Japanese restaurants

Botejyu SM City Calamba

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

SM City Calamba, Calamba, 4027 Laguna, Philippines ₱500–1,000
4.7
325 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled within the bustling SM City Calamba, Botejyu SM City Calamba offers a delightful journey into authentic Japanese cuisine, perfectly crafted for diners craving both comfort and culinary adventure. Specializing in Japanese fare, this restaurant masterfully combines traditional flavors with a modern twist, making it a beloved spot for families, food enthusiasts, and casual diners alike.

Botejyu’s menu boasts a variety of meticulously prepared dishes that capture the essence of Japan's diverse food culture. Among their standout offerings are the Spam Onigiri, a savory rice ball filled with succulent spam that provides a perfect balance of salty and satisfying, and the Prawn Tempura Onigiri, featuring crispy, golden-fried prawn tempura embraced by soft, fluffy rice—ideal for a quick yet indulgent snack.

Larger gatherings can indulge in their thoughtfully prepared party trays such as the Original Charsiu Pork and Egg Fried Rice, a flavorful and fragrant dish brimming with tender charsiu pork and fluffy eggs, or the simple yet comforting Steamed Rice Party Trays, which perfectly complements any main course. For those who love deep-fried delicacies, Botejyu offers mouthwatering selections like the Jumbo Crab Stick Tempura Platter, which boasts a satisfying crunch and fresh seafood flavor that seafood lovers will surely appreciate.

What truly elevates the dining experience at Botejyu SM City Calamba is not just the food but also the welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The venue echoes a subtle ambiance of Japan, inviting you to relax and savor each bite as if transported to the streets of Osaka or Tokyo. Customers repeatedly praise the warmth of the staff and efficient service—elements that make every visit memorable.

Patrons like Shella share heartfelt stories of dining here with their families, highlighting the beloved ramen with char siu pork, tender pork tonkatsu reminiscent of European schnitzel, and the ever-essential chicken karaage that keeps them coming back. Others appreciate the generous variety on offer; from the crispy shrimp tempura to refreshing watermelon shakes, every dish is crafted with passion. While some note that servings can be carefully portioned and the pace of service varies, the overall consensus remains that Botejyu delivers quality Japanese cuisine well worth the visit.

Whether you're hunting for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or an authentic taste of Japan within Laguna, Botejyu at SM City Calamba is a reliable choice that consistently satisfies cravings with its rich flavors, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and inviting ambiance. Each plate is an invitation to indulge in classic Japanese comfort food brought to life with genuine care.

03 Notes from regulars

325 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.7
Based on 325 verified notes
5 297
4 46
3 12
2 5
1 4
All Pork Tonkatsu Shrimp Tempura Watermelon Shake Okonomiyaki Takoyaki Accommodating Staff Queue Noodles Grilled Meat Menu Variety
Shella.
3 month ago
This restaurant is one of my son's favorites. He absolutely loved the ramen with char siu pork. Although I don't eat seafood, my husband and son raved about the shrimp tempura. I enjoyed the pork tonkatsu; it was delicious and tender, reminiscent of schnitzel in Germany. The chicken karaage is a must-have for us on every visit. We always enjoy dining here, even though this particular branch is a bit smaller. The food is consistently excellent.
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A Cho.
3 month ago
The food is good. It takes a while for our orders to arrived and it came one at a time. The dishes are spread across wide plate. Initially you will think it's a big serving, but it's not. The rice, the beef, and the greens are thinly spread to look ample serving. The kids meal is 297 pesos for only fried rice with soy sauce, very few fries, and 2 pcs tiny fried chicken. With a tiny cup of iced tea. The Tempura is good. Worth mentioning. Zesty lemon, too sweet.
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marione callo-briones.
3 month ago
We love the wide variety of options to choose from! Favorites are the okonomiyaki, grilled meat, and their watermelon shakes :) #SMCalamba
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Diana Magbanua.
4 month ago
I almost always drop by Botejyu when I have the time. The service is great (staff's really nice) and fast. The food is really good, too. For the price point, I can say it is worth it.
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Emma Sarza.
5 month ago
Scrumptious Food, Insanely Good. The service was perfect and got me to tip, even if only 50. The atmosphere makes you feel like you're actually dining inside Japan.
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Chi Ri.
5 month ago
Botejyu gave us superb service and indulgent flavors. It’s a bit pricey, but totally worth it—premium meat and rich taste even from a simple order. We just wanted a quick meal before heading home, but the food was surprisingly good. Bonus: they accept Pluxee payments too, which made things even more convenient.
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amari amari.
6 month ago
The place is smack right in the middle of the second floor of the mall so it isn't hard to find. What I really don't like is when flies starts to dance around me like I'm a fresh shit or something lol. Servers are great and easy to talk with. Not really a fan of the extra charge and you want to take your food out, but it is what it is. Food is bomb tho so it makes up for the negatives. Absolutely love the Udon. Stuffed to the brim.
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Dave Provost.
6 month ago
My wife and I ordered 2 grape shakes, upon delivery only one arrived very dark purple, looked excellent. But where’s #2? We asked and another was soon delivered and obviously a very watered down version. Thin mostly ice with a slight purple hue. Apparently the person preparing it used the blender from the first one, threw in some ice and blended it. Not adding any additional grape powder or liquid. By the way, neither had any resemblance to grapes.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Finding the door

SM City Calamba, Calamba, 4027 Laguna, Philippines

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Small plates
Dining options
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
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