gyoza – Jellybeans in the City

4 reasons to enjoy a Japanese feast at Uma Uma, S Maison

Ah, Metro Manila in the summer!

With the rising temperatures and the ever-present traffic jams, what could possibly make this homebody venture out to Pasay City?

A delicious foodie adventure, of course!

The hassles of travel and traffic jams are worth it when gastronomic delights await you at your destination.

Such was my experience when Hubby and I braved the city’s streets – our first outing sans the little ones – to sample the delights of Uma Uma.

Formerly known as Wu Maru, this Japanese restaurant originated from Fukuoka as a ramen joint-izikaya back in 1953. In 1994, its owner changed its name to Uma Uma and brought its delicious offerings to Singapore, Bangkok and more, recently, the Philippines, being among the first establishments to open at the S Maison in Pasay.

If you’ve never heard of Uma Uma before, let me give you four reasons why you should get more acquainted with it.

1. Ramen eatery leads to a cocktail bar

Don’t be fooled by the fuss-free, open kitchen with a ramen bar and simple seating near the store’s opening; we just took a few more steps to the back and entered a luxurious yet cozy cocktail bar. Here. we ordered some drinks to relax and unwind with as we enjoyed the view of Manila Bay from its floor-to-ceiling windows.

It’s like being in two places at once: stay out front for quick eats or head on to the back for a more leisurely meal.

2.You can take comfort in hot umami-rich ramen

Sure, summer’s bringing in the heat but we definitely won’t say no to Uma Uma’s much lauded Hakata-style MSG-free ramen. Each bowl of goodness is assembled upon order using fresh ingredients, deliciously chewy noodles based on a family recipe and a flavorful pork bone broth that’s been boiled for at least ten hours.

Uma Uma Ramen (Php390). I opted for the classic combination of chasiu, spring onions, black fungus, tamago and just a bit of kick with some spicy miso that made for an umami-filled bowl.

Spicy Chasiu (Php390). Ever so adventurous, Hubby opted for a bowl of spice-marinated chasiu, spring onions, black fungus, leeks, tamago and quite a bit of spicy kick from chili oil.

3. You can mix up your Japanese feast with some delicious bites

Hubby and I were sure glad to see that our options are not limited to Uma Uma’s celebrated ramen bowls. We were able to indulge our craving for other Japanese food faves to complement our ramen bowls. (They can also be enjoyed on their own!)

4. It livens up the city’s food scene

Pasay City is known for its amazing nightlife and vibrant food scene. Uma Uma’s fresh and affordable options surely adds to the myriad of gastronomic possibilities in the area.

After this foodie adventure, I can confidently claim that Uma Uma has made the trek to Pasay worth it!

As you look for ways to make summer in the city more bearable, do check out the outstanding food possibilities that Uma Uma has to offer!

Uma Uma is located at Level 2, S Maison, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76, Zone 10, CBP-IA, Pasay City, open daily for dine-in, take-out and delivery from 10am to 10pm.

For more details, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.

Enjoying my FREE Butao King bowl, thanks to Ramen Nagi’s Birthday Promo

For the past several years, part of any birthday celebration in the family involves scouring through websites looking for restaurant birthday promos to take advantage of. After all, benefiting from cost savings on top of a delicious meal enjoyed with my loved ones just adds to the fun.

It just so happens that one of my favorite restaurant birthday treats is Ramen Nagi’s. This promo entitles birthday celebrants to a FREE bowl of Butao King when dining in at any Ramen Nagi branch. This treat may be availed of multiple times during their birth month but is capped at one transaction per branch.

Ramen Nagi is a well-known ramen restaurant chain that originated in Fukuoka, Japan. Founded by Ikuta Satoshi, Ramen Nagi opened its first branch in Fukuoka in 2006. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique and customizable ramen bowls, which allowed customers to choose their preferred noodle texture, broth richness, and other toppings, as well as enhancing their flavors with condiments and seasonings. With its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and providing excellent customer service, Ramen Nagi soon became a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

In 2011, Ramen Nagi expanded its presence to other cities in Japan and eventually to other countries. Its first overseas branch opened in Hong Kong, followed by Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In the Philippines, Ramen Nagi was introduced in 2013 through a partnership with the Moment Group, a local food and beverage company. The first Philippine branch was located in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Since then, Ramen Nagi has opened several more branches across the Philippines, including in major cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

One of its Metro Manila branches is situated in Eastwood Citywalk 1 in Libis, Quezon City, which is where my family and I hied ourselves off to for lunch on the last Sunday of April.

