Tokyo's Beloved Hamburg Yoshi Arrives in Manila: A Taste of Harajuku in BGC

Prepare your taste buds, Manila! The legendary Hamburg Yoshi, famous for its mouthwatering charcoal-grilled hamburg steaks and the long queues it attracts in Tokyo’s fashionable districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, is bringing its culinary magic to the Philippines.

Set to open on Sunday, 9 March 2025, Hamburg Yoshi’s first Philippine branch will be located at Verve Residences Tower 1, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) — a location that mirrors the upscale ambiance of its Omotesando counterpart.

The story of Hamburg Yoshi’s arrival is as delightful as its cuisine. Co-owner Cecile Zamora, a frequent traveler to Japan, stumbled upon the hidden gem during a taxi ride in Aoyama. “I saw this picture of a burger on rice... I looked for it and I loved it! I said, ‘I want to bring this to Manila,’” Cecile shared with Philippine Primer, highlighting her passion for sharing authentic Japanese flavors.

A Taste of Tokyo in Manila

Hamburg Yoshi’s menu features four mouthwatering hamburg steak variations: the classic Regular Beef Patty, the premium Wagyu Hamburg, the tender Beef Tongue Hamburg, and the flavorful Skirt Steak. Each set meal comes with miso soup, pickles, a raw egg, and unlimited rice.

What sets Hamburg Yoshi apart is its dedication to freshness and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant grinds whole cuts of meat in-house every morning, ensuring unmatched flavor and quality. Instead of conventional griddle cooking, their charcoal-grilling technique enhances the steak’s aroma while eliminating excess fat.

An Authentic Japanese Dining Experience

The experience is further elevated by Japanese rice cooked daily in a traditional Hagama pot, a signature demi-glace sauce infused with black pepper, and flavor enhancers like salted lemon, pickled ginger, and green chili pepper.

The restaurant’s wood-themed contemporary interior reflects the warmth and simplicity of Japanese dining, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for both solo diners and groups.

"My goal is to bring a piece of Tokyo to the Philippines. I want to share that joy with Filipinos," Cecile expressed. She also shared her admiration for Japanese culture, emphasizing the lessons she learned from Mr. Yoshi about minimizing waste and simplifying life.

With Hamburg Yoshi finally arriving in Manila, food lovers can now experience Tokyo’s iconic hamburg steaks without leaving the country. Mark your calendars for 9 March 2025!