Osaka Ohsho Manila: where I had "the world's #1 gyoza"

One of my very few Manila social visits was a lunch out with Manila's fun food bloggers. I've been meaning to meet up with Momma Jane of Sugar & Spice for the longest time and she kindly invited me to one of her KTG gatherings at Osaka Ohsho. 

L-R: Bobby Vallar (Relish Group Marketing Manager), me, Momma J, Irene of Indulgence By Irene,
Richard (Tales From The Tummy), Jill (The Food Scout), Yedy (Yedylicious) & B'Ley (Blogalag)

Osaka Ohsho is a Japanese chain specialising in gyoza. Since its inception in the '60s as a humble dumpling shop, the franchise has now expanded to around 400 branches in Japan and then some across Asian cities including the latest in Manila's SM Megamall Fashion Trade Hall (much thanks to The Relish Group, who also brought Wee Nam Kee to the country). 

I'm not one to shy away from Japanese food as it's my favourite Asian cuisine (and I hate that we lack good ones in London) but gyoza usually tastes the same for me. Osaka Ohsho serves other Japanese favourites but its claim to fame is serving "the world's #1 gyoza". That's definitely not a statement to ignore. 

As I had a previous appointment, I came in half an hour late so was not able to take photos of the dishes in their pre-meal glory, but I still managed to try loads. 

The Black Vinegar Chicken (PHP350) was a kicker. Essentially, it's a dish of super tender karaage pieces in a lively sweet and sour sauce. Delicious. Every fried chicken fan would love this, especially when paired with their black chahan (PHP250) which is made with koshihikari rice none the less. You HAVE TO order these two dishes.

The Osaka Ohsho salad (PHP195 half/330 full) is a very simple dressed salad of mixed greens, cherry toms, kani, mangoes and candied walnuts. I liked that it wasn't overly dressed but it's something you can recreate.

Bobby kindly organised some gindara teriyaki (PHP720) for me to try. The fish flaked off nicely and melted in my mouth. The teriyaki sauce was decent and didn't cover up the natural sweetness and oiliness of the gindara. I inhaled this on my own with no shame and would happily do so again.

Their specialty beverages come in massive mugs. I had the Apple Lychee Soda (PHP110) which was refreshing and not too sweet but I couldn't finish it for the life of me.

On to the famous gyoza. They have three main flavours: original, cheese and nori; and three dipping sauces: the requisite soy vinegar, miso and chilli. The dumplings are made fresh in-store, steamed first and seared on one side. The wrapper is quite thin but firm enough to hold the filling (and there's a lot of it in there) even after you dip it in the sauces.

The new Bacon and Cheese gyoza (PHP190 for 6/PHP380 for 12) was a pleasant surprise. You can definitely taste the bacon bits and the cheese oozes out but it's very well balanced in its saltiness. It's good on its own, but dipping it in a mixture of miso and chilli sauce makes up for a flavour party. I wanted to finish the whole thing but was shy. Haha!

Dessert came in gyoza form as well. The peanut butter and banana gyoza (PHP210) was a sight to see but I thought this wouldn't work.

Which made it even better when I realised how genius the dish was after tasting. It's my childhood favourite with a Japanese twist. Awesome with the vanilla ice cream it came with.

I was steady full, but Momma J and Bobby kindly organised for me to take more gyoza home so I can try the full range on offer and share it with my family. Thank you guys!

That's right, folks. You can take out Osaka Ohsho's dumplings either cooked or frozen. The box has instructions how to prep them either way for maximum enjoyment.

I like the nori gyoza best although I wish it had more nori in it. 

Overall, Osaka Ohsho gave me a different perspective on gyoza. It's definitely not a boring Japanese staple anymore and I'm OHSHOEXCITED to see what other variants of gyoza they'd come up with.

Osaka Ohsho Philippines
3/F SM Megamall Fashion Trade Hall | +632 631-7074 / +63 917 828-5011
Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Instagram. View the menu on Zomato.
Ave spend pp: PHP700 (roughly around £10 - bargain!!!)