Here, the family enjoyed our heart-warming and tummy-filling ramen bowls:

Butao King (Php430). My birthday treat is Ramen Nagi’s signature ramen that put the restaurant on the map. Its award-winning broth is made from pork bones that have been simmered for hours in the traditional method, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that’s packed with umami flavor. The noodles are firm and springy, and the dish is topped with classic chashu pork, kikurage mushrooms, and garlic oil.

Red King (Php495). Since Hubby loves a little heat, his bowl is Ramen Nagi’s Red King. This ramen’s broth is made from a blend of pork and chicken bones, flavored with garlic, chili oil and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and topped with a scrumptious ball of miso-infused minced pork.

Oyster King (P550). From time to time, Ramen Nagi includes a pleasant culinary surprise in its menu, available for for a limited time only, hence the title Limited King. This April, this limited edition ramen bowl is Oyster King, a unique and flavorful ramen with an oyster-infused tonkotsu broth and topped with succulent pork belly slices and a slice of delicate seafood tamagoyaki. I’m glad we were able to sample this umami explosion in a bowl on the last day of its run.

By the way, did you know there’s a proper way to eat a Nagi Ramen to best experience the three changing layers of flavor in your ramen bowl? Here’s how:

Lift up the bowl and slurp the broth, taking in the fragrance from the pork bone and toppings.
Grab a few strands of noodles from the bottom of the bowl, bring them to you lips and slurp again to bring out the umami flavors. You will notice a subtle sweetness with each bite of your noodles and an intensifying flavor from the broth.
As you reach the bottom of the bowl, Ramen Nagi’s special fire sauce further enhances the soup’s flavor.

The delicious flavor journey doesn’t stop with your ramen bowls, though. You can also enjoy them with Ramen Nagi’s side dishes such as its Gyoza (Php160/3pcs | Php250/5pcs). This is my daughter’s favorite side dish made of dumplings filled with ground pork and vegetables, wrapped in a thin and crispy dough. They’re pan-fried until golden brown and served on a sizzling plate with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Sodas (Php85/each). We countered the summer heat and complemented the hot ramen bowls with cans of our favorite softdrinks.

If you’re celebrating your natal day anytime soon, gather your fam and friends and enjoy your slurp-tasting ramen bowl at Ramen Nagi. Simply present a valid government-issued ID that shows your birthdate (such as SSS ID, TIN ID, Voter’s ID, Passport, Driver’s License or PRC License) and be accompanied by two full-paying adults who will order one full-sized ramen such as Butao King, Red King, Green King, Black King or Limited Kings for the month. (Ramen sets are not included).

This Ramen Nagi branch is located along Eastwood Ave, Eastwood Citywalk 1, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82518880.

To stay updated on Ramen Nagi’s promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Ramen Nagi:

Ramen birthday treat at Ramen Nagi, SM North

Ramen Choices at Ramen Nagi, Robinsons Galleria

Ramen Birthday Treat at Ramen Nagi, Greenbelt

Playful takes on Japanese cuisine at Saigosan, Uptown Mall BGC

Just when you thought that you’ve seen all there is to see when it comes to Japanese food, here comes Saigosan, all ready to set the local foodie scene on its ear.

This recently opened izakaya-style restaurant in Uptown Mall BGC is geared to take its diners on a fun food trip across Japanese pop culture with the enticement of delicious comfort food and classic dishes.

The latest venture of the restaurant group that manages The Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and Pier at Clawdaddy’s, Saigosan offers a uniquely colorful dining experience situated between an exciting commuter train ride and a comforting stay at a ramen shop.

Here, Nobu-trained Chef Chris Oronse and his team whip up playful and creative takes on familiar Japanese food that will surely tickle the fancy of young and young-at-heart foodies with a predilection for Japanese pop culture. These include:

Classic Gyoza (₱225). The all-time favorite pan-fried Japanese potsticker filled with ground pork, cabbage, aromatics and seasonings, served with a soy sauce and vinegar-based dipping sauce.

