Osaka Ohsho, first opened in Osaka in 1969, is a popular Japanese chain that dubs itself as “The King of Gyoza“. There are more than 360 locations in Japan as well as many international franchises like Singapore and now the Philippines. The group who brought in Wee Nam Kee is also the one who has brought Osaka Ohsho over. They quietly opened their doors last Feb. 13 at the swanky new Fashion Mall of SM Megamall. I got the chance to sample a few of their dishes.
Osaka Ohsho PH has lovely interiors, a far cry from the pics I saw when I researched the brand. A mix of textures and design populate the rectangular space. Seating is very comfortable and not jam packed with chairs and tables. Honeycomb patterns and thick ropes and chic old newspaper fabrics on the chairs. It’s so funny that some older people have commented why they have not removed the newspaper from their furniture.
These booth tables are my pick for the nicest in the place. Look at all the rich details.
We had some drinks first while waiting for everyone to arrive. I had the Fresh Mango Yakult (P125), I felt it needed more Yakult since the taste was drowned out by the mango. Irene had their Bottomless Houseblend Iced Tea (P98) which was really good, no Nestea instant mix there. These mugs are BIG, be careful about consuming too much liquid or it might stuff your stomachs even before the food arrives.
The food was a mix of regular orders and a sampler of their popular dishes.
Crab Cream Croquette (P225/2 pcs.). I found the croquette to be lacking in crab meat, it was drowned in too much bechamel sauce.
Black Vinegar Chicken (P325), the portion showed above is just a sampler so the regular serving would be much larger. I never use black vinegar in anything, even in Chinese soups because I never like the smell and taste. I approached this dish with hesitation because of that but after one bite, I consider this a must order at Osaka Ohsho. Chicken Karaage pieces are coated in their blend of black vinegar based sweet and sour sauce. The pieces are still crunchy with sauce that I was tempted to lick off the plate.
Original Chahan (P240). This is a half portion, with the regular good for 2. The fluffy imported Koshihikari rice really gives this fried rice the extra oomph, plus the generous pieces of meat mixed throughout.
Osaka Ohsho serves three kinds of Gyoza, original, cheese and nori (seaweed). The Original (P175/6pcs., P350/12pcs.) has a nice crusty bottom with a chewy wrapper hiding chopped pork and leeks.
The original was good but I prefer the two flavored ones especially the nori. The Cheese Gyoza (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.) is Irene’s favorite because of her love for cheese. One bite and you can really taste the gooey cheese flavor. I preferred the Nori/Seaweed Gyoza (P190/6pcs., P380/12 pcs.) which had the most flavor of the three, the strips of seaweed adds an umami flavor that was unmatched. Too bad the Nori is not available as part of their many sets.
Special Fuwatoro Tenshin Han (P310), super fluffy egg omelet wrapped around rice and smothered in their savory sauce. I can’t stress how fluffy the egg is, even after not being consumed immediately. Even Irene who is not a fan of omelet rice gave this her approval. This is available as part of a set or ala carte. This is meant to be shared because the serving size is really big.
If you want something deep fried then you can try the Kushi Age Katsu (P335), that has various vegetables, shrimps fish and even a gyoza also.
Finish off with some dessert like the Banana Tempura with Homemade Japanese Ice Cream (P330). Foir the ice cream, you have a choice of Matcha, Black Sesame or French Vanilla. Four pieces of sliced bananas coated in light tempura batter, deep fried and drizzled with chocolate sauce. I suggest getting all black sesame ice cream as that is the one I enjoyed more.
I wanted to swipe one of these takeout boxes and display it in the house. You can also buy chilled gyoza, which you can cook at home by following the instructions on the box.
I’ve got a number of favorites already at Osaka Ohsho that I will be going back for. The Black Vinegar Chicken, Fuwatoro rice and the Nori Gyoza are all on my list. Their location is also favorable to me since SM Megamall is one of the places I frequent. If you love gyoza, you really have to give Osaka Ohsho a try.
Osaka Ohsho
3/F Fashion Mall, SM Megamall Bldg. D Telephone No.: 631-7074 and 0917-8285011Facebook Page: Osaka Ohsho Ph
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