It’s my birthday today! Despite the pandemic, the fear, and the anxiety behind this dreaded Covid-19 virus, my hubby and I braved the opportunity to once again, satisfy our cravings for ramen. We were told that ramen at Ippudo is one of the best in the metro so we decided to try it. Well, let’s find out if this is true.

My hubby fetched me in the office by lunchtime. I was off half a day today from work. We will initially celebrate my birthday as a couple at SM Mall of Asia.

A bit of trivia

Shigemi Kawahara, the internationally renowned Ramen King founded Ippudo in 1985 in Hakata, Japan’s ramen capital. As of this time, there are about 80 stores in Japan and have branches in Sydney and New York and other Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.

Ippudo’s Motto: “To continuously innovate to remain true”

We ordered two different ramen so we can taste it both.

Akamaru Shinaji (Php430.00) – this is their best seller and since this is their special ramen I was too excited to try this. This has original tonkatsu broth with thin noodles, a thin pork belly, black fungus (kikurage), spring onions, and seaweeds.

This was served hot in a big bowl. I knew then, that this will satiate my hungry and excited tummy. This had a hint of spicy flavor that mixes well with the broth. It was not so salty and not so oily. The noodles were so thin and the pork was tender. The taste was so flavorful that I did not add any sauce to make it better.

Shiromaru Motoaji (Php415.)- classic Hakata-style ramen with tonkatsu broth, thin noodles, bean sprouts, pork loin, spring onions, and black fungus (kikurage). My husband chose this ramen because of the spicy miso and the fragrant oil. It was creamy and flavorful too. Its level of spiciness was just right for my taste bud.

Pork Bun (Box of 3-Php335.00) – is tagged as an all-time favorite. This bun has a juicy braised pork belly and Ippudo’s original sauce. It was not so salty and is flavorful too. A perfect match for ramen.

Ambiance:

There was no extravagant Japanese fashion inside the restaurant. Instead, they have a minimalist design that is peaceful and comfortable to the eyes. What made it Japanese were the bamboo chandelier lights, half-wooden walls, wooden ceilings, wooden tables, cushioned black, white, and red chairs, and the collection of Ochawan, or the rice bowls inside a glass frame.

Because of the current situation, the table had an acrylic partition. Guests are not allowed to sit beside each other. X-pattern is followed for a four-seater table.

Service:

They have fast and good service. Since it was lunchtime and they have many customers, we made a pre-order of our desired food so we will not wait long when we get inside.

Price

These bowls of ramen are quite pricy. If you are on a special celebration with your loved ones or friends, I highly recommend Ippudo. Treat yourself to an extraordinary taste of ramen and have that shatter of pleasure in your mouth.

Verdict:

With its highest quality of soup and ingredients, Ippudo’s ramen is one of the best. It brings out the taste of authentic ramen. Together with Watami and Kimono Ken, Ippudo’s is simply irresistible! Ramen lovers like us would surely love it too. And we will definitely try it again with the whole family.

Contact Info:

Ippudo SM Mall of Asia
Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA)
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Monday-Thursday), 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Friday-Sunday)

Ippudo SM Megamall
3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
Ortigas, Pasig City
Tel. No. (02) 470 1837
Email feedback@ippudoph.com

Other Branches:

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