Food: Ikkoryu Fukuoka

During one of our first dates as bf-gf, he brought me here, at their EDSA Shangri-la Mall branch. I was not really a ramen person. I find it not worth it to spend money on some bowl of hot noodles. Feeling ko pa kulang, hindi ako mabubusog haha! I'd rather spend my money on some good cut of steak.

But Ikkoryu Fukuoka made me a convert. I love sipping the hot broth, I love the noodles! It started our own ramen craze! Since then we make it a point to eat at the different ramen houses, we want to try them all! But it's always nice to come back to Ikkoryu Fukuoka.

As usual, I ordered Tantanmen. I forgot how they call it, it's new in their menu.

It was so spicy!! I was tearing on my first sip haha! But it was so good, I actually finished ALL of it! Broth included! For the first time we tried to have it with the very hard noodles version and it turned out great. Although I find Yushoken's version much creamier and with a more distinct sesame taste.

MyB ordered the Spicy Tobanjan Tonkotsu (sorry nahalo na nia before I can take a shot). He said it was also very spicy, of course hehe.

Happy happy tummies!!!

Happiness: ♥♥♥♥♥

Ikkoryu Fukuoka

Alabang Town Center

Food: KEI Japanese Restaurant

I've been craving for ramen since the rainy season began but never had the chance to have one. We bought a 3-seat recliner sofa so there goes our extra money, no expensive ramen for the meantime :-p

But well, since today is extra special (it's our 6th wedding monthsary!) we decided to have one. It was so thoughtful of myB to suggest to dine out today.

We've been seeing KEI Japanese Resaurant since we've been passing through the street every morning going to work. It's within our village (a good 2-minute drive from our house) so it's so convenient. So it's like hitting 2 birds in 1 stone- celebrating our monthsary plus ending our curiosity about this japanese restaurant in our village. 

As usual, I order Tantanmen Ramen so I could compare it with the others.

The bowl was so huge! Their menu didn't say it's good for more than 1 person so maybe 1 hungry folk can actually finish it off. It turned out the bowl is just thick and the soup is just too much giving it the impression that it's a lot. Well, if you like soup, there goes your money! 

My husband ordered Gomoku Ramen with lots of seafood:

He says he found the noodles not enough. He actually emptied this out! Good thing I was not able to eat all of my ramen so I gave it to him as well. 

For the side dish, we had their gyoza (sorry no photo!) and dynamite roll:

The waiter initially asked if it's okay that we have the gyoza fried, I wonder why. I suspected it was in a not so good condition and frying it will help conceal? It was good though. I ate 3 out of 4. We liked their dynamite roll! It has the right kick and crunch. It was by far the best one that we had tonight.

You know what they say that the best Japanese restaurants are those that serve only their specialty. Like if it's just sa ramen house or just a katsu one. If it serves a variety of japanese menu (ramen, sushi, maki, shabu-shabu etc), it means the restaurant is just so-so. Unfortunately, I find it true in KEI's case. Their Tantanmen is nothing compared to Yushoken or Ippudo. It's lacking the sesame-peanut taste. You can tell that the broth didn't undergo the 12-hour process. It lacked flavor. Plus the egg is not tamago but an egg-drop one. Reminds me of the chicken noodle soup that we make at home using those instant noodles where we drop an egg for extra flavor haha! If you want ramen, just go to those ramen houses not here. 

I think we'll still come back next time but to try their rice toppings or bento meals. While we were there, most of the delivery orders that they got are for those kinds so maybe those are their specialty. Definitely not ramen. The price range is okay too. Their ramen is just in the 210-260 range. 

Happiness count: ♥♥

KEI Japanese Restaurant

Gloria Diaz Street

BF Resort Village

Las Piñas City

Food: Starbucks

I initially want ramen. This freakin' typhoons/ monsoon rains really made me crave for hot spicy soup. But as we don't have a good ramen place in our office area, hot Coffee Mocha to the rescue! Yes, I had all of these for lunch =) Who's hungry? Lol.

I devoured the french toast as soon as I got it. So yummy with butter and honey syrup. I remember the time when I did this for my family. It became an instant favorite. Now, that sausage roll is a new favorite. I like it that the sausage is peppery and had enough kick. Perfect for this rainy weather. 

Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥♥

Starbucks

Cybergate Tower 2

Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong

Food: Green Tomato

I went to Makati today. I've been waiting for this for 2 weeks. Hopefully soon I'll be able to tell you about it!

Anyway.. my meeting ended at around 11am. It was still too early for lunch and I don't know where to go. Oh actually, I initially wanted to try Ukkokei Ramen Ron at Pasay Road. MyB and I have been meaning to try it for the longest time. But either we're too late for lunch/too early fir dinner or we just can't find a parking space! 

And since I felt guilty that I'll try it this time without myB, I decided to just walk towards GT Tower (where my next appointment is) and if I see something interesting then that's it. 

Later I realized that I made a long walk (from Gil Puyat then Makati Avenue then Paseo Roxas then Ayala Avenue) when I got to GT Tower. Nawili ata ako mag-sightseeing ng buildings haha! I could have just made right turn to HV Dela Costa for thr short cut to GT Tower. Anyway, it's okay as I'm not in a hurry and it was my first time to roam around that side of Makati anyway.

When I finally got to GT Tower, I just thought of trying whatever they have in their cafeteria, kahit Mini-stop okay lang. I was actually craving for some siomai.

So imagine my surprise when I saw Green Tomato! MyB and I used to go to their EDSA Shangri-la mall branch or their kiosk at Philamlife Building. Needless to say, I went to Green Tomato for lunch today.

I ordered Spicy Anchovies. It was late when I realized that what we usually order here is their Shrimp and Anchovies pasta. But it's okay, Spicy Anchovies is tasty as well! It was too spicy for me though. I was not able to take a photo since I got hungry already when I smelled the newly-cooked pasta hehe!

Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥

Green Tomato

GT Tower 12th Floor

Ayala Avenue Makati City

Food: Coco Hut Fried Chicken and Fish

After the eye doctor visit at Makati Medical Center, we decided to have lunch at IHOP at Alabang. But the hot weather made us decide to have lunch at Army Navy instead so we'll be able to park in a covered area. When we got at Commerce Building, myB asked if I like to try Coco Hut instead. We've been curious about this restaurant for the numerous times that we eat at the nearby Army Navy so we decided to try this out instead.

The place has the look and feel of Army Navy but with coco lumber instead. The chairs were just a little uncomfortable since it has no back rest. But otherwise, I like that it's roomy and the air-conditioning unit is enough to take off the summer heat.

Obviously, their specialty are fried chicken and anything fish. I was very tempted to try their Poorman's Fish which is just our very own GG fish - galunggong! It looks so tempting in the photo with all those leeks and chili with coco squash and spicy vinegar sauce. But I can't resist anything with egg so I opted for their Tapa Ala Pobre all-day breakfast meal served with garlic rice, sunny side up egg and achara. MyB got their Cream Dory Set which is battered deep fried dory served with coco squash and tartar sauce. I also ordered their signature Teamarind (tamarind iced tea) drink.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the tapa meal. The garlic was so toasted that it made the tapa and rice bitter :( Nothing special with their tamarind iced tea either. It got bitter after a few sips. MyB's dory meal is okay, nothing special but I liked it better my own meal.



Happiness count: ♥♥



Coco Hut Fried Chicken and Fish
Commerce Center East Asia Drive
Muntinlupa City

Food: Kichitora of Tokyo

If you still don't notice it yet, we love ramen. And we have this goal to visit all the ramen houses here in Metro Manila hehe! We had to run an errand in Makati and so when we got hungry, where else to go? Off we go to Glorietta 5 for Kichitora of Tokyo.

We first wanted to eat here a few months ago but unfortunately it was being renovated when we first went there. So when we found ourselves again in the Glorietta area and craving for ramen, naturally this was first on our list.

I make it a point to get Tantanmen ramen if it's available. This is so I have a single point of comparison among the ramen houses that we have visited hehe. Kichitora don't have the exact Tantanmen ramen, but they have what they call the Tan Men which is with the same spicy sesame taste, so that's what I got. MyB decided to try their best-selling Paitan Ramen, which I can't help but associate with our local papaitan dish haha!

We enjoyed their ramen. The Tan Men can compete well with Ippudo's or Yushoken's Tantanmen. The broth is very tasty too, one that can be achieved only if the broth is prepared meticulously for at least 12 hours. It was so good that I thought this is another Japanese brand, so I was surprised to know that this is actually Filipino brand (but with a Japanese chef).



Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥



Kichitora of Tokyo
Glorietta 5 Second Floor
Makati City

Food: New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream

I've been hearing about the New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream early last year. They said it's made from the freshest milk from cows which are grass-fed in the unpolluted New Zealand. I've been meaning to try it since then but I just didn't have the opportunity to be at Megamall (their only branch before) then.

When we're looking for some dessert last Friday after our ramen fix, I researched what's in the area and was so happy to find out that they already have another outlet in Glorietta 2! We ordered their best-seller Hockey Pockey (with butterscotch) and the one with caramel (sorry, I can't remember its name!). You get to choose if you want it in a cup or in a waffle cone. As expected, they both tasted yummy! Something that you would like to have over and over again. For something that's of good quality, it's not that expensive so you will definitely won't regret having it again. The staff was very polite too, we had great service!

So if you are looking for other dessert place, you want might want to try this place. What's great is that you can find their ice cream tubs at some supermarkets too! And maybe next time I will try their cake as well :)


Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥♥



New Zealand Premium Ice Cream
Glorietta 2 Ground Floor (across Landmark)
http://www.nzn.com.ph/

Food: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

After some quick errand last Friday night, my Hubby and I went on to get some ramen fix. I suggested another Japanese restaurant but unfortunately it was closed for some kitchen renovation that night (of all nights! boo!). So the next best choice for us is none other then Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Glorietta 4. If I remember correctly, this was our 3rd time there. So it's kind of obvious already that we like it there.

Whenever we eat at a ramen house I usually look for Tantanmen but the closest that they have is the Kara-Miso Ramen (which my Hubby ordered that night) and I already had that before so I had Shio Ramen instead. Their ramen has generous servings of shredded mushrooms, shallots and char siu (pork belly). It even had a plum fruit on top to complete the look!

I think it's good to have "plain" ramen for a change. If a plain soup base turned out great in itself, it speaks a lot about the quality of their product, would you agree? And I was right, it's very creamy already, I sipped more of its soup before I started eating the noodles. I just had to add a few drops of the chili oil (can't stay away from spicy!) and I was in ramen heaven. After a while though, it got really salty which I think is expected since it is salt based.

We also ordered some gyoza as a side dish and additional tamago (which is the perfect marinated soft-boiled egg that I was looking for) and a couple more of nori. Overall I think Santouka is one of the best ramen place we have here in the Metro so go visit once you have a chance!



Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥



Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Glorietta 4 Ground Floor (facing SM Makati)

Food: Kenji Tei Ramen House

All those hair pampering made me hungry so what do you think we're having? Ramen, of course! My hubby initially thought of going to Yushoken in Molito but since we still have some errands to do at the mall, it's not a good option. Good thing the first restaurant that we spotted is a ramen house so off we went there. Presenting, the Kenji Tei Ramen House.

Like any other ramen house, the interiors are simple. But what I like here is that it doesn't look so cramped. If you have baby strollers or shopping carts, you won't have to worry about the space. But look, is it just me being hungry or their ceiling really looks like ramen noodles? Lol!



