The New And Improved Teppan Okochi Brings The Genuine Taste Of Osaka To Rockwell

More than a year ago, a cozy teppanyaki restaurant opened in a little-known building in Bonifacio Global City, headed by Grand Chef Akihiro Okochi from Osaka who moved to Manila to share the secrets of the “iron plate” with Japanese food lovers here. While the restaurant enjoyed a steady clientele of office workers and BGC denizens, Teppan Okochi recently decided to go bigger by moving to a more visible location in Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Makati. Now there’s no reason not to visit this restaurant for arguably the best okonomiyaki in town, along with other standout dishes from its extensive menu.

 

Chef Akihiro Okochi

 

While Teppan Okochi Rockwell is currently on soft opening, the owners held a well-attended launch the week before where guests got a sneak peek of the bigger and brighter space. The highlight of the launch was the presence of Japanese guest artist Hirono, who has made a name for himself as a dragon artist painting beautifully intricate and colorful dragons. Born in 1964, the year of the dragon, Hirono says he derives great energy from this mythical creature and has made it his lifelong mission to spread the dragon’s energy and fortune through his art works. During the launch, Hirono surprised guests with an on-the-spot painting of a striking dragon’s head on the main wall of the restaurant, which he finished that same evening, as a gift of good fortune and prosperity to the new Teppan Okochi.

Dragon artist Hirono in action

 

Hirono’s powerful dragon mural

 

Just like the original BGC outpost, the Rockwell branch is dominated by a large teppan counter with the most prized seats in the house, the better to watch Chef Okochi and his chefs grill their signature dishes on the spot. But unlike in BGC, the restaurant now has two other areas, which can be enclosed as private rooms, with their own smaller teppan counters, so more diners can enjoy the tableside grilling experience.

 

The large U-shaped teppan counter

 

Okonomiyaki

 

For those familiar with the original menu, they’ll be glad to know that most of those dishes can still be ordered at the new branch. Aside from the superb okonomiyaki, there’s much to choose from—seafood, Wagyu beef, yakisoba, grilled teppanyaki style; unagi on rice; and a host of appetizers. But the menu has expanded beyond teppan dishes, to include a range of Japanese dishes—sushi and sashimi, tempura, ramen and other noodle dishes, tonkatsu, and even an excellent chicken karaage—that can please the pickiest of eaters.

 

sushi selection

 

Yakisoba

 

Teppan Okochi Rockwell now boasts a spacious al fresco area, with sofas and lounge chairs where guests can relax and have a drink. After all, the drinks menu includes a sizable selection of sake, wines, and premium spirits and liquors, including Japanese whisky, to choose from.

The best part about this new and improved Teppan Okochi is that you can enjoy any kind of meal to your liking—from a quick and affordable lunch set, to an indulgent dinner using the most premium ingredients flown in from Japan.

 

R1 Lopez Drive, Power Plant, Rockwell Center, Makati City, (0917) 795-0051

 

Photos by Gian Escamilla