Mini Volcano (₱280). Saigosan puts a fun twist on the classic California maki roll, thanks to its topping of chopped kani (crab sticks) and bonito flakes.

Chicken Katsudon (₱345). Tender strip of breaded chicken served with egg chahan (Japanese fried rice) and your choice between Domi and Curry sauce.

Chasu Bacon Breakfast Ramen (₱499). Breakfast favorites such as bacon slices and fried egg served on top of firm ramen noodles in a rich pork soup.

Chirashi Don (₱525). A variety of sashimi such as fresh salmon, tuna, tanigue, ikura (salmon roe) and tamago (rolled omelette) artfully served on a platter with a bowl of rice on the side.

So if you want to experience your favorite Japanese food in a fresh, fun and colorful way, then get on board for a delicious ride at Saigosan.

Saigosan is located at 3rd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 915 8126855 or email saigosan.bgc@gmail.com.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow Saigosan on Facebook and Instagram.

Ramen gastronomy: Signature ramen variants at Ippudo SM Mega Fashion Hall

Whether we’re right smack in the heat of summer or battling the rains during the wet season, any weather is ramen weather. The iconic Japanese noodle dish has a unique charm that captivates food lovers all year round.

Even during these scorching hot summer days, the allure of a steaming bowl of ramen is hard to resist. When the colder rainy weather comes, a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful broth, tender noodles, and an array of toppings warms the soul and satisfies cravings for comfort food. No matter the weather, the comforting warmth and umami flavors of the ramen provide a sense of coziness and indulgence.

This is why Ippudo’s branch in Mega Fashion Hall is quite the hotspot for foodies anytime of the year.

Ippudo was founded by Shigemi Kawahara in 1985 in Fukuoka, a city known for its ramen culture. Kawahara’s dedication to perfecting the art of ramen led to the development of Ippudo’s signature tonkotsu broth, a creamy and flavorful pork bone broth simmered for fifteen hours that sets Ippudo apart.

With its unique flavors and innovative approach to ramen, Ippudo quickly gained popularity in Japan, leading to the opening of multiple branches across the country and soon moved towards global expansion, hence its presence at one of the country’s largest malls, among others.

Ippudo’s arrival in the Philippines has been met with great enthusiasm from Filipino food enthusiasts, who have embraced the authentic flavors and quality of Ippudo’s ramen as demonstrated by its signature variants available at its SM Mega Fashion Hall store:

Shiromaru (Php395 Classic | Php475 Special | Php550 Supreme). This is Ippudo’s claim to fame, featuring a creamy tonkotsu broth, thin and straight Hakata-style noodles, and tender slices of thick-cut and slow-cooked chashipork belly. It is topped with scallions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger, and can be customized with additional toppings like mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Akamaru Shinaji (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php555 Supreme). This ramen variant builds on the Shiromaru with the addition of spicy and umami-rich miso paste and a special garlic oil. The result is a bolder, more complex flavor profile that has become a favorite of many Ippudo regulars.

Karaka-Men (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php555 Torched). For those who love a bit of heat, the Karaka-Men is an excellent choice. It features a rich tonkotsu broth that is infused with spicy miso paste and garlic oil and topped with a variety of ingredients like spiced minced pork, sesame seeds, and scallions. It way be served topped with torched slow-cooked jumbo rolled chashu pork belly slice for added smokiness.

As any true-blue ramen lover knows, the proper way to eat Ippudo’s ramen consist of these steps:

Sip the soup and enjoy the richness of the broth which is brought about by the use of the choicest ingredients and many hours of preparation.
Pick up some of the noodles and slurp them to savor the flavor.
Delight your palate with the ramen toppings and the harmony they create with the broth and noodles.

These ramen are great on their own but you won’t want to miss Ippudo’s Hakata-style Gyoza (Php235) which consist of five pieces of classic pan-fried dumplings served with gyoza vinegar.

Ippudo is an excellent destination for anyone who loves ramen, anytime rain or shine. With so many different options to choose from, there is something for everyone. No matter what you order, you are sure to enjoy the delicious flavors and expertly crafted dishes that Ippudo is known for.

