japanese food – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

Hanamaruken Ramen welcomes the new year with its latest flavor: Mabo Dofu Donburi

Are you a Japanese food fan? Are you game to widen your Japanese food horizons?

Well, here’s a piece of good news just for you!

Hanamaruken Ramen kicks of the year by expanding its delicious menu to include something quite special: the Mabo Dofu Donburi!

Your favorite ramen place translates the much-loved spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu dish into a tasty Japanese rice bowl. Made of coated silky tofu cubes covered thick and spicy aromatic sauce topped with chopped spring onions, fried leeks and shredded red pepper on a bowl of steamed rice, it has a milder and slightly sweeter flavor is due to the use of distinctly Japanese ingredients such as miso and mirin.

Similar to other Sichuan dishes, the Mapo Tofu was popularized in Japan in the 1950s, where it was adapted for Japanese tastes through the use of local ingredients.

Today it is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes which has made its way to one of the metro’s top Japanese food destinations.

For a complete and filling Japanese meal, pair this rice bowl with a serving of Nanban Karaage (Php380), Hanamaruken’s take on the Japanese-style fried chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce and served with a side of prawn crackers and tartare sauce, and a glass of Peach Lemon Iced Tea (Php90) to chase the spice away and soothe the palate.

Hanamaruken Ramen was founded in 1982 by Takaku Arakawa, who drew inspiration from his family’s rich background in butchery to create a distinct marriage between meat and ramen, resulting to its Signature Happiness Ramen.

Aside from authentic ramen bowls, Hanamaruken Ramen also serves rice bowls, sushi and small plates of Japanese appetizers.

In the Philippines, this ramen store is managed by the Tasteless Food Group.

So go ahead and drop by your nearest Hanamaruken Ramen branch to welcome the new year with the fresh flavors of the Mabo Dofu Donburi!

This Hanamaruken Ramen branch is located at Ground Floor Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 7043871.

Other branches are located at:

2F Garden Wing, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City (+63 2 77535949 | +63 917 6212130)
2F Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa (+63 2 88699857 | +63 917 6235931)
The Grove by Rockwell, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City (+63 917 6237181)
Ground Floor Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (+63 917 7017211)
Forbes Retail, Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (+63 917 635 6259 | +63 2 8259202)
Ground Floor Santolan Town Plaza, Santolan Road, Little Baguio, San Juan City (+63 917 7032729)

You may also order for delivery at Tasteless.ph or via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

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

Check out my previous posts on Hanamaruken Ramen:

Happiness Overload at Hanamaruken, Trinoma

Get your bowl of happiness at Hanamaruken

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

Ramen Who: Meet the new delicious name in ramen

One of the most welcome sensations that December brings to us Pinoys is the feel of brisk morning air and cool breezes throughout the day.

These cool climes also make for delicious ramen weather.

And if you happen to be near The Lipa Outlets in Batangas, you’re in luck because you can indulge your craving for delectable ramen to warm you up during these chill days.

Ramen Who boasts of flavorful and creamy broth, a product of sixteen hours of careful boiling and melding of ingredients to achieve that delicate balance deep flavor and umami, without making it too rich or thick to enjoy. Together with their firm perfectly cooked noodles and its various toppings and flavorings, Ramen Who’s ramen offerings sure make the trip to the restaurant worthwhile.

It recently launched new ramen variants that are sure to excite the taste buds of ramen lovers.

Let’s start this foodie journey with the Tita Tori Paitan (₱385). Its milky white broth is made from boiling chicken bones which results in a flavorful soup that is not too rich. Its topping of grilled chicken slices go very well with the broth.

Next up is the Boss Gyu Beef Ramen (₱405), definitely a boss-level combination of soup stock made from beef bones and topped with thinly sliced strips of grilled beef.

Last is the Pinoy Ramen which adds a decidedly Filipino twist to the ramen, thanks to its pares-style beef and grilled eggplant toppings.

Another exciting debut in the menu is the Who Burger, served deconstructed so you can enjoy the sheer fun of layering its components – grilled beef patty, brioche buns, housemade sesame soy sauce, minced nori chips, wasabi mayo, goat cheese and slaw – into an extraordinary burger.

Personally, no meal is complete without dessert, and Ramen Who serves up the sweets with its new confections: Mango Chizu (₱180) and Choco Toptop (₱150).

