Ippudo Opens in Manila on September 10!

I was one of the lucky foodies who were invited to the pre-opening dinner of Ippudo Philippines last night.  

Ippudo was founded in 1985 by internationally-renowned ramen king Shigemi Kawahara in Hakata, Japan. With branches in New York, Hongkong, Singapore, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and many more, Ippudo will finally open its first store in Manila tomorrow, September 10. 

Entering Ippudo felt like being transported to Japan, as the interiors aren't seen from the outside. You can actually peek the kitchen and watch the chefs create your ramen. 

We were able to try some of the side dishes: Goma Q (Php 140), Dashimaki Tamago (Php 150), and Curry Cheese Harumaki (Php 190). 

Goma Q

Dashimaki Tamago

Curry Cheese Harumaki

Goma Q is Japanese sliced cucumber with sesame dressing, as someone who loves munching on cucumbers, this is a wonderful treat. I really could finish the entire serving, but I have to try other side dishes.

Another side dish I fell in love with was the Dashimaki Tamago or fluffy omelet roll. Even the mentaiko mayo dip shouldn't be ignored. :)

For curry lovers, you'll appreciate the Curry Cheese Harumaki, or deep-fried spring rolls stuffed with minced pork, cheese, and curry. 

Other amazing side dishes we had are the Ippudo Pork Bun (Php 100) and Ippudo Hakata-style Gyoza (Php 195).

Ippudo Pork Bun

Ippudo Hakata-Style Gyoza

Ippudo Pork Bun has a huge piece of braised pork belly and Ippudo original sauce, I wasn't quite a fan because it was too fatty for me. I would prefer to try the Grilled Chicken Bun on my next visit. A ramen meal wouldn't be complete without gyoza. I always love the no-nonsense gyoza, but I'm more intrigued by the Oroshi Ponzu Gyoza. 

Ippudo serves three flavor of ramens: Shiromaru Motoaji (Php 375), Akamaru Shinaji (Php 390) and Karaka-men (Php 390).

Shiromaru Motoaji

The one I ordered was the Shiromaru Motoaji, Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth with ultra-thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts, spring onions, and kikurage. I was advised by my server to add crushed garlic to enhance the flavor. I loved the milky and creamy broth and the hard yet ultra-thin noodles. 

My tablemate, KC, however, got the Akamaru Shinaji. 

Akamaru Shinaji

Akamaru Shinaji is Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth with specially blended miso paste and garlic oil. I got to taste the spicy broth from my friend's bowl. I would definitely try this flavor on my next visit. 

Karaka-men

Something for the brave is the Karaka-Men, Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth with thin wavy noodles, pork belly, spring onions, spicy minced meat, miso paste, and garlic oil. 

You can also order extra noodles with your ramen. 

Ippudo also has cute serving bowls for the kids. I bet my little siblings would love these bowls. :)

Ippudo Philippines officially opens on September 10, 2014, and I couldn't wait to try more of their dishes. 

Thanks to Ippudo Philippines for having us.

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Ippudo

3rd Level,

SM Mega Fashion Hall,

SM Megamall

Mandaluyong City

http://www.ippudoph.com

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