DABAWENYOS are no doubt fond of all Japanese stuff down from its famous anime shows to their rich culture. Thus, the opening of Osaka Takoyaki branch in Davao City last November 11 just complements the growing interest of the public for authentic Japanese food that has successfully carved its own niche in the country's culinary landscape.
The newly-opened dining hub is the latest addition to the booming food scene in the city. It is located at the ground floor of SM Lanang Premier across the fountain area and comes with a fully-furnished minimalist interior patterned after the comfort and convenience of its customers.
This is the ninth branch they have nationwide as part of their aggressive expansion in strategic locations across the country in some SM malls both for cities and provinces.
Osaka Takoyaki Marketing Manager Charles Marie Olesco shared in an interview with SunStar Davao that Hiroaki Hamada, a Japanese businessman, owner and President of Ryoaki Group of Companies saw the huge potential of food business in the city which pushed him to venture and bring their second branch here in Mindanao next to Cagayan de Oro.
"From the name of the company itself, Osaka Takoyaki came from Osaka, Japan. The best food or fish ball in Manila is Osaka Takoyaki ball," Mr. Hamada said.
Hamada said that, He noticed that most Japanese restaurants only offers mainstream Japanese food such as traditional ramen, sashimi, gyoza and many more therefore he thought of opening a restaurant that highlights Takoyaki or a ball-shaped Japanese snack famous in Japan as the main dish for a change.
"We have heard that Dabawenyos love Japanese food as well so we're trying to venture out and explore the possibilities for the expansion of Osaka Takoyaki both locally and internationally," she added.
Food enthusiasts and curious foodies could choose from a wide array of selection that are definitely a must-try. As part of its opening, customers could enjoy 50% off discount in all its Japanese dishes. The price ranges from P120 to P350 which is already a reasonable price and pocket-friendly for budget eaters.
Osaka-Takoyaki prides itself that the ingredients used for the making of their Takoyaki originally shipped from Japan. One would not have to travel there if they intend to taste authentic Japanese food as they could just visit their restaurant.
What their Takoyaki balls sets apart from other restaurant is that their dishes are authentic and made of best quality and top-notch ingredients from Japan. Their Takoyaki is made of flour, egg, veggies with minced octopus meat, garnished with spices and herbs and then topped served with a special white sauce carefully plated for aesthetic presentation that would certainly sate one's Japanese cravings. The look alone could make one devour it immediately.
Although Takoyaki is its bestseller, their menu also ranges from other authentic Japanese food such as Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba, Tonpeiyaki and desserts.
Customers can assure of the quality of the food as the cook can be seen through the transparent glass how they prepare the orders coupled with excellent customer service, making it a top food destination in the city. It is ideal place for families, couple and friends seeking for Japanese-themed dining.
The opening of the restaurant was graced by Davao City Councilor Cherry Bonguyan in behalf if Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Mutya ng Dabaw 2016 Molly Teodoro. They joined Hamada during the ribbon cutting.
Meanwhile, Marketing Manager Ms. Olesco added that in their long term goals, they are targetting to open more stores in the country as well as in neighboring Asian countries to further promote Japanese food internationally.
Aside from the restaurant, owner business man Mr. Hiroaki Hamada noted that Ryoaki Group of Companies is also involved in transport services for their Ryoaki Taxi Company, RAK transport Inc. (which is a car-renting service) and its newest player in the gas market RYOAKI Gas Station.