Every time we pass by Ippudo Ramen at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Fall, we always see a long queue. The line alone easily draws in more interest and attention from the hungry foodie souls in the area. Some people have the patience [of saints] to wait for more than half an hour for their turn to be seated. Regrettably, I’m not one of them, yet I still felt positive that Ippudo Ramen is a place that’s worth a trip on its own merit.
Last week, my boyfriend and I watched Walang ForeverΒ in Robinsons Place Manila. After the movie, we went downstairs searching for a restaurant for dinner. My eyes lit up when we found Ipuddo Ramen in the mallβwithout any queue outside. It was a miracle! π Apparently, this famous hip Japanese restaurant hasΒ opened just recently and soon this year it will be branching out to more locations in the Philippines. Happy New Year, btw! π
Review of Ippudo Ramen (Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita)
Ambiance:Β β β β β β
Ippudo Ramen’s interior design in Robinsons Place Manila lookedΒ edgyΒ and functional.Β It wasΒ nothing too fancy, just a straight up restaurant with traditional Japanese decors such as the lanterns and simple furniture. Although itβs tucked away in a busy mall, I was pleasantly surprised that Ippudo keepsΒ an intimate kind of feeling and peaceful atmosphere inside.Β Splashes of vivid red, white, and black made up aΒ color palette making the restaurant interior exhale a certain sophistication that resonate with its Asian style.Β Spotlights spread through the area gave an inviting glow.Β Soup spoons and bowls displayed on the walls reminded me of Ramen Nagi.
Service:Β β β β β β
Warm hospitality was provided the moment we came in. There’s no annoying movie-star vibe in the no-frills dining room, and service was reliable and friendly. With engaging personality, the staff asked us about our thoughts on each dish and he made sure we had a good time.
Food:Β β β β β β
For starters, we had a short orderΒ ofΒ Hakata Style Gyoza (PhP 195, five pieces), Ippudo’s classic pan-fried dumplings. The meat and vegetable-stuffed gyoza had anΒ extra crispy exterior,Β while itsΒ inner skin remained soft. Size was small so each piece fit right into the mouth.Β It was great with theΒ vinegar soy sauce.
Unagi Rice in Stone Pot (PhP 490) is a winningΒ comfort food, I tell you. The chunks of grilled unagi on top ofΒ shredded egg and the bedΒ of sweet soy sauce-based unagi flavored rice were phenomenal. Include this in your stomach’s itinerary next time you plan to dine in at Ippudo Ramen. π
ServedΒ on our table with a glimmering sheen of fat on top, the best recommended Akamaru Shinaji Special (PhP 490) was powerful as its taste struck a perfect balance with theΒ rich broth, spices, and the pork belly.Β With saltedΒ soft-boiled egg, the “very hard” delicately bouncy noodles had an al dente bite to them. Topped with “umami dama” miso paste,cabbage, sesame kikurage mushrooms, scallions, and fragrant garlic oil, this ramen bowl of gloryΒ isΒ right in my personal wheelhouse.
Price for Value:Β β β β β β
Ippudo Ramen isΒ where us noodle junkies can get a proper fix.Β It gives patrons a run for their money with its memorable ramen and exceptional Japanese offerings.Β This restaurant isΒ a solid standout with top-end food creations in a setting that’s unassuming relative to the hype. I would love to come back for another foodie adventure with my sister. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
First, how the was the movie?
Second, I’ve been to Ippudo twice and I agree, the queue to get in is always long. Anyways, I loved their spicy Karaka-men. But more than the ramen, what I really loved ordering here are the matcha creme brulee and the pork bun. It’s the best pork bun I’ve tried so far!
The movie was great and touching despite that the trailer was not too promising. π You should also watch it! Ohh, thanks for those recommendations. I love spicy food and the spicy karaka-men sounds good. Matcha creme brulee is definitely on my watch list. π
I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Those are really high ratings. The food looks exquisite! I would love to try this for myself someday.
Ippudo around the world is famous for ramen. Surprisingly, their other a la carte choices were as good. You should definitely check in one day. π
It’s nice to see a new Ramen place in town. I’ll surely try this with my friends.
Tip: Get the “very hard” noodles as we did. π
This restaurant looks like an amazing place! I don’t really eat out but looks like a fine place to go π
You must be a great cook. π
The price is a bit high for my liking, but I am willing to give it a try at least once. My daughter shares my liking for ramen, and we try everything at least once.
Same here. If a restaurant is really receiving many positive reviews and is hyped, we feel more excited to try it out. Price of their bowls are quite on the average when compared to other ramen restaurants present in Metro Manila.
oh, so you have ippudo too! not a fan of ippudo ramen. they’re too rich and salty for my liking. i prefer santouka. not sure if they have a branch over at manila as well….
Yes, we have. Hehe I don’t prefer Santouka over Ippudo. We tried their chicken broth ramen and it wasn’t good. It turned out tasting similar to the instant ramen we can cook at home. I think we should also try ordering their pork broth ramen for comparison next time. π
Hahaha…. I know that happiness of getting a seat in a restaurant where you want to eat since long! And to find it almost empty is just perfect!!!
Food looks yummm!!! Thanks for the review! π
You’re welcome. Yeah, imagine the happiness. π
I like ramen a lot, and even if this place has a high price for my liking, I would still give it a go. The fact that it has a long queue speaks about why people like their foods.
Everyone has different taste for ramen. While I know Metro Manila now has SO many options for ramen, Ippudo is truly one that you should add to your must-try list. π
this looks so delicious. i hope i can have a taste of this on time soon. i’m planning a lot of food trips this coming year!
Yup, you can wait for the opening of their new branches this year or head on to RP Manila so you can save time waiting on queue. π
ahhh! Japanese! i love everything about Japan. However, they say that Ramen always contain pork. so it’s not really the food for me.
I used to not eat pork in ramen and give it to my sister, boyfriend, or friends. Recently I finally gave in to try a very small portion of it and thought it’s delicious.
I have to check if they have a brach here in rob laspinas. Looks very appetizing and thr prices are affordablr and good for sharing
They don’t have a branch yet in Rob Las Pinas. If ever you’re going to Manila, you might want to drop by and try. π
I only had ramen during my first and only visit here so it is nice to know their Unagi Rice in Stone Pot is also good.
Ippudo is worth the hype. π Now I can stop wondering why so many people rave about their ramen.
I heard maganda daw yung movie π
I’m super curious about this place since I hear a lot of good feedback. Glad you liked it here, I honestly trust your opinion sa mga ganito. I’ll ask my BF to visit here. Hopefully magkaron na sila ng branch malapit samin π
I love Ippudo! But I hate the queue, so I always opt to come early or really late.