What is it with Japanese food that captivates the soul of our tastebuds? Not too long ago I had this misconception that japanese food was expensive that made it out of reach for people focusing on their budget. This was till I found Izakaya Kikufuji in Little Tokyo, Makati. 

At the date of this writing, I recently visited Osaka, Japan and I found that the Japanese dishes were cheaper in Japan than in the Philippines. The prices at Izakaya Kikufuji is comparable to the prices in Japan with little to no premium. In fact, there is barely any difference if you convert it. (This is comparing the prices of dishes in a city of Japan compared to the prices of Izakaya Kikufuji)

Unagi Sashimi Platter!

The Ambiance 

If you are coming from Chino Roces Ave., you will find a row of Japanese restaurants each with their own Japanese inspired facades. In the middle of those restaurants is a big white sign saying 'Izakaya Kikufuji' in Japanese and in Romaji.

As you step inside you will see a receptionist at your immediate left, tables at your immediate right, and in front of you is the bar where several Japanese chefs prepare your dishes. At your far left are Japanese style tables with cushions for seats that are all on top of tatami mats. Under the said tables is a hole where your legs can dangle. It is also encouraged that you take off your shoes before you sit on the tatami mats.

The Sushi Platter! Eel, Mackerel, Tuna, Squid, and Salmon

The Food

Izakaya in Japanese means a place that serves food that accompany after work drinking. So you would be right if you guessed that Kikufuji serves Japanese comfort food along with alcohol. This would entail several classic dishes like Ramen, Soba, Udon, Karaage, Ricebowls, Katsus, Sushi, Sashimi, and the like. 

The sushi and sashimi platters came in first and they look divine. The sushi is as you see it above while the Sashimi platter came with a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup. As they were placed in front of me the smell of the ocean came with it. There is something intoxicating about that smell of fresh fish meat.

Each sushi had that wonderful fluffy rice that fills you up quickly topped with soft seafood meat. My personal favorite were the eel, the tuna and the salmon. It's a personal preference that I didn't like mackerel too much as I am very picky with fish meat.  

Rice bowl, Miso Soup, Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel and Grilled Eel

The same can be said with the Sashimi as it is basically cut from the same source that is shipped daily into our shores. I think a trademark of any good dish is that it can stand on its own with or without sauce. In fact I tried each one without the soy sauce first and then with it. I was still blown away each time. 

Kikufuji so far is the closest to the Japanese dishes that I've tasted when I was in Tokyo and Osaka. I cannot stress how little difference I could notice with the Izakayas I've been to. 

Soba Noodles Topped with Nori!

Aside from the Fresh fish, I also ordered cold soba. It came with a plate of soba noodles topped with nori and a bowl of sauce where I dip the soba into. The noodles by itself is soft to the bite with a fine texture carried by wonderful flavors of the wheat flour it was made from. The sauce is a mixture of soy sauce and broth that brought contrasting flavors when mixed the noodles were dipped in them. In fact with each slurp of noodles, the flavors constantly battled for my tastebuds' attention. Sour notes constrasting with the wheat flavors with the saltiness of the seaweed. It was quite the delight. It is also a wonderful pair to Sake.

Crispy! Crunchy! Karaage!

The Service

Like any Japanese establishment, the service is unparalleled. All the waiters and waitresses were in Japanese traditional costumes and serve you with Japanese hospitalities. They are patient and are easy to approach. Some dishes are prepared quickly while some can take up to ten minutes but are worth the wait. I still remember my first bite of the dipped soba noodles. I can't get over it every time I remember. 

The Price

As I mentioned, the prices here are affordable for Japanese food. The main dishes start at Php 110.00 and can get up to Php 730.00 depending on the ingredients. The Unagi (eel) rice bowl for example goes for Php 650.00. (WORTH IT THOUGH!) The average price range is at Php 200.00 to Php 350.00 per dish. This is quite affordable as compared to the more premium establishment with little difference in quality and flavor. 

The Verdict

What We LIKED:

• Affordable High Quality Japanese Food
• Fresh Ingredients
• Authentic Ambiance

What We Almost LIKED:

• Almost always full
• You have to have a reservation to have sure seats
• Parking can be a hassle at Peak hours

Do you want to Contact 'Izakaya Kikufuji?'

Address: 2277 Chino Roces, Legaspi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 893-7319

Operating Hours: 
Mon-Fri: 11AM to 1:30PM, 6PM to 10:30PM
Sat-Sun 11AM to 1:30PM, 6PM to 10PM

Rice has been one of the staples of both Filipino and Japanese cuisine. In fact a lot of the delicacies that have become the local favorites have rice on it or are made of it. As a result, a lot of Japanese restaurants have been popping up locally. Chef Bruce Ricketts, regarded as one of the best local chefs for Japanese cuisine partnered with the moment group to unveil their next concept, Ooma, at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

I've heard about Chef Bruce from a variety of sources that tackle the wonderful talents of the food industry. In fact, I've always wanted to try Sensei Sushi at BF and Mecha Uma at BGC, but due to my responsibilities I would have limited time to schedule with my friends, and limited time to venture too far from where I reside.

