Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho

The news came with such a casual aplomb. "Osaka Ohsho released new gyoza flavors. Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza. Are you free on Monday? We'll do lunch." My friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy, the same guy who lured me into falling so hard for the  King of Gyoza has a penchant for giving me little heart attacks.

Unflinching, he dropped the words bacon and cheese all in one phrase and he expected just a yes or no from me. Of course, a girl gotta have her oh-em-gee moments, so I gave him that. Then, I said yes to the invite with some of my favorite people.

I didn't make it to our lunch. 

Instead, that Monday I was supposed to join them for lunch, I found myself lazily browsing Facebook while sipping some freshly brewed coffee. It's past 11 in the morning, I just got out of my bed and was still sleepy. I rarely book myself on Mondays because I hate it when I have to agree with The Bangles that it's just another manic Monday while braving the traffic jam.  

So, all the while, I thought it's cool that I'm still on my PJs. I thought wrong. Because minutes into browsing my Facebook feed, I saw The Pickiest Eater posting Instagram photos of Osaka Ohsho's Bacon and Cheese Gyoza.

"Oh, they're at Osaka Ohsho. That new gyoza looks great!" I thought to myself. 

I was under the impression that they went ahead probably because they cannot join us for lunch. Then I remembered our scheduled lunch. 

I ran into my room and grabbed my phone. Several text messages. "Are you on your way?" asked Richard. "Yeds, we're here." said Len. "Where are you, Yeds?" Rina inquired. I live far East, 2-hour drive away from Ortigas. Good job.

So, I didn't make it to our lunch. Good thing my friends didn't disowned me. Honest mistake, I blame my effed up memory. I vowed to be more responsible. I was deeply sorry.

Days after, Richard told me that they are going back to Osaka Ohsho and I am free to join them. I am surrounded by wonderful people and very forgiving friends in this lifetime, I may have been a nun in my former life.

Driven by shame and strong conviction to be more responsible, I arrived at SM Megamall 30 minutes before it opened. I was so ready for the Bacon and Cheese Gyoza and I was super stoked to try the Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza.

Bacon & Cheese Gyoza ( Php190/6pcs. Php380/12pcs.) - Honeycured bacon, gourmet cheeses, ground pork, cabbage, garlic, and ginger in a soft & crisp Japanese flour wrap. Best enjoyed w/ original, miso, and chili oil gyoza sauces.

As expected, the Bacon and Cheese Gyoza did not disappoint. The smokey flavor of the bacon was very apparent while the creaminess of the cheese contributed not just to the flavor but to the texture as well. I was so hooked that I think I may have finished majority of the gyoza we ordered.  The sauces were great accompaniment, but even without it, this kick ass of a dish still holds up.

Peanut Butter & Banana Dessert Gyoza (Php210/4 pcs) - Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter & caramelized bananas in a soft & crisp Japanese flour wrap served w/ vanilla ice cream & chocolate syrup. 

Admittedly, the idea of sweet gyoza didn't crossed my mind since I usually associate it with savory filling. But since we are dealing with the World's Number 1 Gyoza here, of course, it works! Peanut butter and banana combination is always a winner. My palate was in search for a little smear of jam at first but when I ate it with the vanilla ice cream it was served it, I figured it was devoid of nothing.

Of course, a visit at Osaka Ohsho wouldn't be complete without feasting on the classic favorites. During our lunch, we devoured some of the well loved dishes I have already shared here on my blog, so as a reference, you may just check the classic dishes here and the new Fuwatoro Tenshin Han dishes here.

The two new gyoza variants at Osaka Ohsho in my opinion are both amazing. The Bacon and Cheese Gyoza is now my new favorite while the Peanut Butter and Banana is also well worth raving. 

Days after our lunch, I went back to Osaka Ohsho with my family and they were equally impressed with the two new variants. We were informed that Osaka Ohsho PH team is still developing other gyoza variants to better serve their patrons. For that, I am excited, and I will definitely keep my calendar updated.

Osaka Ohsho
3/F SM Mega Fashion Hall
SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Contact Nos.: +63 2 631 7074 / +63 917 828 5011
Facebook: /OsakaOhshoPH