Is it me…or is the 3rd floor of Greenbelt 3 slowly turning into a Japanese eat street? If it is though—I’m not at all complaining! I’ve always been a big fan of Japanese food and it’s about time that another okonomiyaki-ya opened up in Makati—not to say that I’m setting aside okonomiyaki-ya Kagura over at Little Tokyo.
I must admit though—I’ve probably spent too much time in Makati because this was the first time I’ve heard of Botejyu to think it already has 13 branches all over Metro Manila (which rock have I been living under?) but, better late than never!
I can’t help but wonder if the cook is trying to listen for the sounds “Bote” and “Jyu” every time she cooks…
Botejyu’s claim to fame is as Osaka’s first ever restaurant to flavor Okonomiyaki with mayonnaise. The name itself is play of the sound of cooking/making Okonomiyaki—now bear with me because the Japanese have very interesting ways to verbalize their sound effects—”Bote” is the sound of flipping Okonomiyaki while “Jyu” is the sound of Okonomiyaki cooking on the grill.
The star dish at Botejyu is unmistakenly their Legendary Okonomiyaki (Okos). The okonomiyaki here is spared from any shortcuts and is made with generous servings of Beef, Pork, Shrimp, Squid, Bonito Flakes, and lastly topped with fried egg! But just in case you’re not a fan of “everything on top”, there are also simpler options like Mixed Seafood Oko, Pork Oko, and Shirmp Oko. And if you enjoy eating your Okonomiyaki atop a bed of fried noodles, the same flavors are also available as Okosoba.
Premium Moonlight Oko | Php395
An Okonomiyaki can definitely be a meal in itself and it’s easy to overlook some of the other dishes that Botejyu serves—I advise against because many of its non-okonomiyaki dishes are actually quite delicious! The Unagi is definitely a favorite and the Takoyaki is something I wouldn’t mind coming back for again and again.
Pressed Unagi Sushi—not the newest thing on the menu anymore but still a runway favorite!
Takoyaki All-star | A mix 6 takoyaki balls with assorted toppings | Php245
Other dishes
Special Assorted Sashimi Platter
The perfect morning after dish—Garlic Rice with Bacon & Egg
Paitan Ramen with Char Siu—just because this place isn’t a dedicated ramen shop doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve a mean bowl of ramen
Arghh—I swear, there are definitely way too many international chains setting up shop in Metro Manila (I’m rooting for the local food scene but at the same time I can’t say I’m not enjoying the wider selection). Botejyu is yet another one in this fiercely competitive scene—and I’m most certain it is not the last. At 13 stores and counting with plenty of tasty dishes under its belt, Botejyu is a Japanese chain worth visiting
Botejyu—Authentic Japanese, Traditional Cuisine
Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Makati (beside Figaro)
Website: www.botejyu.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Botejyuph
Instagram: @Botejyuph
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