Botejyu in Pasay: Japan’s Premier Okonomiyaki Chain
Botejyu invites its guests to embark on a gastronomic adventure that spans the vast and diverse regions of Japan. With the theme of Authentic Japanese Traditional Cuisine, Botejyu aims to provide an experience that not only delights the taste buds but also brings the essence of Japanese food culture to the forefront.
The restaurant strives to offer a variety of Japanese dishes that will make diners feel as if they are traveling across Japan, sampling the best each region has to offer.
IMAGE from Botejyu
Starting off with its first branch in Mall of Asia, Japan’s okonomiyaki pioneer and premier specialty restaurant chain Botejyu is slowly but surely conquering the country with the opening of their 88th branch. The restaurant continues to offer the best of traditional Japanese cuisine and their own unique dishes that adapt to the modern taste,
The world-renowned specialty Japanese restaurant was first established in Tamade, Osaka in 1946, a time when Japan was just beginning to pick itself up from the World War II. Botejyu is said to have pioneered the okonomiyaki experience in its home country and then eventually to the whole world.
The restaurant has since widened its food offerings and expanded into different parts of Japan and other parts of Asia including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.
At Botejyu, guests can enjoy a wide range of original teppanyaki dishes, such as Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, and modern yaki. In addition, the menu features regional specialties like the “Seven Treasures Soup” ramen, sushi, tempura, donburi, sukiyaki, yakiniku, curry, yakitori, and kushiyaki.
Each dish is crafted with local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, creating a truly authentic culinary experience.
If you are from the northern end of the metro and have never tried Botejyu or okonomiyaki, then it is highly recommended that you first ask for their Premium Moonlight Okonomiyaki, which will let you have a balance between indulgence and nourishment as the dish is made with generous amounts of fresh cabbage and other ingredients, along with beef, pork, shrimp, squid, and fried egg. It uses a combination of Botejyu’s three legendary sauces and original noodles, “Teppan Yakisoba,” which you won’t find anywhere else.
Premium Moonlight Okonomiyaki
For an experience of okonomiyaki with a modern taste, have a try of their Osaka Premium Okosoba, which makes use of thick yakisoba noodles together with their secret sweet and savory sauce, mild white mayonnaise and Japanese mustard.
Compared with okonomiyaki, Botejyu’s okosoba features the use of ripe tomato sauce and a preservative-free secret sauce made with fresh vegetables blended with 30 kinds of spices and thick tamari Worcester sauce.
Osaka Premium Okosoba
If you want to treat yourself to a big hearty rice bowl, we recommend their gourmet rice bowls which are inspired by Japan’s regional cuisines.
For instance, if you want something meaty and savory, try their Grilled Pork Rice Bowl, a local heritage dish of Hokkaido with 90 years of history. Another must-try is the Beef Sukiyaki Rice Set, a dish from Osaka made with flavorful and tender strips of beef and soft sukiyaki noodles finished off with Botejyu’s special secret sauce.
Grilled Pork Rice Bowl
Beef Sukiyaki Rice Set
Other classic favorites that have already captured our hearts over here in the southern metro and, for sure, those in Japan as well, are the Mentaiko & Potato Mochiyaki and the Takoyaki All-Star, a platter of six types of takoyaki so you can enjoy different flavors and certainly won’t bore out!
Mentaiko & Potato Mochiyaki, made with mochi and crispy potato flavored with Hakata spicy cod roe and Gouda cheese.
Takoyaki All-Star
In time for the new opening of their fifth branch, Botejyu has introduced more Osaka specialties on the menu like the Osaka Curry & Rice with Pork Cutlet and the Osaka Curry & Rice with Stewed Beef. The traditional style of Osaka curry features a great amount of specially selected spices and fruits which contribute to the distinct umami of each curry dish. Spicy and sweet are usually the prominent flavors.
If you love a warm bowl of noodles, also check out Botejyu’s latest offerings of Japanese specialty ramens that are also deeply rooted in each region that these specialties come from. Their Luxury Pork Tonkotsu Ramen (Php 595) is a masterpiece that has been carefully prepared. First of all, the base broth is made by slowly cooking selected pork to maximize its flavor. By simmering it for a long time, the deep richness and mellowness are combined, and every drop of the soup is filled with blissful flavor. The soup is exquisitely blended with their original special soy sauce sauce. The rich yet deep flavor that harmonizes with the soup will delight your taste buds. The savory and umami flavors intertwine perfectly with the toppings such as chashu, egg, and green onions to create a supreme ramen experience that will spread in your mouth.
