The vibe: With around 20 venues across Manila, BOTEJYU's open-plan layouts, along with light-coloured wooden tables and fittings, offer an unpretentious and uncluttered atmosphere.
Welcoming and bright, these restaurants are easy to spot thanks to their large, neon-lit white lettering and iconic red logo, featuring the silhouette of a teppan spatula.
The food: BOTEJYU's extensive menu covers most well-known Japanese dishes, including regional specialities. Reflecting its roots, with the business originally hailing from Osaka, BOTEJYU boasts Manila's best version of the Japanese city's delectable okonomiyaki. A savoury pancake with fresh cabbage, their signature batter, Osaka-style tangy sauce and mayo, with your choice of meat or seafood. Popular okonomiyaki versions include those with pork belly, beef, shrimp, and squid.
If you're after something more substantial, BOTEJYU's rice bowls – particularly their Hokkaido-style grilled pork (thick slices of meat in a sweet and savoury sauce) – are delicious and filling.
The drinks: The simplest word to describe the drink selection at BOTEJYU is 'fun'. From fruit shakes to Japanese fruit sours; honey, lemon, and grapefruit, to their tea or cola ice cream floats.
Time Out tip: BOTEJYU's restaurants are the perfect spot to pop in for a quick bite. While they do offer set meals, you'll find better value ordering individual dishes.