This Ippudo branch is located at Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall Building D, EDSA corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 919 0744557.

Other branches are located at:

Robinson’s Place, Magnolia
Robinson’s Place Manila
Eastwood City, Libis
Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Ayala Malls Vertis North
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center
Greenbelt 5, Makati
Ayala 30th, Pasig

Stay updated on Ippudo’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Ippudo:

Cozy and comfortable dining at Ippudo, Robinsons Magnolia

Got a fam that’s crazy about Japanese food?Well head on to Ippudo in Robinsons Magnolia then!

This mall-based ramen shop, a branch of the popular Japanese food chain, has become a prime destination for families who love Japanese food, just like mine!

Here are six reasons why:

Convenient location. Ippudo is conveniently located in a Robinsons Magnolia, making it easier for families fit in a delicious Japanese meal in between bouts of shopping and running errands.

Cozy and comfortable ambiance. The restaurant’s cozy and inviting ambiance creates a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. The modern Japanese design and decor also add to the restaurant’s charm and appeal.

Wide range of menu options. Aside from its signature ramen offerings, Ippudo offers a wide range of menu options, including appetizers such as the Hakata Style Gyoza (Php235) and Torched Salmon Roll (Php270), as well as rice bowls, and desserts to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Authentic Japanese flavors. Ippudo is known for its authentic Japanese flavors, with its signature tonkotsu broth slow-cooked for fifteen hours to create a rich and creamy taste for its Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen (Php395 Classic | Php475 Special | Php550 Supreme). It also offers a modern take on the Hakata-style ramen by by pairing the fifteen-hour pork bone broth with spicy miso paste and garlic oil resulting in a burst of umami flavors for its Akamaru Shinaji Ramen (Php400 Classic | Php485 Special | Php550 Supreme) that is that is still true to the ramen’s Japanese roots. These ramen variants are served with hakata-style noodles (which can be served soft, medium or hard) along with various traditional toppings such as chashu slices, moyashi, ajikikurage and negi to give you a complete and authentic ramen experience.

Affordable prices. Despite being a high-quality Japanese restaurant, Ippudo offers affordable prices that won’t break the bank while still enabling diners to enjoy a variety of Japanese food.

Excellent service. The staff at Ippudo are friendly, courteous, and always ready to assist with any special requests or menu inquiries. You can be sure that you’ll receive excellent service from the moment you walk in the door.

So if you want to treat your family to great-tasting Japanese food, you won’t go wrong by taking them to Ippudo.

This Ippudo branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Bouelvard corner Doña Hemady Street, Barangay Kaunalaran, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77472511.

Other branches are located at:

Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
Robinson’s Place Manila
Eastwood City, Libis
Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Ayala Malls Vertis North
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center
Greenbelt 5, Makati
Ayala 30th, Pasig

Stay updated on Ippudo’s menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Hanako’s newest branch at Promenade Mall Greenhills now on soft opening

Got a hankering for Japanese food in between bouts of retail therapy?

Don’t worry because you can now feast on #HandsDownGoodFood at Hanako’s newest branch at the Promenade Mall in Greenhills Shopping Center!

Long known for its easy-on-the-pocket Japanese dishes, Hanako is now serving its signature authentic cuisine to both shoppers and foodies who frequent one of the metro’s busiest shopping districts.

So be sure to take a break from your shopping binge and indulge yourself with your favorite Japanese food and explore new ones to enjoy!

Sashimi and Sushi

Tuna Sashimi (Php259).

Salmon Sashimi (Php299).

Torched Cheese and Salmon (Php329). Fresh salmon topped with cream cheese and Japanese mayo on sushi rice and drizzled with teriyaki sauce.

California Gunkan (Php239). Sushi rice, kani and cucumber wrapped in nori and topped with tamago, ebiko, mango and fried salmon skin.

Ultimate Dynamite Roll (Php309). Sushi roll made with tuna, salmon, kami, togarashi and topped with crunchy tempura flakes.

Hanako’s Best (Php1,419). A platter full of sushi favorites from Hanako: eight pcs California Maki, eight pcs Spicy Tuna Crunch, eight pcs Philadelphia Roll, eight pcs Tuna Sashimi and eight pcs Salmon Sashimi.