Luxury Pork Tonkotsu Ramen / IMAGE from Botejyu
It goes without saying that ramen pairs well with gyoza, karaage, and even rice. For the ultimate combo, get their Teppan Grilled Pork Gyoza (Php 210/5 pcs, 10pcs Php 400/10 pcs). This is a luxurious dish of juicy dumplings grilled on an iron plate, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The savory grilled dumplings spread a delicious flavor in your mouth, and each bite is more satisfying than the last. The taste is further amped up by dipping them in the special sauce, or in the ramen’s broth.
Teppan Grilled Gyoza / IMAGE from Botejyu
Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, their seven-time Karaage Grand Prix-winning Bote Kara All-star (starts at Php 125/3 pcs) is filled with the flavor of juicy chicken. The flavors of each are exquisitely intertwined in this gem, and each time you eat it, you can enjoy a different taste. The rich flavor of soy sauce, the savory aroma of garlic, and the crispy fried chicken are in perfect harmony, and you will never get tired of eating all of them. The special sauce enhances the flavor even more, making it a perfect match for ramen noodles. It is also a perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.
Bote Kara All-star / IMAGE from Botejyu
Meanwhile, Botejyu’s Fried Rice with Chashu Pork & Egg (Php 295) is a delicacy made with a rich combination of fluffy Japanese rice, chashu, egg, and fragrant garlic, cooked hot and fast in a wok. The fragrant aroma of the roasted pork is appetizing, and each bite is sure to satisfy your appetite. The flavor is further enhanced by the pouring ramen broth over it, which keeps you coming back for more.
Botejyu Fried Rice with Chashu Pork and Egg / IMAGE from Botejyu
There are also sushi rolls to try like Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll, Pork Cutlet Sushi Roll, and Yakiniku Sushi Roll.
Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll
Botejyu is a good place to share happiness with other people through hearty comfort food from Japan. The people behind Botejyu find motivation in seeing people enjoying their food and being able to share Japanese culture through food. If you love Japanese culture, curious about its culinary heritage or simply want to enjoy heartening meals, then Botejyu should be on your next food trip.
NEW! Yakitori and Kushiyaki Menu
Great news for fans of Japanese grilled skewers! Botejyu now offers yakitori and kushiyaki on their menu. Savor these grilled goodness which starts at Php 75. You may visit any of their 90+ locations in the Philippines to get a taste of these smoky, tender skewers.
IMAGE from BOTEJYU Philippines’ Facebook page
IMAGE from BOTEJYU Philippines’ Facebook page
Yakitori was popularized by none other than Chef Akira Muto, the visionary behind the renowned Nanbantei in Japan. His exceptional expertise and commitment to the art of grilling skewers transformed yakitori into a beloved culinary tradition.
Chef Akira Muto / IMAGE from BOTEJYU Group’s Facebook page
Chef Muto is also one of the celebrated seven SAMURAI IRON CHEF® featured by Botejyu here in the Philippines, a testament to his remarkable influence and culinary prowess. With his guidance and passion, Chef Muto has elevated yakitori to new heights, leaving a lasting imprint on both Japanese and international food culture.
Perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones, the yakitori and kushiyaki offerings mark another culinary milestone for Botejyu as they introduce Japanese food to more people in the country.
8th Anniversary, 88 Branches
IMAGE from Botejyu Philippines
Starting August 15, 2024, Botejyu Philippines is leveling up its menu with exciting new additions like sushi, udon, tempura, and salmon, created by the elite Michelin-starred 7 Samurai Iron Chef® team. Known for its original okonomiyaki and authentic Japanese flavors, Botejyu has been a beloved name since 1946, expanding from Osaka to countries across the globe. This brings even more of Japan’s delightful offerings to the country by expanding beyond their famous okonomiyaki.
Udon
Shake Combination (Salmon)
Jumbo Crab Stick Platter
Chef’s Choice Sushi Platter / IMAGE from Botejyu Philippines
As the brand celebrates its 8th anniversary in the country, these new dishes highlight Botejyu’s mission to bring authentic Japanese flavors to Filipino diners, just as they have been doing since opening their first store in SM MOA in 2016. During the anniversary ceremony, Viva Entertainment Incorporated and Viva Foods chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario shared, “Eight years ago, we were entrusted the license to operate Botejyu for 25 years. When we signed the contract, I committed to open 100 stores. Now we have 88. Within the year, we’ll have 100.”
IMAGE from Botejyu Philippines