Maybe it will come soon! For us here, I just hope that it also opens to more locations that are closer since SM Megamall is a bit far from our place.
This place looks amazing. I love the Osaka Ohshoβs gyozas dish as I am a huge fan of gyozas. Thanks for sharing this place.
You’re welcome, Lenze! I’m sure you’re going to love these gyoza flavors. Sharing all variants in six-pieces short order with maybe three people is a good idea.
This is exactly my type of food, I am such a massive fan of gyoza; I’d love to try many different types!
Me too. I just love eating freshly made gyozas that taste authentic. π
The restaurant is so pretty (I love the circular booths). Each one of your food photos makes me so hungry. I’m going to have to go eat now. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Terri! π If you happen to be seated in one of the circular booths, consider yourself lucky. It’s the best spot.
I’ve never had Japanese food, but after this review I think I may need to give it a try. The food in the pictures look delicious and made me hungry. Great review thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Pam! Osaka Ohsho is touted to be the specialist in handmade gyoza from Osaka. Be sure to try it soon. π
Japanese cuisine is something that I am not familiar with at all, but I would like to experience it one of these days. We have about two new restaurants in our area that specialize in Japanese. From your review, I would have loved to have tried the Peanut Butter & Banana Gyoza…and the Osaka Ohsho Salad looks DELICIOUS.
Oh, sounds like a plan! π Those two are seriously delicious.
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i should explore japanese cuisine soon… nagpagiwanan na ko.
Hehe ok lang yan. Wala namang racing. Marami pa rin ako di natry. You can start with this. π
Woooow and i thought they’ll be serving regular japanese gyoza, but everything you showed looked very inventive! Will try this out someday!!
Yup! If you want some twist to the traditional handmade meat dumplings, consider going to Osaka Ohsho. I didn’t expect the gyozas to be really good. π
The resto looks spacious and relaxing, I would love to try the tempura π
The tempura with the rice and the sauce is hands-down amazing. Try the tempura but also make sure to order at least a plate of their gyozas. π
oh my god that food looks so delicious to eat. The pictures look so perfect, like it’s real life or something, haha. I love how clean and simple the restaurant is as well. Looks like a nice place.
I’m just glad that I don’t have to go to other countries to experience dining at the King of Gyozas. Osaka Ohsho should be present in more places in the world to spread the happiness and satisfaction to more! π
I am not a fan of gyoza actually. As for the moment, the only Japanese food I crave is Katsu! hahaha
but the ebi tempura looks very tempting!
I like eating Japanese foodβramen, rice bowls, sushiβyou name it. The ebi tempura was really good. π
I would definitely want to try that peanutbutter Gyoza!
Yes, your kids would love it, too! π
I’ll ask my husband to take me to Osaka Osho one of these days..heehee
Haha “eat’s a date!” π
Personally, I never bothered with the other menu items. I came for the gyoza and the gyoza alone! π
That’s one way to look at it! I am also like that when visiting other restaurants that specialize and are popular with one particular item. Take for example: Tim Ho Wan for their pork buns. People go there just to taste the pork buns and care less about other things on the menu! π
I am not particularly fond of Japanese food but this is something I would like to try for myself. The food and the atmosphere look so inviting.
Yup, we had lunch here again yesterday and the same courteous service and great food were served. Osaka Ohsho is really a good restaurant to consider for your next family meal out. π
this looks like a delicious place to visit especially for the Japanese cuisine connoisseurs. i hope i can visit this place one of these days to sample their mouth-watering food
Try to visit soon so you can be sure that the new gyoza flavors are still available. π