Upon learning about the opening of S Maison Conrad Manila, the family has been itching to check it out.  As usual when we check out a new mall, we find a new place to eat.  We initially intended to try Umu Umu Ramen but we were number 48 in the queue and figured we couldn't wait so we shifted to Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant instead.  


According to the menu, Okonoiyaki Chibo Restaurant is established in 1973 at Sennichimae in Osaka. And, they were the first to introduce the fusion of Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki.  They have a cool electronic menu by its entrance.  It's so convenient that they have some waiting lofts because we had to wait for our turn.


The interiors are elegant.  Having an okonomiyaki or teppanyaki table, seating are fixed for four persons. They have one function room for a big group though.

Seeing the tables...

along with these utensils got us all excited.  We were really expecting some kind of an authentic Japanese or specifically Osakan way of cooking before us.

Food

Salad/Appetizer

Tuna and Avocado Tartar (280 php)

For starters, we had the Tuna and Avocado Tartar which was really good! 

Side Dishes

♥ Gyoza Teppan (150 php)

The Gyoza Teppan is a must try!

♥ Gyoza Teppan (150 php)

These Gyoza Teppan shaped like a shiruken gives it a perfectly crispy wanton shell with a succulent pork meat.  I think we ordered this twice because we loved it!

Teppanyaki Seafood

Hotate (Scallops) (280 php)

When the Hotate (Scallops), we had th impression that our table is only used as a food warmer.  They were delicious and we were more excited with the okonomiyaki so we didn't mind.

Okonomiyaki

Chibo Okomiyaki is said to be the king of all okonomiyaki in the Dotonbori area in Osaka.  Of course, we were very eager to verify its reputation.

♥ Chibo Okonomiyaki (380 php)

Since it's our first time, we will go with the popular path and try its namesake item: Chibo Okonomiyaki.  It has prawn, scallop, beef and pork.  The crablet on the top seems to be for garnishing purpose only.

♥ Chibo Okonomiyaki (380 php)

I guess my enthusiasm faded when the server just laid down an already cooked Chibo Okonomiyaki on our table.  He merely added the Japanese mayonnaise, designed it...

♥ Chibo Okonomiyaki (380 php)

added some bonito flakes and nori.  The condiments are unlimited since they are on the table by the way.  I really liked the Chibo Okonomiyaki because of its generous toppings.  On the other hand, some of my siblings missed the classic less topping kind of okonomiyaki.

♥ Hiroshima Yaki (330 php)

Most of us liked the Hiroshima Yaki.  It is an okomiyaki made of egg and dough filled with
mixed yakisoba and dried shrimp.  

♥ Hiroshima Yaki (330 php)

I enjoyed the soft texture and subtle flavor.

♥ Hiroshima Yaki (330 php)

Our metal spoons were used only to get our slices from the table to our plates.

Yakisoba 

♥ Omusoba (Omelette Yakisoba) (230 php)

Like the okonomiyaki's the Omusoba (Omelette Yakisoba) is also finished when served.  It is a yakisoba wrapped in egg.

♥ Omusoba (Omelette Yakisoba) (230 php)

Everyone loved the Omusoba (Omelette Yakisoba).  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Taste-wise, food in Okonomiyaki Chibo Restaurant is good.  But for the price, we kind of expected a bit of live cooking which utilizes their already installed tables (more than being a food warmer).  I have high respect for authentic Japanese restaurants in the way that they assure the best quality.  But, somehow I felt that they were not prepared yet.  The servers doesn't seem friendly or familiar to answer questions about the dishes.  It's still worth the try but it could be so much more.