Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

I WAS ASKED TO WAIT for three hours before I can receive my laboratory results, and since it's lunch time, I went out and took a stroll along Bonifacio High Street.  

I'm in a low budget mode that time (well, until now haha!), but I'm totally craving for noodles, or any cheap Japanese food! Then I found myself in front of this restaurant, one of the staff went out of the door and welcomed me. I was about to leave when she immediately uttered these very persuasive phrases: "Affordable lunch sets ma'am! Delicious ramen!". And yes, I went in and took a seat. 

Not really affordable (for kuripot souls, like me), but a worth-it-gastronomic-experience for adventurous foodies out there---promise! Oishi!

I seated on a table for two and found these stuff on my table. There were three types of menu and I immediately looked for the one with the "affordable" (according to the staff) lunch sets. The other two contains the details of their signature ramens and other authentic Japanese dishes.

So each lunch set costs 299 php (I'm dead *sniff*) which includes a ramen, rice or side dish, salad and cold tea. I picked the Chashu Don set (the first one, with rice of course!). 

While waiting for my food, I took a few minutes to marvel on the intricate design of the walls and ceilings. The theme of the restaurant is black and red. If you'll come here with your friends and family, you can enjoy your food while seating on those round couches. 

After 10 minutes, here they are! Three bowls of unknown flavors...I honestly don't know which one to taste first, so I took a gulp of the cold tea...

I can't put into words how I felt when I tasted the ramen...it was nice and creamy...flavors are all there, each on the right places. But before I got consumed by this bowl of delight, I dug my chopsticks into the bowl of rice (Chashu Don) with chicken toppings. Chashu Don made my heart melt...I love its savory and spicy flavor. Of course, the salad definitely balanced everything because of its crunchy texture and refreshing taste. 

ORIGINAL TONKOTSU RAMEN

CHASHU DON

CRUNCHY SALAD

I enjoyed my meal for an hour, emptying several glasses of tea in between. This won't be a regular thing for me (because it is definitely not affordable on a daily or weekly basis), but this can be a perfect payday treat for anyone who loves Japanese food :)

WIDE-EYED food monster here!

It is located along Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. They also have another branch at SM Aura Premier (2nd floor). Visit them today and let me know your thoughts! 

'til my next "unexpected" food trip!

WOFEX 2016

THE LARGEST FOOD FEST in the Philippines is back! Four days (August 3-6, 2016) of ultimate food show experience is the promise of the World Food Expo or WOFEX 2016. This is currently happening inside two big venues, WOFEX TRADE at the World Trade Center and the WOFEX MARKETPLACE at the SMX Convention Center. 

Since college, I've been consistent in attending F&B Trade shows, like the MAFBEX (Manila Food and Beverage Expo). But this year will be different for me because I had to attend the expo alone---but I had so much fun and learned a lot as well! Now let me share to you my experience. Happy reading!

Inasmuch as I wanted to be present on Day 1, I had a commitment at St. Luke's Global, so I decided to attend on Day 2 instead. I arrived at around 11:30 am at the WOFEX Marketplace (SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia) and there was already a large number of participants outside waiting to be registered. 

The entrance fee is 200 php, then you'll be given a stub and registration form to fill out. After accomplishing the form, you should fall in line and get registered for you to receive your name tag. 

         

Just stick the tag on the right side of your chest and you're now ready to enter the hall! WEEEEH!! 

Actually, I got so overwhelmed inside, there are so many people and so many food to try! Yay! Almost all the stalls offer a "free taste" on their products. So to make my entrance fee "sulit", I tried everything :)

The first item that I've tasted FOR FREE!

A cup of tea, anyone? "Sosyal" brewed tea at Twinings!

Took a shot and I was like ...*cried* water please!

I hope I can take home all of these seasonings -_-

Fruit tarts are the best!

I tasted all kinds of cheese available here!

Of course you cannot just have everything for free! Remember, these companies joined the expo to promote their products and somehow influence the visitors to use these items on their own food businesses. But don't worry, all the products here are discounted, so get ready to hoard!

Below are the stalls that offer very affordable products! I love the biscuits and cookies at Julie's (A Malaysian brand) and the great offer of Super Q for their bihon and canton noodles, plus free pansit! yumyum!