Got a hankering for sushi rolls to go with your ramen or to snack on with your companions? Opt for Sushi Mixes, then. These consist of twelve pieces of sushi rolls of three yummy variants: Aburi Dreams Mix (₱535 – California Sunrise, Ultimate Unagi Aburi and Wango Tamango Aburi) and Sushi Dreams Mix (₱565 – California Sunrise, Spicy Salmon Crunch and Ebi Tempura Crunch).

Also, you can never go wrong with a bit of crunchy Ebi Tempura (₱405); it’s always a hit with Japanese food lovers, after all!

If you want to go for your classic ramen faves, you can always opt for the Vice Tonkotsu-San (₱395) and Mr. Tantanmen (₱405).

So go ahead and cuddle up with your Significant Other and go on a Ramen Date, or huddle up with your gang for a Ramen outing at Ramen Who!

Whatever your food trip is, any weather is perfect weather to sip, slurp and savor a heartwarming bowl of ramen at Ramen Who!

Ramen Who is located at The Outlets at Lipa, Lipa City, Batangas. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8078901.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

Exploring grocery and self-care shopping possibilities at Mitsukoshi BGC

‘Tis definitely the season for shopping as Mitsukoshi, the country’s first Japanese mall, finally opened its doors last November 18.

Located in one of the metro’s busiest commercial districts, the four-storey mall offers a much-welcome change of scenery for the people who frequent Bonifacio Global City for work and leisure.

Aside from its distinct Japanese design that melds together traditional and modern sensibilities, this new retail destination also features distinct areas dedicated to worthwhile pursuits for its shoppers and visitors:

Fresh produce and imported delicacies in Mitsukoshi’s own-brand supermarket at the basement
A self-care and beauty section highlighting natural and organic products at the ground floor
Appetizing Japanese and international dining options at the second floor
And soon, exciting Japanese entertainment and leisure outlets geared towards wellness and enjoyment at the third floor

The mall truly offers a myriad of possibilities to delight any shopper. However, I’d like to fill you in on the first two floors of Mitsukoshi, where its in-house outlets are located.

Check these out!

Mitsukoshi Beauty

Mitsukoshi Beauty, located in the ground floor, seeks to provide the essentials that will help you beauty mavens unleash your inner radiance in time for that holiday glow-up.

With a wide selection of cosmetics, self-care and wellness products, this new shopping destination is not about changing one’s looks but letting one’s inner glow shine through.

Here, you can indulge yourself with natural and organic products and learn from beauty experts on how to enhance and show off your best features.

For a well-curated selection of Japanese beauty and self-care products, be sure to drop by the The Apothecary.

Here, you can discover and take your picks from among celebrated Japanese brands, some of which can only be found at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

So go ahead and discover your natural beauty and inner shine at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

For the latest updates on Mitsukoshi Beauty’s products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Mitsukoshi Fresh

The mall’s basement is reminiscent of a depachika – a Japanese food hall dedicated to representing the best of Japan’s food culture. It is connected to the mall’s supermarket brand, Mitsukoshi Fresh, which brings a multi-sensory shopping experience to its shoppers, thanks to its carefully curated food products sourced from all over the world, as well as its attractive and interactive displays.

Here, you can take your pick from the fresh produce, meat and seafood available to bring about your own culinary creations.

Want to bring a Japanese dining experience to your home? Be sure to check out its sushi, sashimi and dumpling selections.

Holiday celebrations are sure to be lively and fun, especially with the wide selection of wines, liquors and beverages available here. You can even sample wines by the glass at the wine counter.

Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss out on the freshly made as well as imported Japanese dessert delicacies on offer, especially the much-awaited Tokyo Banana custard.

Of course, Japan is well-known for packaged food that are anything but generic: these include anything from delectable ramen to flavorful rice bowls and ready-to-cook soups and pastas.

By the way, Mitsukoshi Fresh also spotlights notable local artisanal brands such as Gourmet Farms and Auro Chocolate.

If you want to level up on your home cooking with a few Japanese touches and international flair, Mitsukoshi Fresh is the place to be.

You can even give in to your food cravings while inside the supermarket, thanks to its in-store dining and takeout outlets.

Know more about Mitsukoshi Fresh’ offers on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to earn points, get rewards and cool coupons with your purchases at Mitsukoshi? Sign up for Arigato Rewards!

Mitsukoshi BGC is located at The Seasons Residences, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Mall hours are from 10am to 11pm daily.

