Sushi, ramen, gyoza, chicken karaage. These are just some of the Japanese specialties that have become local favorites at Botejyu in the Philippines. Indeed, there's something for everyone in this decades-old franchise that offers an authentic taste of Japan with its well-curated menu that carries standout dishes from all over the Land of the Rising Sun.

What the brand is really known for is its okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), which Botejyu founder, Eikichi Nishino, cooked up at his restaurant in Tamada, Osaka, back in 1946. After World War 2, he had to make do with whatever ingredients were available during the difficult time. When emerging black markets brought in foreign supplies like American flour, it allowed the community to create flour-based staples to address the food shortage then. The situation led Nishino to discover an innovative way to use mayonnaise, which was originally used to flavor cold food. Nishino was, therefore, the one who pioneered dressing okonomiyaki with white mayonnaise in his restaurant.