Salmon Skin Aburi-Maki!

Situated at the third floor of SM Megamall's Mega fashion hall, 'Ooma' aims to serve absurdly delicious Japanese dishes at friendly prices for the majority. As I write this, the feeling of elation and satisfaction of his creations linger like an ex you wanted to move on from but can't.

SPOILERS: I had to quickly plan my next visit just to be sure of what had happened.

You will not stop!

The Ambiance

The third floor of the Mega Fashion hall has wonderful selection of restaurants like 8 cuts, rosanjin, and fireside. Ooma sits in the middle. As you reach the facade, you'll notice how busy the place is especially during lunch and dinner time.

At first glance Ooma reminds me of a busy modernised Japanese fish market with the warm lighting, and the aggregated noise from the conversation that brings it to life while accents like Japanese posters, rubber boots, wooden dividers, and Japanese man hole covers all add to the feel. What is missing though is the feeling and smell of dampness that comes with preserving the fishes and the seafood which is a great thing.

(the Hanger Steak) Sous Vide Hanging Tender with Crispy baby Potatos and Ponzu Butter

The Food

As I was left wondering what had happened on our first try at Ooma, I decided to return three weeks later to see if that absurdly delicious experience wasn't a fluke. True enough, I tried the other dishes that I missed and it was still the same. I can't get over that lingering taste in my mouth. 

I can safely say that most of the dishes like the gyudon, the ebi tempura, the katsudon, the california taco maki, and the Salmon skin aburi maki are good, and there were ones that just left me speechless. These were the Spicy Lapu-lapu Taco Maki, the Tuna Scallops Aburi Maki, the Hanger Steak and the half-baked lava cake. 

The Exceptional Spicy Lapu-lapu Taco Maki!

I got my chopsticks and picked up the Spicy Lapu-lapu and swallowed it whole! As it touched my tongue it exploded with flavor! The spicy kick of the kimchi, the fresh lapu-lapu and the aligue mayo rushed through my taste buds up to my brain and overloaded my senses that lead me to almost forgetting to close my mouth.

I agreed with my lovely friend when she said to forget about poise because the food was that good. I then tried the Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki. (Aburi meaning torched) It was the same, the flavors of tuna, scallop, kimchi aioli, teriyaki sauce and the cucumber just erupts in your mouth.

The Ebi Tempura surprisingly goes well with Aligue Mayo and Avocado Mousse!

The hanger steak on the other hand was an interesting concept. The beef is soft and tender but it is complimented by the ponzu butter, truffle oil and the crispy baby potatoes! We also tried the ebi tempura and surprisingly it goes well with the Aligue Mayo and Avocado mousse!

Although all of them were good, there were ones that didn't stand out as much and to my preference need a little refinement. The California Taco-Maki was wonderful but I felt that the mayo overpowered the rest of the ingredients which I think could be remedied while the Salmon Skin Aburi Maki didn't have anything that have it stood out. It's good, just not great.

I could go and and on on how great these dishes are but I highly suggest you try them out for yourselves.

"That is Simply Beautiful" - AB

For dessert, my friend went head on for the half-baked lava cake, and as soon as it came to us. The vanilla ice cream started to ooze down. The chocolate lava in the center followed suite and as we were watching it she could only say 'That is simply beautiful.' 

True enough as we took our first bite the wonderful vanilla flooded my mouth! It was followed by the rich flavor of the chocolate cake and then the decadent chocolate lava. Yes the two chocolates tasted distinctly in my mouth, but neither one of the ice cream, the chocolate cake, and the chocolate lava ever tasted too sweet. It was either the flavors complimented each other or they struck a perfect balance. It was Damn Good.

The Gyudon! (Beef Rice Bowl)

The Service

Now famous for having long lines especially during the rush hours of lunch time and dinner time, Ooma can only list your names on queue. You will have to either wait or come back until you are called for a table.

Although there are such wait times, they are quick with preparing the table for your arrival. In fact as soon as we sat at the table we were given menus for us to play with. The waiter was patient enough to answer our questions and through careful considerations and exchanges we were able to finish our orders.

The service during our first trip to Ooma was fast. The orders started flocking in around ten to fifteen minutes after ordering, and most of the dishes came at the same time. We were flustered to which dish should we try first.

On the second visit however, It seemed to take a little longer. We had to follow-up our order around the fifteen minute mark. The dishes came right after that.

