BANZAI: The Great Teppanyaki Theater Experience

BANZAI! Either a war cry or a cheer, it didn’t matter anymore. All at once, did both as I was excited to try this with my game-face on.

Banzai: The Great Teppankayi Theater evokes the feeling of being in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese lanterns, dancing geishas, samurai warriors roaming, sumo wrestlers in photos, Japanese greetings by the staff, it was a perfect setting.

Lights on for Banzai

What they offer

The cream of the crop, of course, was the authentic buffet. Everything Japanese was in Banzai!

Interestingly, the 1,200 m² area was sub-divided into several dining areas with different themes:

• Dotonbori Area
• Castle Area
• Old Japan Area
• Nautilus Area
• Sumo Arena

Japanese lanterns above

Japanese art

As seen in chairs, too

Not surprisingly, my friends and I were assigned in the Sumo Arena. And just like a sumo, I can just say in jest, “Bring it on!”

The great teppanyaki theater has the ff stations (the major and minor ones):

• Tempura and Tonkatsu Station
• Yakitori and Grill Station
• Gohan, Noodles and Ramen station
• Takoyaki and Kaniyaki station
• Pizza Station
• Roast Station
• Anti- pasti station
• Hot station
• Mongolian BBQ station
• Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls station
• Teppanyaki Station
• Beverage station
• Dessert station
• Salad station

As my general rule every buffet, I start with salad. They have several greens, toppings and dressings to choose from. Their mango dressing was good. If it was cold enough, I could’ve mistaken it for my favorite mango shake.

Salad station

Salad dressings

Then went for hot with ramen. Lately, there’s a thing with me and tonkotsu so I chose this as the base. Well, it didn’t taste like the top ramen raves but the toppings was worthy to mention (it has  Naruto)! The chasu serving was thick, too.

Ramen station

In the pizza station, I tried Chicken Teriyaki. First time here and it’s good. I love the added mango cubes. Crust was soft and chewy, too. Paired it with their kanikayi (crab meat inside) which was yummy I came back for another. I like it better than the bacon okonomikayki.

Pizza Station

Their tempura and tonkatsu were okay. Better with the sauces, actually as the tonkatsu was oily. The teppanyakis that I tried were flavorful especially the beef misono. But what can get wrong with a misono, anyway?

Tonkatsu

Teppanyaki station

Roast station

I also love their gyoza. More veggies, more fun.

Gyoza

Hands up to Wagyu Roast Beef in rare, plus its sauce.

Wagyu Beef

For their desserts, cakes were so-so but I enjoyed their mango crepe. Topped it with Nestle ice cream in strawberry, vanilla and mango flavors for a sweeter effect. They also had snow cones where flavors can be chosen and mixed, fruit salads and DIY halo-halo. Went back here several times. Favorite station. I just hope that soon they’d have Japanese desserts, too. 

Crepe with Nestle ice creams

Wood cake? 

This one is good

Fruit salad

Halo halo DIY

What I wasn’t able to try were the Filipino dishes, some yakitori in skewers and any sushi.

Sushi station

Mongolian BBQ station

Pasta station

Banzai has an entertainment value, too. Apart from the play of the geisha and samurai warriors along the ‘theater’, I had fun watching the chefs skillfully displaying the art of throwing knifes and etc.

Chefs' part in the entertainment

Then after there are went aflame for a few seconds. It’s an added fanfare together with the art gallery where Japanese’s love for the arts was showcased.

Art gallery

Costumes available :)

It’s almost as expensive as Vikings:The Luxury Buffet where the food variety’s great. But what I think the strengths of Banzai were:

• Focused theme. Again, I would’ve loved it better if the desserts were Japanese, too. Mochi ice cream, please.
• The ramen station! I didn’t expect it.
• Some foods cooked on the spot. Hot!
• The showcase of Japanese artistry.

Overall, it was a great experience. I truly felt that I was in Japan. And hopefully, so.

Banzai Rates:

• P699 for Monday to Friday lunch
• P899 for Monday to Friday dinner
• P1,088 for Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. 

 

Rating: 4.0


Banzai is located at:

Building J, SM by the Bay,
Seaside Blvd., MOA,
Pasay City