Starters

Miso Soup (Php74). Hot broth falvored with miso paste, leeks, tofu and wakame.

Gyoza Sampler (Php199). Includes two pieces each of the classic pork, beef and chicken versions of the Japanese potsticker gyoza.

Kani Salad (Php269). Cucumber sticks, kani, mango slices, ebiko and nori strips dressed with creamy Japanese mayo.

Chicken Karaage (Php284). Japanese-style fried chicken served with mayo on the side.

Beef Sukiyaki (Php274). Beef strips, sotanghon noodles, carrots, onions, cabbage and egg in a sweet-savory donburi sauce.

Donburi

Beef Gyudon (Php329). Filling rice bowl topped with slices of high-grade beef, white onions, leeks, shibazuke and egg flavored with a mildly sweet sauce.

Chicken Teriyakidon (Php309). Japanese rice bowl topped with strips of grilled chicken breast marinated in house-made teriyaki sauce along with leeks, bean sprouts, shibazuke and sesame seeds.

Pork Belly Don (Php229). Strips of pork belly on a rice bowl flavored with gyudon sauce and topped with pickled radish.

Salmon Teriyaki Don (Php334). Grilled salmon on a rice bowl topped with leeks, pickled cucumber and sesame seeds flavored with teriyaki sauce.

Entrees

Beef Omurice (Php229). Beef strips and rice wrapped in a delicate omelette.

Ebi Fry (Php204). Breaded shrimp with toasted sesame and katsu sauce on the side, served on a bed of rice.

Shrimp Tempura (Php219/3pcs | Php319/5pcs). Deep-fried battered shrimp served with tempura sauce.

Mixed Tempura (Php179). Deep-fried battered shrimp, kani and vegetables served with tempura sauce.

Drinks

Thirsty? Hanako’s got house-made drinks to refresh you.

Now you know that whenever you’re in the Greenhills area and you #CraveHanako, there’s a branch here ready to serve you!

Plus, here’s some good news: Hanako is bringing back its Tempura-All-You-Can promo to welcome diners to this store. Enjoy unlimited Ebi Tempura all weekdays of December when you dine at Hanako Greenhills.

This newest Hanako branch is located at the Food Court, Ground Floor, Promenade Mall, Annapolis Street corner Missouri Street, Greenshills Shopping Center, San Juan, open daily from 10am to 8pm.

Other branches are located at:

4th Floor, East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City
30 Doña Soledad Ave., Better Living Subd., Brgy. Don Bosco, Parañaque City
83 B Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City (beside Car Doctor)
131-C Armstrong Ave., Brgy. Moonwalk, Parañaque City
GF, SM Center Pasig, Ortigas East, Pasig City
2nd Floor, The Rock, Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Don Antonio, Quezon City
Robinsons Townville Regalado Ext Ciudad Verde, Quezon City

You may also order online at cravehanako.ph.

To stay updated on Hanako’s offers and promos, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts on Hanako:

Hanako, Katipunan — Sate your Japanese food cravings at Hanako, Regis Katipunan

Feeling at home at BOTEJYU, SM City East Ortigas

My fam and I do enjoy being so near what we consider to be our neighborhood mall, SM City East Ortigas.

As it is the site of quite a number of great restaurants, a delicious meal for the family is just a short drive away.

Imagine our excitement when we got word that BOTEJYU is opening a branch here.

This chain traces its roots back to Osaka, Japan where it was established in 1946 as an okonomiyaki restaurant.

Okomiyaki is a dish that emerged in postwar Japan during a food shortage. As American provisions were unloaded at Osaka and Kobe ports, the locals discovered American flour mixed with water results in a pancake that can serve as an alternative staple food.

BOTEJYU’s founder Eikichi Nishino discovered another culinary delight which also makes use of an American provision – mayonnaise – this time, as a topping for okonomiyaki.

The dish is central to the restaurant’s concept that its name was coined after the sounds heard when cooking its signature dish: “BOTE” from the sound made when flipping the okonomiyaki and “JYU” from the sizzling sound it makes as it cooks on the teppan grill.

Being a family of Japanese food lovers, we lost no time in dropping by this newest BOTEJYU branch in SM City East Ortigas to try out delicious selections from its extensive menu, such as:

Edamame (Php121). Lightly salted boiled green beans.

