yakisoba – 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.

Yaki Yaki now in my neighborhood!

What’s your newly discovered snacking fave?

Mine is takoyaki, those chopped octopus-filled balls made from batter cooked in a special molded pan, then drenched with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo before topping with bonito flakes.

First introduced in Osaka, Japan by street vendor Tomekichi Endo in the 1930s, the takoyaki (from “tako” or octopus, and “yaki” or grilled) has reached well beyond its origins, even reaching our shores where it is sold in establishments ranging from specialty restaurants to food stalls.

While I’ve been encountering takoyaki for decades now, I’ve only recently learned to appreciate it: the chewy balls given texture by the bits of octopus, the mixture of flavors from the sauces and the umami from the bonito flakes.

When I sometimes get tired of the usual contents of my pantry, I now experience a hankering for these tasty snackable balls.

And lucky me, a takoyaki joint just opened right in my neighborhood!

Despite being a business born from the pandemic, Yaki Yaki (from YAKIsoba and TakoYAKI) has grown and is now open to franchisees to bring its delicious Japanese streetfood treats to more communities.

Its newest store opened just a stone’s throw away from my home.

Its menu, of course, includes takoyaki in wondrous variety.

As can be gleaned from its name, Yaki Yaki also offers yakisoba, a dish made of noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables in a sweetish sauce, which can be enjoyed on its own or partnered with the store’s signature takoyaki in one delicious serving.

Aside from its filling takoyaki and yakisoba combinations, Yaki Yaki also serves handcrafted milk beverages.

These snack and beverage offerings are not only tasty and filling, they’re quite affordable too!

It sure looks like I have a new go-to snacking destination that’s right in my neighborhood! And if I’m in no mood to venture out of my home, I can always order through FoodPanda, yey!

Live nearby? Do check it out!

Yaki Yaki is located at Unit 2, Landex Apartment, 3rd Street corner Countryside Avenue, Countryside Village, Bgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open from 11am to 8pm.

Interested in this business? Call +63 998 2431707 to inquire about becoming a franchisee.

Give in to your tummy’s rumblin’ at Gulu Gulu, La Loma

Foodies, if there is one thing you can count on, it’s the fact that your Tita Jellybeans is always on the prowl for new and exciting gastronomic experiences to share with you.

And, boy, do I have great news!

There’s this restaurant along Mayon Street in La Loma, Quezon City (a place I’m a bit unfamiliar with but I didn’t let that stop me from going on this foodie adventure) that specializes in takoyaki and milk tea called Gulu Gulu.

If you’re thinking that it’s just another snack bar or street food stall, you’ve got another think coming. For one thing, the place is not a stall at all but a beautifully designed and well-appointed cafe. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in bright, natural light while Japan-inspired murals add color to the interiors. Tables and cushioned chairs are spread in the sprawling space, giving diners comfortable seats in which to enjoy their food. Comics and short story books are also displayed, adding to the relaxing cafe feel. Almost every nook and space can be an Instagrammable spot.

Plus, you can watch Gulu Gulu’s takoyaki masters in action in the open kitchen as they prepare the food fresh upon order.

Gulu Gulu’s real claim to fame, of course, is its food.

With a name derived from the sound of a rumbling stomach, Gulu Gulu strives to satisfy hunger with delicious and filling fare that are definitely worth several return visits.

First of these is its takoyaki, claimed to be the best ones in town and unlike any other takoyaki balls you may have tasted. I really can’t argue with that claim. Made with the freshest ingredients like chopped octopus, cabbages and onions, they come in wondrous and creative variety, giving even the takoyaki connoisseur new ways to enjoy this delicious snack.

If you feel like having something more substantial, you can always opt for a sushi roll. Here, Gulu Gulu does not scrimp on the variety either. Take your pick among these sushi flavors: California Roll (Php220/8pcs), Crazy Maki (Php280/8pcs), Cheese Mango Roll (Php260/8pcs), Crispy Maki (Php250/8pcs) and Salmon Aburi Roll (Php230/8pcs).

You can also mix ’em up by getting a 12-piece sushi box with 4 pieces each of California Roll, Crazy Maki and Cheese Mango Roll for just Php230!

If you’re feeling really peckish, you can always go for a Rice Bowl, consisting of a Japanese meat dish topping a steaming bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. Choose from these rice bowl options: Torikatsudon (fried breaded chicken cutlet – Php210), Katsudon (fried breaded pork chop – Php210), Ebi Tendon (shrimp tempura – Php210), Gyudon (beef strips – Php230), Grilled Salmon Steak (Php290) or Japanese Curry (Chicken or Pork – Php240).

You can also add a serving of Ebi Tempura (deep-fried batter-coated shrimp – Php150/3pcs | Php240/5pcs), Yakisoba (stir-fred noodles – Php200) or Kakiage (deep-fried batter-coated veggies – Php125) to complete your meal.

Now, what to drink as you eat your fill of those delectable Japanese food? Gulu Gulu’s got you there as well with its extensive line of teas that make use of the finest and first-boiled black, green, red and jasmine tea leaves, lusciously chewy black pearls, nata de coco, grass jelly and other add-ons to bring you the highest quality drinks in amazing variants.

Milk tea flavors include: Original with Pearl (Php100/700ml), Milk Tea with Nata de Coco (Php110/700ml), Milk Tea with Grass Jelly (Php110/700ml), Taro Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml), Chocolate Milk Tea with Pearl (Php110/700ml), Matcha Milk Tea with Pearl (Php115/700ml0, Original Cheese Tea (Php130/500ml | Php150/700ml), Chocolate Cheese Tea (Php135/500ml | Php155/700ml) and Brown Sugar Milk Tea (Php120/700ml).

Definitely not to be missed is the Salted Egg Milk Tea (Php130/500ml | Php155/700ml) which should appeal to the Pinoy’s penchant for sweet and salty combos.

If fruit teas are more your thing, you can select your favorite blends from among: Signature Fruit Tea (Php130/700ml | Php160/1000ml), Special Lemon Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml | Php130/1000ml) or Orange Tea (Php80/500ml | Php100/700ml).

You might also want to check out the new fruit tea flavors Mango Gulu, Strawberry Gulu and Dalandan Tea.

So if you happen to be in the area and you feel your tummy rumblin’, you know where to go!

Don’t miss out on these special offers you can enjoy in this Gulu Gulu branch until February 28:

15% off on sushi rolls and rice bowls
2 Taro Milk Teas for Php165

To know its latest promos and offers, follow Gulu Gulu on Facebook or Instagram.

This Gulu Gulu branch is located at 405 Mayon Corner Calamba Street, La Loma, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83595787, +63 916 2125964 or +63 932 6144675.

Other branches are located at Savemore Nagtahan, SM North EDSA, SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa, Sto. Domingo Avenue, QC and Dapitan Street corner Maria Cristina Street in Manila.

Don’t want to leave home? Have your takoyaki and milk tea delivered right to your doorstep by coursing your Gulu Gulu order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

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.