The dinner showcased a collaborative menu between Chef Miki Imagawa and Takako Okada, Okada Manila’s vice chairperson, presenting a fine selection of Chinese dishes that offer a symphony of flavors designed for the discerning palate.
To herald the last quarter of 2023, Yu Lei, Okada Manila’s premium dining Chinese restaurant, recently unveiled its curated special menu composed of exquisite dishes by the restaurant’s award-winning Michelin star Chef Miya “Miki” Imagawa. The event coincided with an intimate Mid-Autumn Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Takako Okada, Okada Manila’s vice chairperson, for journalists and influencers.
The dinner showcased a collaborative menu between Chef Miki and Okada, presenting a fine selection of dishes that offer a symphony of flavors designed for the discerning palate. Featuring gastronomic marvels, dinner begun with the serving of a delicious appetizer platter with seven appetizers and a flavorful steamed seafood dumpling soup.
The mains were tender marinated wagyu sirloin with caviar and vegetables and beef tenderloin with paprika in X.O. sauce, succulent grilled lobster with sesame butter sauce and pan-fried Japanese scallops with zucchini, and Peking duck and lettuce fried rice. Dinner concluded with decadent desserts consisting of oolong tea pudding with fresh fruits and black sesame dumpling in jasmine tea soup. Each dish told a story, reflecting an impressive gastronomic artistry one can only fully grasp after savoring the entire menu.
This array of dishes will be introduced at Yu Lei during the fourth quarter of 2023, giving more diners the opportunity to immerse in its culinary tales.
The main man behind it, Chef Miki first crossed paths with Okada in Beijing, little knowing the culinary journey that awaited him. The chef’s passion, diligence and culinary talent led him to helm Yu Lei, earning a coveted Michelin star within six months of opening the original Yu Lei restaurant in Hong Kong.
Chef Miki drew inspiration from the grace and elegance of flowers for Yu Lei’s name and concept, symbolizing beginnings and growth, elements reflected in the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Yu Lei’s intricate design and gentle name encapsulate the essence of a fresh start and continuous evolution in the culinary world.
Transitioning Yu Lei from Hong Kong to Manila posed unique challenges and learning curves for Chef Miki. The diverse culinary landscapes required astute adaptations in flavors and ingredients while maintaining the integrity of his dishes. Chef Miki remains committed to presenting dishes that resonate with local palates, ensuring the culinary essence of Yu Lei is experienced in every bite.
True to his roots and expertise, he provides the local market authentic modern Shanghainese cuisine. And when it comes to work, Chef Miki observes the shared hardworking and vibrant spirit of his former and present staff in both Hong Kong and the Philippines, respectively, which he finds inspiring and uplifting. These experiences have become his unforgettable treasures, enriching his journey with Yu Lei.
Okada Manila’s culinary scene is vibrant with varied restaurants offering a world of flavors. Yu Lei rises as a culinary jewel within its luxurious setting, a place where many of its guests have celebrated important occasions and milestones.
Chef Miki’s unwavering culinary philosophy, driven by a sense of dedication, remains the heartbeat of Yu Lei, aspiring to create a dining experience steeped in grace, innovation and sublime flavors.