                         

                         

                         

                         

Aside from the free food and discounted items, you can also watch a LIVE cooking battle. I was so amazed on how skillful the participants are! Oh wait, It's the Philippine Culinary Cup! That explains why :)

   

           

And because I also want to learn new recipes from celebrity chefs, I allotted two hours in the Kitchen Theater. My tip: Try to be seated in front so you can get more chance to taste the food prepared by the chefs and win gift packs from sponsors once you answered their questions correctly. And as expected, I left the place with a full tummy :)

Although I'm alone in this food tripping, I'm so happy because I got explore the entire hall at my own pace. In addition to that, I met this cute mascot who was so "kilig" when I asked him for a selfie :)

I left the World Food Expo happy and contented. Though I had a hard time carrying all my purchases, I'm so glad because my family enjoyed trying all of them :)

So now, are you also interested to visit this expo? Here are some of my tips before you do that:

1. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. I know you want to look fashionable but I would suggest that you consider comfort first. Because since you'll be walking a lot, as you get through areas where there's a lot of people, a shirt-short combo or a light dress will save you from sweat. Plus, wear flat shoes also to avoid leg sprain. 

2. BRING YOUR OWN ECO BAG. Though some of the stall will give you free eco bags, it's better to have your own. Just make sure it'll be large enough if you're really planning to make a lot of purchases. 

3. KNOW THE SCHEDULE and ARRIVE EARLY. You must know what is in store for you on the day that you'll attend the expo. You can maximize your time if you'll arrive early---taste fresh samples and catch the first show at the Kitchen Theater. 

4. ASK A FRIEND TO COME WITH YOU. Yes, I think you should go with a friend, that'll be more fun!

I hope you enjoyed this post :) I really do hope you'll take advantage of the chance to experience their final wave tomorrow, August 6 (Saturday), at the SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center. Feed your mind with the new trends in Food & Beverage industry and satisfy your tummy with good food! 

See you at the next food expo!

Little Tokyo Adventures: IZAKAYA KIKUFUJI

WHO'S UP for some yummy Japanese food? Aye Aye! :)

I was with a friend when I visited the famous Little Tokyo in Makati. The place really looked like a Japanese food hub! We were lost in the middle of the Japanese lanterns and signages. I bet it'll look more authentic if the lights are on (so next time, I should visit in the evening!). 

We arrived there at around 11:00 am, but we're quite disappointed because most of the restaurants were still closed. Most of them opens at 11:30 am, while a few starts serving as early as 9:00 am. I'm so dead hungry so we looked for a place to eat right away. We settled in a restaurant located near the entrance of the Little Tokyo: Izakaya Kikufuji 

I really love the feels of going inside unknown places, in search for gastronomic dishes that will give me another epicuric experience! However, Izakaya Kikufuji intimidated us, the moment we step inside this spacious Japanese restaurant. But we cannot retreat then! A lady in traditional Japanese clothes approached us and we found ourselves sitting on a chair (but with no legs) with a thin pillow on it. 

It was amazing! even without the food yet, sitting on the floor with a low-rise table in front of us made me feel excited for this Japanese experience!

And so we asked for the menu :)

We were like "Really? this cheap?!"

A meal for a person can actually serve two, and also comes with a bowl of rice and free side dishes. You can also choose whether you like an iced coffee or fruit for dessert, which is also for free! 

MY ORDER: Beef Teppanyaki plus rice and side dishes for only 269 pesos!

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One of the many reasons why I love Japanese food is the taste---very light and not overwhelming to the taste buds! But the flavors are unique and will surely satisfy your tummy and give you a good feeling :)

And this restaurant does the job amazingly! I love their food! 

The beef is soooo tender! And its taste blends well with the vegetables :)

I thought this one is simply breaded meat, but I was shocked because these are actually raw fish meat! *cried*

I settled for fresh watermelon slices instead of iced coffee :)

They serve fast! We ordered Katsu Ni and Beef Teppanyaki (plus the rice and sides) and the lady who attended to us served everything in appropriate temperatures. However, I just don't like the containers (bowls) they used for the food we ordered. In addition to that, I'm not quite impressed on their plating skills when I saw the dishes (except for the California Maki). But at least, all of them are delicious. 

Of course they also have the pricey ones...like their California Maki which costs 280 pesos for 8 pieces. But I tell you, they serve the best Maki! 

A must-try!

If you don't want to be seated on the floor, they have areas with normal chairs. (I love those that surrounds the kitchen area, because you get to see what they are preparing inside while you're eating)

It doesn't look attractive outside, but the interiors will make you say "Suteki na!" (very nice!) You should visit their place today! They are located along Chino Roces Avenue: 2277 Pasong Tamo, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

After a very sumptuous lunch! Hello to my pretty food buddy, Ajay :) 

And there's me, the happy kid! 

Well, see you again next time my epicure friends! I hope you'll visit this place soon and don't forget to share your experiences with me!

Go ahead and have a cheat day, once in a while :)