My Ramen Fix in LA - Ramen Yamadaya

I love Ramen!  I knew where to get one back home in Philippines.  But now that I am in LA, I have some homework to do! =)  We just googled for Ramen places in LA and saw one (Ramen Yamadaya) which is near our place and is also rated well.

One weekend, we decided to go and try it.  It is situated near a freeway exit and sits in a lot which includes a laundromat, a couple of shops and a convenience store.  It was such an unassuming place that you wouldn't think that it is included in the 12 best noodle spots in LA (as listed by Zagat).  I was surprised to see how small the place was that I quickly told my husband (who was just about to park) to turn around, haha!

Okay, not that I am picky or snooty!  For the record, I love exploring the hole in the wall kind!  But if you have two toddlers in tows who are sleeping (and that means two strollers!), you need some space.  I think you will understand where I am coming from when you see the next photo.   

I knew we will come back. . .  when we only need to bring one stroller, haha!

And we did.  The Princess wanted to eat some noodles so we thought this would be our chance to go back to Ramen Yamadaya because our Prince is sleeping (again!).  

Welcome to Ramen Yamadaya!

Did I tell you that it was a small place?  Haha! (22-seater).

And yes, that's our table (by the corner) and stroller (lower left in the photo).

The Menu

We have been to this place twice already (after I said "No", hehe)

Here are the things we have ordered. . . everything we had was good!

Takoyaki Balls - my favorite =)

Tori Kara-age

Pork Tonkatsu-curry

Chicken Teriyaki

Tonkotsu Ramen

Goes without saying that Ramen Yamadaya has been our go-to place for our Ramen fix.  We always leave with happy and satisfied tummies! =)  

If there's one thing you can take away from this post is. . . . Don't judge a book by its cover!

Haha! =)

For more details about Ramen Yamadaya and their locations, please visit their website.

Ramen AGAIN!

I think I've turned into a Ramen addict!  Haha!  Over the weekend, we got the chance to try another Ramen place when we went malling in SM Aura.  (You can read about my first bowl of Ramen here.)

We ordered gyoza for our appetizer.  Hubby and I are not really gyoza lovers but we loved this place's gyoza because I like how they were cooked and the size they came in (I don't like big gyozas).  Since they're not big, there is less "umay" factor which I like. . . and no after taste!  And most importantly, they were juicy!   

An order of gyoza (Php 150.00) has 6 pcs - Hubby got one before I took this shot =)

We also ordered Chicken Karaage (180.00) - one word. . . crispy!  Crrruuunnch!   

Before going to Ikkoryu, we did our research and read that one of their Must-try is the Black Garlic Tonkotsu.  Since I am sharing my bowl with Ate, this wasn't the time to try any special ramen (yes, even if it's a Chef's Recommendation!)  So we ordered Chasu Tonkotsu (Php 380.00).  It's the Original Tonkotsu Ramen with more Chasu pieces, yayyy! Haha!

  

Hubby ordered the Ajitama Tonkotsu (Php 380.00) - As described in the menu - "Topped with a special half-boiled egg that is fully marinated with a special blended soy sauce base" 

Dining at Ikkoryu Fukuoka was another good Ramen experience.  I know there are more Ramen houses to conquer, and I'm just warming up, haha!

One day, I'm sure I'll be able to choose which one is my personal fave.  But for now, I'm just enjoying each bowl of Ramen that comes.

Happy Tummy, Happy Family! =)

Ikkoryu Fukuoka has branches at Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong and SM Aura in Makati.

If you want to know more about Ikkoryu Fukuoka's menu, please click here or you may also visit their FB page.

Ramen Sunday

There is a Ramen craze going on in Manila that I've lost count of the Ramen places that I've been reading in food blogs!  

Over the weekend, we were in Glorietta and were looking for a place to have  lunch a late lunch.  When you are with a toddler who loves soup and noodles, it's either you go Chinese or Japanese!  Then I remembered a new Ramen place in Glorietta which just opened early this year.  Actually, I had to ask Concierge what the the name was because I couldn't remember what it was!  Haha!  

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (a franchise which originated from Hokkaido, Japan) is a fairly small restaurant.  It has a nice interior, proper lighting and a cool air-conditioning system!  (If you're a Filipino, a restaurant which has a good air-conditioning system earns an extra star! Haha!). . . love the place's ambiance and vibe.  =) 

Image from Ramen Santouka's FB page

Menu items include Ramen (of course, haha!), a few Rice Bowls, Salad, Side Dishes and Dessert.  I find the menu limited though.  I was hoping they would have some Japanese rolls or Makis. . . okay, I know, IT IS a Ramen place!  Haha!  But just saying. . . 

(If you want to see their menu, please click this link.)

I ordered Shio Ramen for Ate.  "Shio" means salt.  I always get this type of broth for Ramen.  I haven't tried Shoyu (soy sauce) or Miso though.    

I asked for a Bowl for Ate and when the staff learned that it was for her, they gave me this . . .

Cute noh?  How nice of them to think of their young diners!

My sister had Tonkatsu Curry Rice (sorry, wasn't able to take a picture of it) and for myself, I ordered a Small Ramen and Tonkatsu Meal Set which came with a small salad (it was a really small bowl, it was a cute bowl, haha!  Loved the sesame dressing!) , a fave of mine --- Chawan mushi (steamed egg) and tea. 

Such a beautiful, golden-fried Tonkatsu!  

The Tonkatsu sauce came in a jar and a serving of black and white sesame seeds which I believe should be crushed and then mix the sauce with it (just like what I've seen in other Tonkatsu places). But I didn't bother to ask the staff anymore about the sesame seeds simply because . . . I was really hungry starving!  Yes, I had a low EQ that moment, Haha!

When I saw that the pork cutlet was thick, my fear was it's going to be chewy.  This is one of the few times when I'm happy to say that I was wrong!  It was tender and I didn't have a problem cutting and chewing it.  

I loved everything we ordered.  The Ramen is really good (broth, noodles and all), the cutlet was tender and I like the sauce that came with it.  The food came in big portions---their small bowl of Ramen is filling already and their Set Meal can be easily shared by 2 people.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is the first Ramen place in Manila I have tried and I know there are other Ramen places that I still need to check out.  But I had a nice meal in this place and loved everything about it.  The casual and relaxing ambiance of the place, nice staff and of course, food that is good and filling!

I will definitely come back . . . even if they don't have any Makis!  Haha! =)

For more details about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Philippines, please visit their FB page.

Ramen Santouka

G/F Glorietta 4

Ayala Center, Makati City

(Across the Food Court entrance of SM Makati)