Family lunch at BOTEJYU, SM City San Mateo

After being mostly stuck within Metro Manila during the lockdown, the family heartily welcomed an out-of-town trip to San Mateo.

Venturing out from our comfy accommodations at Timberland Highlands Resort to SM City San Mateo for a spot of lunch and a bit of shopping, we decided to dine at the BOTEJYU outlet located there.

BOTEJYU is a Japanese restaurant that originated from an okonomiyaki eatery established Osaka, Japan in 1946.

Its menu expanded to include other popular Japanese dishes such as the ones we enjoyed during our visit:

Tuna Sashimi (Php395). Fresh tuna slices served with wasabi and Japanese soy sauce.

California Roll (Php255). Sushi roll made with crab meat, avocado, cucumber, prawn egg and BOTEJYU’s original mayonnaise.

Edamame (Php110). Lightly salted boiled green soy beans that serve as an appetizer to many Japanese meals.

Prawn Tempura (Php670/10pcs). Crispy battered prawns served with tempura sauce.

Tender Pork Tonkatsu (Php275). Tender pork cutlet breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served on a bed of shredded cabbage with tokatsu sauce.

Tender Pork Tonkatsu Curry (Php425). Tender pork cutlet breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served on a bed of rice with Osaka-style curry sauce poured over it.

Diced Beef Garlic Steak Bowl (Php545). Steamed rice bowl topped with diced beef garlic steak.

Sukiyaki Teishoku (Php540). A set meal which consists of beef cooked in sukiyaki sauce with noodles and soft-boiled egg, served with miso soup, salad, rice and kimchi.

While the menu offerings are a bit pricey, we found the quality to be reliably good, and the service to be prompt.

It’s great to see that BOTEJYU has established its presence in Rizal, thanks to this branch.

This BOTEJYU branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City San Mateo, Gen. Luna Avenue, Ampid 1, San Mateo City, Rizal, open daily from 11.15am to 7.45pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8524673.

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, SM City East Ortigas
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.

Check out my previous post about BOTEJYU:

Affordable Japanese Lunch at Happon, Maginhawa

Maginhawa Street in QC has made a name for itself as a foodie haven, particularly with the proliferation of small and artisanal eateries there.

One such restaurant is Happon Ramen House which my fam came upon – oddly enough – as we left another Japanese restaurant due to the unavailability of most of its menu items.

Fortunately, just across the street is this seemingly nondescript eatery, located in a narrow space in a commercial building.

Upon entering, we noted that the store’s interior decor and furnishings were sparse, with some anime-themed tchotchkes to add some color and points of interest to the space.

We gave our orders at the counter then found our seats upstairs at the loft.

There, we enjoyed our lunch which consisted of reasonably priced Japanese food:

Edamame (Php78). Soybeans boiled in saltwater while still in their pods which served as our appetizer.

Spicy Tantanmen (Php228). Chewy ramen noodles resting a creamy and nutty sesame-based broth topped with spicy minced pork.

Gyoza (Php138). Japanese potstickers made of minced pork and finely chopped vegetables mixed with aromatics steamed in a pan then allowed to crisp on one side then served with an tangy dipping sauce.

Chahan (Php78). Also known as yakimeshi, this is the flavorful Japanese version of fried rice.

Karaage (Php138). Marinated chicken pieces are lightly coated in starch then deep fried in oil until brown and crispy.

Tonkatsu (Php138). Breaded pork cutlet deep-fried in oil until golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and zesty tonkatsu sauce.

After our meal, we headed downstairs and settled our bill. Thankfully, the store accepts payments via GCash!

We’re glad that we chanced upon this low-key Japanese restaurant and enjoyed our affordable lunch.

I look forward to new discoveries that Maginhawa has in store for me and the fam!

Happon Ramen House is located at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village (near Bayantel Office), Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call + 63 922 2203911.

Other branches are located at:

Caltex Gas Station, F7 Bldg., Belfast Ave., Fairview, QC (back of SM Fairview)
Blk 21 Lot 1 Bristol St. cor. Flores de Mayo St. Greater Lagro, QC (near Lagro Subd. entrance)
70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City (near Concepcion Highschool/ DEPED)
41 Lilac St. Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City (same building as Watsons)

To know more about its menu items and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Japanese dining experience at Sandaime, Eastwood Mall

Being part of a family of Japanese food lovers, it is no wonder that we tend to seek it out every chance we could.

