Calling all buffet lovers! There’s another buffet restaurant that recently opened in Manila and it’s called BANZAI. But what makes it different from all the other buffets in town? It’s the only authentic Japanese buffet restaurant to date. I got to sit down with one of its owners, Sheryl, over lunch as we visited their new baby- Banzai: The Great Authentic Japanese Buffet Restaurant, situated at the Seaside Blvd. of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
I, together with my fellow SoMoms, Tin, Jenny and Cai brought our kids along as we feasted on anything and everything Japanese. We were so delighted with the food offerings that we totally forgot to have a group photo. Anubaaaa. This is what food does to us! Nonetheless, I’ve got tons of photos from our lunch.
I posted this photo on my Instagram during our lunch. I’ve never been to Japan but this gave me a feel of how it is there.
I was super excited to try their Teppanyaki and ramen!
The three Japanese chefs that are behind every dish created at Banzai. They supervise all the other chefs, ensuring that each dish exudes authentic Japanese flavor.
The best thing about Banzai is that everything is cooked on the spot. No need to wait as they will serve your orders directly to your table. No more lines, no more waiting for the chaffing dish to be refilled.
According to Sheryl, they hand-carried these Japanese lanterns on their way back to Manila from their trip to Japan. Love that these decors came all the way from the land of the rising sun!
When I grow up I wanna go to Dotonbori. But for now, I’ll take these neon signages that light up at night. Lakas maka-Osaka!
Banzai operates with an open kitchen where you can see the chefs prepare each dish.
Details in the entire restaurant speaks of Japanese.
This 1,200 m2 can seat up to 300 people and has different elevated areas perfect for large groups. I’m just not sure if they are planning on enclosing some parts of the restaurant so one can hold an intimate gathering such as birthday parties or any other events that call for a celebration with your family and friends.
I’m amused at how they’ve thought about sprucing up the place, giving it a quaint feeling that you’re in Japan!
Now if you’re too overwhelmed as to where’s where, here’s a reference to know where each food station is.
Teppanyaki Stations
See the products displayed on the counter? They’re not for sale but they’re the actual ingredients the chefs use to cook the food they serve. These Japanese ingredients are imported straight from Japan, giving you authentic flavours for each dish.
You may request however you want your food to be cooked, spicy, salty, sweet teppan, medium cooked or well-done.
You may also request if you prefer a specific vegetable over the other. Do you love Yakisoba but aren’t a fan of carrots? Ask the chef if he can make you one without.
Tempura & Tonkatsu Station beside the Yakitori & Grill Station
Salad Station
Authentic Japanese posters.
Gohan, Noodles and Ramen Station.
Gyoza Goodness!
Takoyaki & Kaniyaki Station
Pizza Station
OMG. This Japanese pizza was so good, I had 2 slices under 5 minutes!
Salad Station
My favorite Spicy Tuna Salad. Noms.
Sushi, Sashimi & Rolls Station
Desserts Station
Snow cones in different flavours, very Japanice!
Beverage Station
Did I mention you get unlimited draft beer? Yes! Premium Japanese beers & sakes can be purchased separately.
Drink-all-you-can soft drinks, iced tea, and iced Milo!
Another plus points for Banzai for having this coffee & hot tea station. Love the coffee I had. It was delicious.
The icing on the cake during our Banzai experience was the Trick Art Gallery. It transports you through time and lets you fulfill your ninja or sumo wrestler dreams!
Choose any costume you want and have a photo of yourself taken with the appropriate backdrop of your choice.
If you wanna fight a sumo wrestler…
…or fight these ninjas…
…or perhaps be a geisha or just enjoy being a local in the streets of Japan. Maybe you can try all three?!
Like my kids who opted to pose in the “streets of Japan” with their friend and Cai’s daughter, Y.
My mini sumo wrester (look at how big lil’ Mr. GJG’s tummy is, so busog from our lunch) & his new found friend. Heehee.
Cold Milo drinks for everyone.
Because I was too busy devouring all the food served to us, I only took a few photos of the food we had. Sensha naman! The rest were downed in just a matter a minutes after it was delivered on our table. Heehee.
I’m not a fan of oysters but the Oyster Teppanyaki I’ve tried was so delicious! I’m definitely ordering that again next time.
Tantanmen Ramen was so comforting and flavourful.
What I like about Banzai is they have two sizes when it comes to their noodles and rice dishes. You can opt to have it in single serving (served in a small bowl like my Tantanmen Ramen) or order their regular size. This way, you won’t be forced to finish each dish and be filled quickly which can prohibit you to try other dishes.
Aaaah desserts! Flourless chocolate & red velvet cakes according to Jenny, Tin & Cai, were good! I wasn’t able to try them as I’m chocolate free for Lent.
Green Tea cake
Creme Brûlée ala Banzai is one of the best I’ve had! I ate 3 out of 5 because it was THAT good!
Another thing that I like about Banzai is they provide high chairs and utensils for kids. Also, since it’s new, the place is clean, including their restroom and wash area. We just hope they would put additional air conditioners as the place feels a little warmer due to the open kitchen. Nonetheless, I would recommend those who would dine here to try their beef teppan and squid as they’re oh so tender and really good! Do also try their ramen as they’re delicious!
Here’s Banzai’s current rates:
Yes, you read that right- no service charge.
Thank you so much Sheryl for having me, my kids and the other SoMoms! We truly enjoyed lunch and do expect us to be back! 🙂
Come celebrate with them and avail of their ongoing promo: For every 5 full paying guests, 1 other guests dines for FREE!
Also, come and celebrate your birthday at Banzai for 1 week for free! Celebrants can eat everyday for FREE during his/her birthday week (3 days before, day of birthday and 3 days after) as long as he/she is accompanied by 3 full paying adults.
Banzai: The Great Japanese Buffet
Bldg. J, By the Bay, Seaside Blvd. SM Mall Of Asia, Pasay City
For reservations please call: (02) 5527368, (0922) 8413859 or (0906) 3873353
Hi Bern! No, it is open 10:3-0 am to 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm 🙂 Monday to Sunday 🙂
place is perfect..food was great.. the tantanmen ramen is a must try…. very tasty and flavorful… (Y)