The Katsudon (deep fried pork cutlet rice bowl)

The Price

Prices start at Php 65.00 for the miso soup and can go as high as Php 995.00 for the Rib-eye. Most dishes like the set of Aburi-Makis or the Taco-Makis average on Php 245.00 to Php 345.00. These are all reasonable because of their quality and value as compared to other Japanese establishments that over similar dishes at more premium prices.

Ooma is a hot bed for high quality Japanese dishes at economical prices. I encourage you to visit as soon as possible!

The Verdict

Overall Verdict: A

Food Quality: A

Food Service: A-

Bang for your Buck: A

Do you want to Contact 'Ooma?'

Address: 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Telephone number: (02) 656-4591

Instagram: @Ooma_ph

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM to 10PM

With more people immersing more of their time into social media, Facebook added the ability for merchants to promote their business through the Facebook feed. Marketing is never a bad thing especially when competition is fierce like the huge hype for Japanese Ramen. With all those establishments like Ippudo, Ramen Santouka, Ukokei Ramen Ron and the like, any advantage adds up, and it was here on Facebook that I found out about it.

Modern, Simple and Elegant!

Years ago when we went to Tokyo, we had a long list of things to do but weren't able to because because the date of visit was a little far from the event's date. One of the things on the list is the Tokyo Ramen Show, a yearly event to showcase the different Ramen from the different provinces which happens during the end of October to early November.

As I was browsing the Facebook page of Ramen Iroha, it was clear that they were marketing that they've won the Tokyo Ramen Show for several years now. Consequently, I became interested in trying the dish that won over the wide variety of Ramen from the different Japanese provinces.

The Ambiance

Ramen Iroha can be found in the W Global Center along 30th St. corner 9th Ave at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. It is between IHOP and P.F. Chang's China Bistro. It is the usual modern building with a lot of steel and glass panels that makes you think whether or not the glass will reflect sunlight and bother the people passing by.

Once inside, you notice the ceramic tiles, the wooden structures and the elegant uniform patterns that are architectural signatures of its Feudal eras. You will also find a selection of majestic Japanese landscape photographs that add to the aesthetics. The design is more tamed than the opulent design language of Ippudo's Megamall restaurant and even so I find it elegant in its own way.

The Pork Niku Soba (Tonkotsu Ramen)

The Food

Ramen Iroha's ramen offerings are diverse to cater to each preference but no matter which dish I tasted it was that there was one theme which is that in each bowl you will encounter a variety of flavors that blend well together, and there will be that one prominent ingredient that shines just enough that it never over powers the other flavor. In fact, not one flavor over powers the other. It is true balance.

Each ramen is named for their main ingredient like the Toyama Black Soy-Sauce Ramen, Spicy Miso Tantan-Men and the Pork Niku-Soba and in each dish the soy-sauce and the pork meat respectively shines just enough to never over power the other ingredients that give you the relaxed satisfied feeling of balance.

Spicy Miso Tantan Men

The effect is that there is no initial wow factor which means that you never get sick of any flavor may it be the salt, meat or earthy which results to you unconsciously eating more and more of the dish.

Ramen Iroha's dishes seem to have not been made to wow you, but rather to introduce to you a form of balance that will mysteriously captivate you. No, they are not the best in terms of flavor or intensity but they are the best at balancing all, a Jack of All trades the master of none.

Served separately with Strong Broth and Cold Noodles with Condiments!

The last Ramen we got was the Tsukemen which is Japanese for dipping noodles where the soup and the noodles and condiments are served separately. Their version comes with cold noodles that perfectly clash with the strong broth. It was different but in a good way to what I was used to from Mitsuyado Sei-men.

I noticed that in some other ramen establishments some of my siblings would not finish their bowl, either noodles, soup or any other ingredient would be left behind, but here we finished all of it.

We finished all of it! No single ingredient was left!

The Service

When we arrived at the door we were greeted warmly by the signature 'Irasshaimase!' and were asked if we had a reservation. We said that we reserved a table for five and promptly lead to our table. They gave us our menu and recommended their best dishes while serving us tea.

The dishes we ordered came ten (10) minutes afterwards. We dug in and they stood their and did their job to wait and see if we need any special service. They really pay attention whenever our drinks run out and they fill it up again.

Their service is the standard polite and customer centric Japanese signature hospitality. Up until now, I have no complaints.

A huge Scoop of Green Tea Ice Cream!

The Price

Ramen Iroha offers their Ramen in two ways the small which starts at Php 250.00 and the regular sized at Php 395.00 with a generous serving of noodles compared to the other establishments I've been to. They have add-ons and side dishes that starts at Php 50.00 and max out at Php 330.00.

The Verdict

Overall Verdict: B+

Food Quality: A-

Food Service: B+

Bang for your Buck: A-

Do you want to Contact 'Ramen Iroha?'

Address: G/F W Global Center, 30th st. cor. 9th Ave. Fort Bonifactio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 808-9517
Facebook: Ramen Iroha's Facebook Page
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11AM to 11PM