That’s what happened when Hubby and I started feeling hunger pangs while we were in the vicinity of Eastwood Mall, Libis. Knowing that one of our previously discovered Japanese food restaurants is in the area and has reopened for dine-in service after closing during the quarantine, we were looking forward to trying it out again.

That restaurant is Sandaime.

Sandaime is a casual dining restaurant which offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes that combine traditional Japanese sushi flavors. These include Edomae-style sushi, which are prepared using traditional sushi-making techniques and fish flown in directly from Japan. It is also known for its teishoku (Japanese meal sets).

It has re-opened with a streamlined menu from which Hubby and I ordered:

Spicy Salmon Salad (Php408). Cubes of salmon sashimi tossed in a spicy creamy sauce on a bed of lettuce and topped with crunchy tempura flakes.

Tuna Sashimi (Php388) and Salmon Sashimi (Php398). Fresh sashimi served with wasabi and Japanese soy sauce.

Ebi Tempura (Php468/5 pcs). Battered prawns deep-fried to a crunchy golden brown and served with special tempura sauce.

Tonkatsu Set (Php428). Deep-fried breaded pork cutlets accompanied by a tangy katsu sauce. This meal set includes rice and lettuce.

Looking back at our pre-pandemic visit, we were glad to see that most of what we liked then are still in the menu such as Edamame, Chicken Karaage and California Roll. Unfortunately, Oyster Overload is no longer in the menu.

Sandaime Japanese Restaurant is located at the Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in, pick-up and delivery. For reservations and orders, call +63 915 3373278 or +63 928 50 2487.

#HandsDownGoodFood at Hanako, Estancia

Are you a fan of Japanese food too?

Thanks to its focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients, simple yet methodical preparation as well as its artful presentation, Japanese food continues to be among the most popular cuisines in the metro.

One of the premier destinations for Japanese cuisine is Hanako. With its “bang for the buck authentic Japanese food” proposition, it makes delicious Japanese dishes more accessible to foodies in the metro.

It recently opened a branch in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, adding a cozy space for Japanese food lovers to discover and enjoy their favorites.

Sushi

California Maki (Php219). Maki made with kani, mango, cucumber and ebiko.

Salmon Cream Cheese (Php269). Maki made with salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, sesame and tempura flakes.

Ultimate Dynamite Roll (Php269). Maki made with salmon, tuna, kani, togarashi and tempura flakes.

Torched Cheese & Salmon (Php304). Sushi rice topped with marinated salmon and torched cheese.

Salmon Sashimi (Php249/5pcs | Php319/8pcs).

Tuna Sashimi (Php209/5pcs | Php294/8pcs).

Snacks

Creamy Mushroom Udon (Php249). Thick udon noodles doused in a savory and creamy mushroom sauce.

Gyoza Sampler (Php179/6pcs | Php619/18pcs). Combination of classic pork, beef and chicken Japanese potstickers.

Starters

Beef Sukiyaki (Php249). A hearty nabemono (“hot pot dish”) made with sliced beef slowly simmered along with vegetables in a broth of soy sauce, sugar and mirin.

Tuna Tartare (Php249). Sushi-grade tuna chopped into tiny pieces and tossed in Japanese mayo with togarashi, tempura flakes and chopped scallion.

Mains

Ebi Tempura (Php209/3pcs | Php309/5pcs). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with special sauce.

If you’re an avid fan of Ebi Tempura, I suggest you take advantage of its dine-in promo wherein you can enjoy unlimited tempura with a serving of gohan (steamed rice) for only Php499/person. This offer is available Mondays to Thursdays (2 hours maximum), thankfully extended until June 9, 2022.

Yasai Itame (Php154). Fresh and crisp vegetables stir-fried in a flavorful sauce.

Karaage (Php259). Marinated and lightly-floured chicken pieces and deep-fried then served with special sauce.

Chicken Teriyaki (Php294). Rice bowl topped with grilled chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce.

Gyudon (Php299). Rice bowl topped with finely sliced beef simmered in a sweet sauce with onions.

Tonkatsu (Php284). Breaded pork cutlet that’s been deep-fried then served rice and katsu sauce.

Craving for great-tasting Japanese food? Well, now you know where to go to sate your craving without having to burn a hole through your wallet.

It may be time to hie yourself over to any of these Hanako branches in the metro:

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: