It wasn’t love at first sight, though. I initially could not understand what the hype was all about! I told my brother that I didn’t like their Shiromaru Motoaji. It was too “subtle” for me. He then convinced me to give it another try, and I am glad that I did! Now, I already lost count of how many times we came back to Ippudo Ramen!
Karaka-Men PHP390
Akamaru Shinaji PHP390
Nanban Karaage PHP250
On our second visit, I opted to have Karaka-Men. I make it a point to always try the spicy ramen of every ramen houses that I have visited. This was just an exception because I was still pregnant when I first went to Ippudo Ramen. Anyway, my brother assured me that I would like Ippudo’s take on it. He was absolutely right! I loved the pungent flavor of the broth. The level of spiciness is just perfect. (I’ve had something spicier than this one.) The addition of the garlic oil made the experience of eating Karaka-Men more distinct because you could already smell its aroma even from feet away!
On our next visit, I tried Akamaru Shinaji. If you don’t have the heart for spicy ramen, then I highly recommend this. It somehow has the same rich flavor of Karaka-Men, minus the spiciness. Just like the Karaka-Men, you could distinctly taste (and smell) the spring onions and garlic oil. I also enjoyed the slices of pork belly which has the perfect hint of saltiness. The serving slice of the pork belly is also ideal. It’s not too thin and not too thick either. I’ve had ramen before wherein the pork belly is too thin that it’s almost invisible to the naked eye! Hahaha! Some are too thick that it ends up being chewy and tasteless.
If you’re up for a tastier ramen experience, I suggest you put more fresh garlic. It’s not really the best idea for a first date, but your taste buds will surely thank you for it! :p My husband and I also love adding tamago to our ramen.
We were also able to try some of their side dishes. For me, their gyoza was just so-so in terms of taste. And I wasn’t really impressed with the serving size. Hehe! I actually liked their Nanban Karaage more than the gyoza.
We were also able to try some of their side dishes. For me, their gyoza was just so-so in terms of taste. And I wasn’t really impressed with the serving size. Hehe! I actually liked their Nanban Karaage more than the gyoza.
It’s crispy on the outside. It’s very moist, too. Its juice (and probably the excess oil too, haha) kept on overflowing at every bite. It comes with a tartar sauce that gave out a sharp kick to my taste buds. It provides a nice contrast to the sweet sauce that was drizzled on the karaage. It’s also served with a refreshing side salad which is the perfect way to cleanse your palates.
I am glad that I gave Ippudo Ramen another shot. Ang restaurant, minsan parang LOVE. Worth it bigyan ng second chance! :p
I am glad that I gave Ippudo Ramen another shot. Ang restaurant, minsan parang LOVE. Worth it bigyan ng second chance! :p
Ippudo Ramen
Ground Floor Midtown Wing
Robinsons Place Manila
Ermita, Manila
* All photos were taken with an Asus Zenfone Selfie
Is it just me, or lasang balut talaga sa sobrang creamy/milky ang broth ng Shiromaru Tomoaji nila? Yan lang lagi order ko plus gyoza and tamago, ewan ko ba ganun ako pag sa resto, I always stick to my tried-and-tested items on the menu. Ang boring ko lang. Haha. :)
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