Fresh Salmon Sashimi (Php395).

Seattle Roll (Php315). Sushi roll made with salmon, cream cheese, avocado and mayonnaise.

Spicy Maguro Tuna Roll (Php315). Sushi roll made with spicy tuna, cucumber and lettuce.

Diced Beef Garlic Steak (Php490). Tender beef cubes sauteed with Botejyu’s signature Chaliapin sauce.

Premium Mix Moonlight-Egg Oko (Php495). Okomiyaki made with Botejyu’s original batter, cabbage, beef, pork belly, shrimp, squid and fried egg cooked on the teppan grill and topped with Botejyu’s original tomato sauce, special sauce and white mayonnaise.

We also took advantage of one of BOTEJYU’s Kazukp Tumori (Family Bundles), deliciously curated meal sets meant for sharing that also offer great discounts. Our order of Family Bundle F (Php1,995) already included four sets of rice, miso soup, kimchi and iced tea, as well as:

3pcs Original Mayo Takoyaki. Made from flour-based batter with bits of octopus and spices topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and katsuoboshi.

Pork Tonkotsu Ramen. Ramen noodles in tonkotsu broth with char siu pork.

California Roll. Sushi roll made with crab meat, avocado, cucumber, ebiko and mayonnaise.

3pcs Tempura. Crispy prawns fried in special batter and served with tempura dipping sauce.

Grilled Pork Rib Hokkaido Style. Tender pork steak grilled then glazed in umami-flavored sauce.

Teppan Grilled Pork Gyoza. Japanese potstickers served with aromatic soy sauce.

Original Chicken Karaage. Japanese-style crispy fried chicken infused with garlic flavor.

With such a sumptuous array of Japanese dishes so readily available to us, it sure looks like we’ll be spending more time in our neighborhood mall!

This BOTEJYU branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10.15am to 7.45pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8524657.

Other BOTEJYU branches in Metro Manila are located in:

Alabang: Festival Mall Expansion Wing
Caloocan: SM City Grand Central
Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala Greenbelt 3, Ayala North Exchange
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall The Atrium
Manila: SM City Manila
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM City Bicutan, SM City Sucat, SM Southmall
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia Galileo Wing
Pasig: Ayala Malls Feliz, Estancia Mall Capitol Commons
Quezon City: Ayala Vertis North Mall, Fisher Mall, Robinsons Place Magnolia, SM City Fairview, SM City North EDSA, Trinoma Mall Garden Area
San Juan: O Square 2 Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: One Bonifacio High Street Mall

BOTEJYU also accepts orders for delivery through its website and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about its latest offers and promos, follow BOTEJYU on Facebook and Instagram.

The Jelly List: Countdown to sundown at Lamp Quarters, Marikina

The sun may rise in the East but that doesn’t mean that the fun stops here when the sun goes down.

Lamp Quarters in Marikina, for example, is one of the prime destinations east of Manila where things definitely liven up from late afternoon to late night.

Looking for a place to spend the waning hours of the day with friends? Lamp Quarters is your best bet, because:

Being located in the Marikina suburbs, it provides a welcome escape from the noise and traffic woes you experience in most parts of the metro.
It has a sprawling outdoor dining area where you can comfortably meet up with your pals over some brews, cues and even a bit of booze.
It houses several establishments that cater to diverse cravings.

So join me and my foodie friends as we count down to sundown at various foodie hotspots here at Lamp Quarters, Marikina!

4… Celsius Cafe Lounge for coffee connoisseurs

Get a taste of the sheer wondrous variety of coffee the world has to offer at Celsius Cafe Lounge.

A third-wave coffee shop that serves handcrafted brews from single-origin coffee beans sourced from various countries, Celsius is sure to broaden your coffee horizons!

Top coffee finds here include:

Filtered Coffee from Tanzania.

Espresso Affogato.

Spanish Latte.

Want some bites to go along with your brews? Then nibble on these sweet and savory snacks!

Pork Floss.

Danish Bread.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich,

Ube Queso de Bola Cheesecake.

Celsius also offers all-day breakfast with free coffee.

To know more about this extraordinary coffee shop, follow Celsius Cafe Lounge on Facebook and Instagram.

