August 05, 2024

Teppan Okochi Ryujin in Makati: An Authentic Teppanyaki Experience

Teppan Okochi Ryujin in Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Makati prides itself with its teppanyaki – a style of Japanese cooking technique where food is cooked on a sizzling iron griddle.

Grilled Angus Steak / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

This high-end teppanyaki spot offers a wide variety of food cooked on a griddle ranging from okonomiyaki to Wagyu beef, and everything in between. This branch of Teppan Okochi is also the only one that offers pasta; a rare sight in most Japanese restaurants.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Teppan Okochi Ryujin’s interior is bright and spacious, thanks to a combination of sleek wooden furnishings and minimalist decor that exudes elegance. This branch has a sushi counter, where, like the U-shaped Teppanyaki counter, you can watch chefs skillfully prepare grilled delights right before you. They also have a bar which carries a variety of high-end wine and sake such as Petrus Pomerol 2008 and Born Chogin that you can pair with your meals.

Teppanyaki Counter / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

As mentioned earlier, Rockwell’s Teppan Okochi is the only branch that offer pasta dishes, hence, their pasta is a treat! Consider trying their Napolitan Pasta. Napolitan is a Japanese-style pasta that’s tomato-based and sauteed with ham. It’s the ideal starter if you’re looking for that authentic tomato-sauce taste with a Japanese touch.

Teppan Cooked Authentic Napolitan

You might also want to sample the Camembert Cheese Salad. The Camembert cheese is grilled on the teppan before being added to the salad and although it’s grilled, the Camembert retains its creaminess as well as its soft texture.

Camembert Cheese Salad

You’ll also find a variety of Japanese dishes such as sashimi, tempura, grilled meats, among others. They even have fresh oysters airflown from Hokkaido!

Okonomiyaki / IMAGE from Teppan Okochi Facebook Page

Hokkaido Oysters / IMAGE from Teppan Okochi Facebook Page

Teppan Okochi also offers lunch courses as well as course meals for big groups. They have a variety of starters and an assortment of seafood, which reviewers praise for their melt-in-your-mouth quality and impeccable freshness that rivals Tokyo’s finest fish markets. This alone totally make this Japanese food trip one of the best experiences you can have in the Metro!

Sashimi / IMAGE from Teppan Okochi Facebook Page

Appearance-wise, the branch also highlights a mural painting of a dragon by Japanese artist Hirono Nakamura who drew it live during the restaurant’s opening in January 2019. This eye-catching piece makes the restaurant not just a place to eat, but a venue to appreciate Japanese art and culinary traditions. It has also private rooms that ideal for those dining in big groups.

The Dragon mural by Japanese artist Hirono Nakamura

While they do accept walk-ins, it’s recommended to come with a reservation – especially if you’re coming in big groups.

For the busy bee, they may enjoy decadent warabimochi (Japanese rice cakes) and daifuku (stuffed mochi) treats available in a variety of beloved flavors such as strawberry and cherry for only Php 480 at Teppan Okochi Ryujin Japanese Corner, their kiosk on R1 Level and a joint project between the restaurant and Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

Aside from sweets, it also offers to-go Japanese meals such as okonomiyaki, yakiudon, omelet rice, and Japanese dry curry, which will surely make you exclaim, “Oishi (delicious)!”