Cho has opened its second location inside Sedona Hotel, bringing extravagance to the Japanese restaurant scene in Yangon.
As the chef Michael Ong shows me around Cho, he proudly exhibits Cho’s spirits a valuable collection of exclusive bottles, which range from Scotch and Whisky to Japanese Sake, Shochu, Umeshu, some of which are collector’s items.
Cho only uses the best ingredients, Mr. Ong tells me the fish is imported from Japan, and only the best cuts are selected. He goes to try the Wagyu beef himself and makes sure only the finest quality and best tasting meat is chosen. Although there are a variety of seating options (private or in the dining room), it is clear that one of the reasons you come to Cho is for the Teppanyaki.
Teppanyaki is not only a culinary experience, it is also a theatrical performance for the diner. I look around and realise most Teppanyaki chefs at Cho are women. In fact, I am delighted to find out that one of the ways Cho aims to distinguish itself, is to rebel towards traditional gender norms in the kitchen. I watch amazed the ease with which the Teppanyaki chef juggles utensils, flips knives and incorporates fire while cooking our food.
From the Teppanyaki grill, we start with the juicy Ooebi (giant sea prawn, 13$), they are served with chilli sauce, which is nice but slightly overpowers the delicate flavour of the prawn. Next up, the Pork Belly with Black Pepper Sauce which is exquisite and to follow Kobe beef ($39 x 50 g), beautifully marbled and tender. We are given three dipping sauces, if we wish to use them. Although they are tasty, I believe the best way to enjoy high quality ingredients is to keep it simple.
My favourite dish was the selection of Nigiri with accompanying fresh radish, which had been prepared at Cho and which was a perfect palate cleanser. All fish was fresh and exquisite. The dish comprised of seared fatty tuna belly and wasabi which melted in the mouth, delicate and smoky seared alfonsino, and my favourite, a buttery raw shrimp with homemade mayo.
Overall, Cho is a great restaurant with high quality ingredients, perfect for a special occasion or to indulge in fine Japanese food.
Address: Sedona Hotel, No .1, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road , Yankin Township,Yangon 11081 Phone: 09 258 322 223 Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 11:00PM
