Love at First Bite: Ippudo

I have been planning to visit Ippudo since it opened but the line was so discouraging. I could never wait for over an hour just for a bowl of ramen while my tummy’s staging World War 3. I figured that in a month or two, the line wouldn’t be as crazy. WRONG. But last Friday, which happens to be a pay day Friday the 13^th, there was no line at all. (Okay, it was 4 p.m. then.)

Finally!!! Hello, Ippudo!

First thing I noticed was the bar table perfect for solo diners. I think I just found my new favorite hangout place.

I was famished when we got there as I haven’t had lunch yet. So I decided to go for Shiromaru Motoaji Special (PHP480), Ippudo Pork Bun (PHP100), Ippudo Chicken Bun (PHP100) and Ippudo Hakata-Style Gyoza (PHP195).

First served was the gyoza.

It was served hot and it was juicy with a slight crunch on the fried parts. Yummy though it was more expensive compared to the gyoza of other ramen shops.

The pork bun looked so delicious and it did not disappoint. The braised pork belly was soft and slightly sweet. I really enjoyed it. I think two orders of this would be enough to calm a “hangry” person.

The chicken bun had a thick slice of boneless grilled chicken in teriyaki sauce. It was good but I prefer the pork bun. This one tasted like chicken teriyaki in a steamed bun (mantao).

Now for my ramen…

The serving size is good for one as there weren’t that much noodles but there were a lot of toppings. I enjoyed the kikurage (mushrooms) and bean sprouts as it added crunch to the ramen. I also liked my hard noodles. The pork loin was a tad bland but it was a good contrast with the salty tonkotsu broth. I fell in love with the soft-boiled egg as it was perfectly cooked! The soft and sweet chasu went really well with the dish as it added flavor. In short, it was a bowl of heaven.

It was one great meal! I will definitely be back to try the other dishes!

Ippudo is located at 3^rd floor, SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City.