Osaka Ohsho: What's New on the Menu + Giveaway!

Earlier this year, I got my first taste of the world's number 1 gyoza restaurant. And before the year ends, it was as if fate meddled, as I return yet again to Osaka Ohsho to try the new items on their menu -- new gyoza flavors and new Fuwatoro Tenshin Han offerings.

I won't type much about Osaka Ohsho's history and background anymore as I already did that on this post. However, I have to say that as a restaurant that specializes in gyoza, Osaka Ohsho definitely lived up to its expectations with its Original, Cheese, and Nori gyoza flavors. Both my first and second visit were filled with oohs and ahhs as I devour a few pieces of their gyoza, especially with my favorite nori variant.

However, I remember wishing that there'd be new flavors in the near future. And I'm sure glad that future I was looking forward to has finally come!

The New Gyoza Flavors

✓ Bacon and Cheese Gyoza (P190 for 6 pcs.; P380 for 12 pcs.)

This serving may look similar to their other gyoza flavors, but the inside bursts with not just the goodness of cheese but also of bacon! Steamed on one side and pan-fried on the other, these Japanese dumplings are soft, delicately crisp and filled with good amount of lean ground pork meat, shredded cabbage, garlic, ginger, a blend of gourmet cheeses, and honey-cured bacon bits. Whether dipped in one of Osaka Ohsho's sauces (original, miso or chili) or eaten on its own, every piece is sure to impress!

✓ Peanut Butter and Banana Dessert Gyoza (P210)

I used to claim the Nori Gyoza as my most favorite gyoza flavor here at Osaka Ohsho. However, upon tasting this dessert gyoza, I don't know anymore. A unique twist of taking gyoza beyond the savory fence and transforming it to dessert, this is what this gyoza is about. Still encased in the same steamed and pan-fried wrapper, every piece is filled with just the right amount Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter and caramelized bananas. And every bite oozes with a harmonious blend of sweet, earthy, soft, nutty. And that scoop of vanilla ice cream, it ties everything together and complements the warm dessert gyoza. Seriously, this is a must-order with every visit! A treat sure to please kids and adults alike.

The New Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Offerings

I already got to try Osaka Ohsho's plain Fuwatoro Tenshin Han before, a rice bowl made with premium Japanese Koshikari rice enveloped in a super fluffy omelette, and bathed in a soy gravy. But today, let me share with you the new variants of this next-level rice.

Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Curry Cheese Tonkatsu (P450)

Unlike the original with only rice, egg and gravy, this Fuwatoro Tenshin Han is the bowl to order for katsu and curry lovers. The pillowy soft omelette is topped with crisp-fried pork cutlet that's stuffed with melted cheese. And that's not all! Instead of the light soy gravy, the Fuwatoro Tenshin Han is instead surrounded with flavorful Japanese curry. Yum!

Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Ebi Tempura (P395)

For something like the classic Fuwatoro Tenshin Han but pimped with another Japanese favorite, there's this new variant that retains most of the original. Premium steamed Japanese Koshikari rice encased in light, fluffy and airy omelette dome in a light soy gravy, then topped with three pieces of crisp-fried ebi tempura. Another yum!

Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Chicken Karaage and Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Mabo Tofu

Aside from the two Fuwatoro Tenshin Han variants I got to try, there are still another two variants I haven't tried yet but really should -- the chicken karaage one which is much like the original but with crispy Japanese fried chicken and a drizzle of ebiko-mayo, and the mabo tofu one which comes with a sweet and spicy Japanese mabo tofu sauce along with silken Japanese tofu, minced pork and minced bell pepper.

The Oldies But Goodies

Apart from trying out the new dishes which were all amazing, my friends and I were still treated to the tried and tested items that have already pleased many palates before.