3… Tongara Ramen for ramen lovers

If you’ve been craving ramen then look no further than Lamp Quarters’ ramen destination: Tongara Ramen.

Lauded for its signature broth which is also its namesake – ton from tonkotsu (made from pork bones) and gara from torigara (made ftom chicken bones), it serves up ramen and other Japanese dishes that are sure to excite ramen lovers.

Check out its best-sellers:

Tongara Ramen.

Ebi Miso Ramen.

Tantanramen.

Tsukemen.

Karaage.

Spicy Chicken.

Tonkatsu.

Gyoza.

To support the drive for herd immunity, Tongara Ramen is also serving free gyoza for every ramen purchase upon presentation of your COVID-19 vaccination card until September 2020.

You can also enjoy Tongara’s signature dishes at home by ordering a Tongara Home Kit Bundle for pickup or delivery:

For 2 (Php1,800). Includes 2 Tongara Ramen kits and 1 frozen karaage kit
For 4 (Php2,300). Includes 2 Tongara Ramen kits, 1 frozen gyoza kit and 1 frozen karaage kit

For more deets on what you can enjoy here, follow Tongara Ramen on Facebook and Instagram.

2… Wing Commander for food trippers

Are you a kapakpak? Then hie yourself over to Wing Commander where you can embark on an unli food trip.

For just Php198, bite into unlimited crispy fried chicken wings, coated in sauces of international flavors and accompanied by filling portions of fries and rice. Add Php78 and you can have a bottomless drink to go with your meal.

Wing your next foodie adventure with these flavors:

Filipino Barbecue.

American Honey Mustard.

Chinese Szechuan.

Russian Thousand Island.

Japanese Wasabi.

Indian Cumin.

Fasten your seatbelts because at Wing Commander, the chicken bites and the chikahan are non-stop!

For the latest scoop on Wing Commander, follow it on Facebook.

1… Opening soon, Bar by East for cocktails

Want to cap the night with a drink or two? Pretty soon, Lamp Quarters will let you in on a little secret… a hidden bar!

The trendy office space of architectural firm Emerging Architects Studio (EAST) will give way to a hip and happenin’ secret bar at night!

Here’s a sneak peek at some of its refreshing classic cocktails:

Whisky Sour. Made with whisky, lemon, brown sugar, bitters.

Cold Brew Martini. Made with vodka, cold brew and coffee liqueur.

Whisky Highball. Made with whisky, ginger ale and citrus.

Gin and Tonic. Made with gin, tonic water, and citrus.

Margarita. Made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and salt.

Daiquiri. Made with white run, lime, sugar syrup.

Negroni. Made with gin, campari, and sweet vermouth.

Not much of a tippler? Never fear because the barista can concoct a non-alcoholic beverage for you just like this “Gel and Tonic” (a mocktail jokingly named by the barista after me, hahaha!) made with cold brew, tonic water and citrus.

The good news is that you won’t have to travel far for a hidden bar adventure!

Bar by EAST will be opening to the public soon. In the meantime, it is available for intimate private events. For inquiries, send a message to EAST on Instagram.

So don’t let the sundown get you down: welcome the end of the day with good food, good fun and good friends at Lamp Quarters!

Lamp Quarters is located along Gil Fernando Street, Centro de Buenviaje, Bgy Santo Nino, Marikina City. For updates on its special promos and events, follow Lamp Quarters on Facebook and Instagram.

For inquiries, call Lamp Quarters +63 917 6520324 or email lamp.quarters@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Together with my foodie friends, I attended a food tasting held at this venue. Food items mentioned here were served to elicit honest feedback and were not paid for by the attendees.

Filling Japanese lunch at Yoshinoya, SM Megamall

Back when my office was located in the Ortigas area, a lunchtime sojourn to SM Megamall was a frequent occurrence.

For one thing, it’s just a short cab (or FX) ride away; my officemates and I can easily grab a quick meal, enjoy the change of scenery, and be back at our desk usually before our bosses came back from their own lunch outs.

Another reason is the sheer number of affordable and delicious dining options available, which, sadly, far outnumbers those housed in our office building’s cafeteria.