 

I had the Spicy Negi Ramen while my hubby got their Negi Itame Ramen. It doesn't look appetizing in this photo, but I actually like the broth, it's comparable to the other more popular ramen houses. It's not that creamy but it can do. Their regular size I think is the same size you'll get at the other competitors but with a cheaper price. I also find their chashu slices thicker than the others, so yay. My only complaint would be that of the tamago. It's just plain boiled egg. I'm looking for those ajitsuke tamago from other ramen house, I like it soft-boiled!

If you're used to having choices with your noodles (soft, medium, hard?), here you'll only get the hard one. No problem with us since we usually choose that anyway. This place is definitely worth a try.



Happiness count: ♥♥♥



Kenji Tei Ramen House
Alabang Town Center Ground Floor

Food: Ramen Yushoken

The day after our big event, we went to a happy place... a ramen house! And finally, we're able to taste what every ramen fanatic has been raving about... Ramen Yushoken!

I remember someone said that in Japan, you'll know that a place will offer an awesome dining experience if (1) the line is long you have to be on wait list, (2) their menu is short, meaning no variety (either all ramen or all katsu or all sushi, etc). It is so because they just have to offer their specialty. So most probably, you won't see sushi platters in a ramen house, and vice versa.

That is exactly Ramen Yushoken. Although on our very first visit, we're luck enough not to be put on wait list (as we arrived a little past 11 in the morning, still early for lunch) and I think that is because the other customers before us arrived in groups of 4 and above. The two of us can be easily accommodated in their bar section and need not wait on tables to be vacated. I was hesitant at first because I want to be seated with a "proper" table but I thought if we wait, it will take us a while to be seated. I want my ramen fix already!!

I always order Tantanmen (or the equivalent spicy ramen) so I could easily compare each version hehe! Hands down, theirs is the best Tantanmen ramen I've had! It doesn't matter if it's spicy, I've been slurping the broth up to its last drop!

Service is impeccable, there's always someone to assist you. I also like it that they serve you your own pitcher of iced cold water. It saves time when you had to get their attention for a water refill. The place is small though, I wish they will expand given the demand. We will definitely be back!!!



Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥♥



Ramen Yushoken
Molito Lifestyle Mall
Madrigal corner Commerce Avenue
Alabang

Food: Mitsuyado Sei-men

I never thought there is another kind of ramen. I always thought of the usual ramen with noodles in a broth. Until I was introduced to tsukemen. MyB first told me about this when he went on a lunch meeting. Since he didn't know about tsukemen then, he ordered his usual ramen. He got curious about it when his office mate ordered it. So to end our curiosity, we decided to visit the nearest branch (they had their lunch meeting at an Ortigas branch and the other branch that we know is at Jupiter Makati).

We were supposed to go a church that I want for our wedding. But the terrible EDSA traffic won't allow us. After many minutes at the same spot, we decided to make a u-turn and just go to our next errand, a bridal fair at PICC. Then there it's as if my eyes zoomed on the little establishment along Blue Bay Walk.. Mitsuyado Sei-men! I remember it as the Japanese restaurant that serves tsukemen. I immediately told myB and right there and then we decided that we're going to have lunch there. No need to go to Jupiter Makati!

We both ordered the Cheese Sauce Tsukemen. Since we don't know any better, we put all the cheese sauce in our noodles. I even happily documented what we're doing as you can see in my photo to tell the world, "this is how you eat tsukemen". Wrong move! It made the noodles salty after a few bites. We should have just dipped the noodles in the cheese sauce before dipping it in the broth. Nevertheless, the broth is very tasty and we enjoyed our salty tsukemen! Haha! No worries, I know there will be a next time and we'll do it right then! :P


Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥♥



Mitsuyado Sei-men
Blue Bay Walk
Macapagal corner EDSA
Pasay City