I was invited last week to visit Ikkoryu at Shangri-la Mall East Wing to try their new and classic offerings. I've been curious about Ikkoryu for a long time, but I haven't had a chance to try their ramen before.
Wooden panels with Japanese characters written on it is what Ikkoryu is known for. Aside from the booth fronting the kitchen, modern tables and chairs are also available, though quite limited given the space of this branch.
I was pleasantly surprised that the CEO of YS Food, Masanori Ogata, and the PR director for Ikkoryu, Kenji Komuro, were joining us that evening. Mr. Ogata doesn't speak English but was quite accommodating and would smile often. He runs ramen stores around Asia under the brand Yamagoya Ramen, which has branches in Indonesia, Malaysia, and China.
Kenji explained that Ikkoryu specializes in Kyushu ramen, where Mr. Ogata came from. Kyushu ramen is known for tonkotsu ramen.
For starters, we were served Gyoza (Php 150 for 6 pcs) and Karaage (Php 180).
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| Gyoza |
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| Karaage |
I was satisfied with the Gyoza, but the Karaage won my heart. The serving was quite generous, and the chicken was served really crispy. :)
We were served one of their bestselling ramen bowls, the Ajitama Tonkotsu Ramen (Php 380).
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| Ajitama Tonkotsu Ramen |
Ajitama Tonkotsu is garnished with Chashu, green onions, bamboo shoots, wood ear, and dried seaweed, topped with Ajitama. The soup was indeed hearty and creamy that you wouldn't want to stop slurping the whole bowl.
A new addition to their menu is the Yuzu-Tama Tonkotsu Ramen (Php 380).
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| Yuzu-Tama Tonkotsu Ramen |
This ramen bowl is flavored with yuzukosho, a paste made from chili peppers, yuzu peel (citrus found in Japan), and salt. The spiciness brought by this ramen bowl complements the creaminess of the tonkotsu. It made me want to eat more and eat quickly. It was something that I would crave for in this kind of weather. Don't forget to order more Ajitama (Php 50). :)
It was no wonder that Ikkoryu is one of the fastest-growing ramen stores in Manila, as they indeed have the best tonkotsu ramen. I wouldn't mind lining up for another bowl of the authentic Kyushu ramen.
Thanks to Riza, Kenji, and Mr. Ogata of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen for having us.
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Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Level 5, East Wing
Shangri-la Plaza Mall
Mandaluyong City
Contact Number: 4778333
Twitter: @ikkoryuph
Other branches are Powerplant Mall and SM Aura
I've heard a lot of raves for the Yuzu-Tama Tonkotsu Ramen. Hope to try it soon!
ReplyDeleteHope you'll like it, Stacy! :)
DeleteI had their black garlic ramen last time, it was greasy. I liked the taste but I wish it was less greasy. I'll try tonkotsu next time :)
ReplyDeleteI should try the Black Garlic next time :)
DeleteLove ramen! Lalo na on a rainy and cold day. =)
ReplyDeleteMe too! :)
DeleteIm a fan of Ajitama! hehe. the place is very unique, I didn't know that they are known for this.
ReplyDeleteYou should give this place a try, Janine! :)
DeleteThe boyf and I have tried Ikkoryu before, and while we like the taste, we found their ramen too oily. :( Medyo nakakahilo after finishing a bowl. Hopefully that wouldn't be the case on our next visit. I'd love to try the Yuzu-Tama Tonkotsu next time.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't oily naman for me. But you should really try the Yuzu- Tama! :)
DeleteI agree with Sumi, their broth was oily... though compared to some other ramen restos, I found it more flavorful, which was a plus. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree. It was flavorful naman. :)
DeleteLooks yummy! Maka try nga sa Ikkoryu next time! I love tonkotsu, will note of yuzu-tama tonkotsu :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think after you've tried it, Mariane! :)
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