One of our favorite SM Megamall haunts is Yoshinoya, the second-largest chain of gyudon restaurants in the world. It makes Japanese rice bowls and more easily accessible to Pinoys through its affordable menu items that don’t scrimp on fresh ingredients.

Sadly, our office moved locations and a lunchtime trip to Yoshinoya is no longer as convenient.

Plus, with the quarantine restrictions still in place, I really haven’t been going out much.

That is, until my daughter #ExhibitA and I went shopping for supplies at SM Megamall.

Giving in to #ExhibitA’s request for us to eat somewhere which offers gyoza, I decided to treat her to lunch at Yoshinoya. There, we refueled after a round of shopping with these dishes:

Gyoza (Php79). Pork and vegetable-filled dumplings steamed then pan-grilled for a satisfying mix of chewy and crunchy textures and served with a dipping sauce.

California Maki (Php79). A sushi roll containing cucumber, kani and mango bits.

Pork Tonkatsu Bento (Php189). Deep fried breaded pork served in a bento box with macaroni salad, tiramisu and served with Tonkatsu sauce.

Regular Gyudon Beef (Php159 ala carte | Php189 solo meal with with red iced tea and coffee jelly). Tender beef slices are simmered in a special herb and spice broth together with sliced onions and then served on top of a bowl of steaming rice.

Green Tea Ice Cream (Php50).

Well, with these flavorful Japanese dishes that don’t burn a whole through my wallet, I am quite satisfied with my return to Yoshinoya!

This Yoshinoya branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For delivery, call +63 2 2882888.

Other branches are located at:

Food Court, Level 1, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City
Second Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Second Floor, Annex Building, SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City
Valero Carpark 2, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Second Floor, Glorietta 1, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
Fourth Floor, SM City Manila, Ermita, Manila
Ground Floor, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City

To know more about Yoshinoya, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Double servings of Ramen at Dabururamen, SM Megamall

Are you loving the recent spate of cold weather, foodies?

Chilly days like these make me want to slurp on some fully loaded and steaming hot ramen. When I’m feeling particularly ravenous, I don’t think a single bowl would suffice.

Well, wouldn’t you know it: at the newly opened Dabururamen at SM Megamall, I can get two bowls for the price of one! Yey!

“Daburo” is one way of saying “double” in Japanese. With its ramen dishes available on Buy 1 Take 1 deals, Dabururamen gives you double the flavor and double the ramen goodness with every order.

Are you curious yet on what you can enjoy at Dabururamen? Here’s a sampling:

Daburu Ramen (Php358 for double | Php188 for single). The house special ramen with rich broth, chashu slice and marinated egg, resulting to a hearty blend of authentic Japanese flavors. Definitely incredouble!

Kamabaku Ramen (Php348 for double | Php198 for single). Dabururamen’s version of the Tantanmen and my new favorite! Its blend of nutty and spicy sweetness can’t be beat!

Melting Gyoza (Php98 for 6pcs | Php190 for 12pcs). The classic Japanese dumpling made with minced pork and chopped vegetables gets an upgrade with the addition of oozing melted cheese!

House Special Takoyaki (Php168 for 6pcs | Php298 for 12pcs). A mixture of wheat batter and chopped octopus formed into succulent and savory balls topped with special sauce and bonito flakes.

So the next time you’ve got a monster craving for ramen or just want to chase the chilly weather blues away, drop by Dabururamen!

Update: I went back to Eatogether Food Hall with my foodie friends and was able to try more of Dabururamen’s dishes. Check them out!

Shoyu Ramen (Php328 for double | Php185 for single). Crispy pork katsu tops a bowl of savory clear soup, spring onions, nori and mushrooms.

Cheesy Katsudon Poppers (Php275). Cheese-stuffed breaded pork roulade drizzled with Dabururamen’s Emperor sauce and served with cabbage salad and oriental veggies.

And again, more of that fabulous Dabururamen. Yey!

Now I’m looking forward to more visits!

Dabururamen is located at Eatogether Food Hall, Second Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For delivery, call in your orders at +63 917 1598522 or +63 9605151688. You may also course your order through FoodPanda, GrabFood and Poodtrip.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting here together with fellow foodies. Food items mentioned here were served to let us sample the fare and elicit our honest feedback.