Okurama: Experience authentic flavours mixed with passion and a love for sharing food
Where tradition meets innovation, authenticity reigns supreme, and every dish tells a story steeped in flavour.
William Wu, the man behind the Okurama brand, has been passionate about food ever since he can remember. “Growing up in China, I was immersed in a rich culinary heritage, where every meal was a celebration of flavours, techniques and cultural significance,” William reminisces. “Having always been fascinated by the diverse culinary traditions of Asia, I had long envisioned a restaurant that would bring together the best of these traditions in one welcoming space.”
Okurama was indeed born out of a passion for delivering authentic, high-quality, Asian-style food, with a special focus on sushi, and with the aim of sharing the artistry and cultural significance of Asian cuisine with guests. Having firmly established its culinary presence in Malta with four distinct, centrally located restaurants, Okurama Asian Fusion, Okurama Japanese, Okurama International and Okurama Palace, each offer a unique gastronomic experience that spans the diverse flavours of the Far East.
“Through the various restaurants,” William enthuses, “I can blend my Chinese roots with the vibrant culinary scene of Malta, offering a unique fusion that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Our menu is curated to offer dishes from China, Thailand, India, and Japan. All our chefs are natives of these countries or have many years of experience working there, which ensures that we preserve the authenticity of each recipe.”
“My personal favourite has to be the Peking Duck, and every bite takes me back to China, as it is prepared in an authentic duck oven specifically imported from the country. I also enjoy the freshly prepared sushi in all our outlets. If it is a special night, I recommend heading to our newest outlet opened in Balluta Bay, Okurama Palace.”
Hospitality as a philosophy
What is Okurama’s recipe for success? we ask. “Our philosophy centres around creating an exceptional and memorable dining experience for every guest. We believe in the power of genuine hospitality, where every interaction is infused with warmth, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations. Our team is dedicated to anticipating the needs of our guests, ensuring their comfort, and providing a seamless journey from the moment they step through our doors,” William shares.
“I do feel that we contributed to the evolution of Asian cuisine perception in Malta. We opened our first outlet in 2008 when Asian restaurants were scarce. Our goal was to introduce patrons to the diverse taste of Asia, and it worked as the demand increased.”
William recommends:
“For first-time visitors, I recommend our signature sushi platter, curated to display the diverse flavours of Asian cuisine. Complement it with our house-made soups and popular vegetable tempura for a delightful introduction to Asian flavours.
“My dream meal would be a culmination of diverse and exquisite dishes from various regions of Asia, reflecting the breadth and depth of this incredible culinary landscape and would include sashimi, our Peking Duck, expertly carved tableside, and served with thin, crisp pancakes and a light refreshing pineapple cheesecake,” he concludes.