✓ Osaka Ohsho Salad (P195 Half; P330 Full)

I normally don't go gaga over salads, but this combination of colorful ingredients had me at hello. Romaine, lolo rosa and iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, ripe mango balls, grilled crab sticks, candied walnuts, and an original honey-citrus-miso dressing -- this salad is simply the bomb! Every mouthful was just a fun mixture of savor and fresh, fruity flavors. And that salad dressing, I need to know its recipe! I just have to! ლ(ಠ益ಠ)ლ

✓ Yakisoba (P348)

Although this plate doesn't look too appetizing, its taste says otherwise. Stir-fried noodles with pork, shrimp, veggies, wood ear mushrooms and bonito flakes in a slightly sweet and more savory soy-based sauce. The list of ingredients might make you think this is just another generic yakisoba with below-decent flavor, but a chopstickful will definitely prove you wrong as it did with me. Upon getting a taste of it, I just couldn't stop eating! And mind you, I really don't like yakisoba and stir-fried noodles in general.

Saba Shio Yaki (P310)

I'm not sure who ordered this dish for our group, as I normally ignore fried fish items at restaurants. However, when the late lunch session began, I was sure glad to have this salted mackerel as an additional viand. Salty and nicely balanced with the grated daikon and a squeeze of lemon, this humble item is perfect with plain rice and really gives off a sense of traditional Japanese dining.

✓ Black Vinegar Chicken (P325)

Though I'm not as smitten as the first time I had this dish, this crisp-fried chicken with thick black vinegar glaze still stands as one of my favorites at Osaka Ohsho. It's slightly sweet, more savory and just a tad sour. It's somewhat comparable to sweet and sour, but in my opinion, even better. And it's also another item that goes really well with rice. So if you're a fellow black vinegar lover, give this a try! I'm sure you'll also get hooked.

Beef Sukiyaki (P380)

For something to warm the tummy since it's been pretty chilly lately, we got this famous Japanese hotpot. Thinly-sliced beef, shirataki noodles, tofu, mushrooms and vegetables all simmering in a sweet broth that has a distinct sake flavor. This is definitely Japanese soul food at its finest. If only there was raw egg, this would be the complete package.

Note: These oldie-but-goodie dishes are all good for two to three people.

THE VERDICT

Osaka Ohsho has been one of my favorite restaurants at SM Mega Fashion Hall. And with the addition of these new dishes to their already-impressive menu, there's now more reasons to go back. The new Fuwatoro Tenshin Han offerings are all good innovations to spice up the already-enjoyable Tenshin Han. The Bacon and Cheese Gyoza is also a big hit. But more than that, the Peanut Butter and Banana Dessert Gyoza is definitely the one not to be missed! But whether you order the new items or the old ones, from my personal experience, you're sure to have a good time at Osaka Ohsho. Always.

Taste 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Osaka Ohsho, SM Megamall
3/F SM Mega Fashion Mall, Julia Vargas Ave.,
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(0917) 828-5011
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Now that I've already shared how great my experience was with Osaka Ohsho, this time, it's your turn! If you haven't been to Osaka Ohsho yet, then this giveaway is for you! Well actually, even if you've been here already, you can still join. Teehee!

Oh, and if you win, please make sure to order the Peanut Butter and Banana Dessert Gyoza. You just have to! It's going to be the best gyoza you'll ever have! *wink*

Prize: (1) winner of P1,000-worth of gift certificates valid for food
and drinks at Osaka Ohsho

PLEASE READ!
Guidelines to enter the giveaway raffle:

1. Be a Metro Manila resident or someone (even not within Metro Manila) who can actually use the prize, or have a person you'll give the prize to in case you can't use them. (Don't join please, if you know you don't have any use for the GCs.)
2. Follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below to join.
3. Make sure you do all the first six mandatory steps to be eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway raffle will run from today until December 20, 2014. The winner will be drawn, announced and contacted the next day. So join now and get a taste of the world's number gyoza restaurant and more at Osaka Ohsho!

Disclaimer: The prize was sponsored by the good folks from Osaka Ohsho.