BGC foodies, it’s time to check out this new yakitori spot that just landed in Manila.
Next to manga and anime, and that dreamy hanami experience, guess we can all agree that food is what truly makes Japan irresistible. Sushi, ramen, tonkotsu, tempura, miso, okonomiyaki, yakitori—there’s just so much to try, each bite adding another layer to the ultimate foodie bucket list. No wonder Japan stays on top as a dream destination for travelers around the world.
But we also know why Japan remains a dream to many. Not everyone can just hop on a plane to Tokyo or Osaka when a craving hits. The flights, the budget, the time off—unless you’re a lucky nepo baby with no worries, it’s not exactly a spontaneous weekend option. And yet, the cravings are real. So, what if you could skip the visa, skip the flight, and still get an authentic taste of Japan right here in Manila?
Well, here’s the good news: Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Ikoka Yakitori has finally opened its first-ever branch outside Japan—and it’s right in the heart of Bonifacio Global City.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Ikoka’s First Branch in the Philippines
Ikoka hails straight from Osaka, a city that lives and breathes food. The restaurant has earned its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for elevating yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) into a culinary art form. What sets it apart isn’t just the quality of the chicken cuts but also the traditional Japanese technique behind the grill.
Each skewer is cooked over binchotan, a premium Japanese charcoal known for its clean, odorless burn and intense, steady heat. The result? Juicy, smoky, perfectly grilled skewers that highlight the natural flavors of the meat. Pair that with Ikoka’s signature tare sauce (rich, savory, and umami-packed) and you’ve got yakitori the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Perfection!
Founded by Chef Masashi Hara, Ikoka brings with it decades of craftsmanship. Now, Metro Manila foodies don’t need to fly to Osaka to experience his take on this Japanese classic.
The Menu: For Every Craving (and Every Gastronomic Adventure Level)
The new BGC branch offers 10 different yakitori choices, ranging from familiar favorites to adventurous bites. If you’re the type to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with the classics: Chicken Thigh and Scallion, Chicken Thigh Joint, Chicken Breast, or the crowd-favorite Chicken Meatball (tsukune).
But if you’re in the mood to explore, Ikoka has options that showcase the variety of flavors and textures in Japanese cuisine. This includes Chicken Heart, Gizzard, Liver, and Tail, with each offering a unique taste experience that locals in Japan swear by. There’s also the crispy Chicken Skin and juicy Chicken Wings, which are some of the crowd favorites.
And Ikoka doesn’t stop at skewers either. You’ll also find Japanese-style Fried Chicken, a refreshing Ikoka Salad, and even Mitarashi Dango (grilled rice dumplings skewered and glazed in a sweet-savory soy sauce). Yes, it’s much like a nod to our favorite bilo-bilo, but charred and chewy with that perfect glaze.
And because no Japanese dining experience is complete without drinks, you can round off your meal with a cold beer or explore Ikoka’s sake collection. It’s the perfect way to say “kampai!” with friends, coworkers, or your foodie barkada.
Bringing more than just food, Ikoka delivers a slice of Japanese culture, tradition, and craftsmanship that transports you straight to Osaka. From the smoky aroma of yakitori on the grill to the cozy interiors, the atmosphere feels like stepping into that bucket-list trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Ready to savor, sip, and share the experience? Send this link to your GC, tag your friends, plan that long-overdue food crawl—or make tonight the night. Ikoka is now open at Two Meridian, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Cover image credit: Ikoka Yakitori
