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Chibo brings authentic ‘okonomiyaki’ to Jakarta
Those wanting to know more about okonomiyaki may want to swing by Japanese restaurant Chibo at the Gandaria City shopping mall in South Jakarta.
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Japan's 'okonomiyaki' franchise Chibo has opened a first outlet in Indonesia. (JP/Jessicha Valentina)
What’s the difference between Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake)?
Those keen to find out may want to swing by Japanese restaurant Chibo in the Gandaria City shopping mall, South Jakarta.
Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1973, Chibo is best known for its okonomiyaki and teppanyaki (meat cooked on a hot steel plate). The brand currently has more than 60 outlets in Japan and other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. On Jan. 27, Chibo opened its first outlet in Indonesia, bringing food enthusiasts closer to authentic okonomiyaki.
Offering a casual dining experience, the outlet has 86 seats, and each table is equipped with a teppan grill (iron griddle to cook food).
“We serve Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki,” Lowrenz Tanuwidjaja, COO of Jaddi Foods, the franchisor of Chibo in Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, adding that the dishes would be cooked by the chefs at the teppan bar before being transferred to the tables.
With regard to the okonomiyaki’s styles, Lowrenz explained that Osaka-style dishes were cooked by mixing together all the ingredients, including shredded cabbage, flour and eggs, while the ingredients in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki were layered.
“We also have a special Indonesian okonomiyaki, comprising chicken, shrimp, bird’s eye chili and rice,” added Lowrenz.
In addition to okonomiyaki, Japanese food lovers can also try teppanyaki, omusoba (Japanese fried noodles wrapped in an omelet), sushi and sashimi.
“Sushi and sashimi are only available in Indonesia,” said Lowrenz, adding that while the Indonesian outlet applied a similar concept to the original Chibo, it did not serve pork or lard.
Read also: Japan's Chibo to open 1st 'okonomiyaki' pancake shop in Indonesia
While visiting the restaurant, the Post reporter tried several dishes, namely the restaurant’s signature Chibo okonomiyaki, gyoza (Japanese-style dumplings), omusoba and teppan sirloin steak.
It’s oddly soothing to see the chefs mixing and pouring okonomiyaki's batter on the teppan bar.
The okonomiyaki is bigger than similar dishes available at other Japanese restaurants. Since it's Osaka-style okonomiyaki, the batter is chock-full with ingredients, including cabbage, sliced beef, chicken and squid. Topped with the restaurant’s special sauce, the dish delivers tantalizing sweet and savory flavors.
Similar to okonomiyaki, the omusoba is huge, which makes it perfect for sharing. The chewy yet soft noodles are served with the restaurant’s special sauce, lending the sweet flavor to the dish.
As for the gyoza, the side dish appears to be different. Instead of folding the skin, it's made by pressing two gyoza skins together and cooked on the teppan grill, resulting in a crunchy but not greasy exterior.
The teppan sirloin steak is among the must-try dishes at Chibo, as the meat is juicy and tender. Furthermore, the teppan grill installed on the table helps guests get their desired level of doneness.
Chibo is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant closes at 11 p.m.
