Oh how I love anything Japanese... or anything
"Raw and Ramen" for that matter. The mix of simplicity and elegance
of Japanese food always excites my taste buds and my growling tummy, all the
time. I've never been to Japan (where you can find and taste its finest and
authenticity, of course), and I'm planning to visit it in God's time, but for
now, I'm exploring what the Philippines has to offer for me in terms of
Japanese food. Whenever I come to eat at a Japanese restaurant, I only order
two things: a Shashimi (tuna or Salmon) and any type of their Ramen. I hardly
taste or try other chows. In this article, I will try to take you into my
experiences with several restaurants for your own personal reference. Enjoy!
RAMEN COOL
4th Floor, SM City Manila
Arroceros St. cor San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila
First impression surely last. When I think of
Ramen Cool, my first recall will be its warm and bright ambiance. Its owner
really did an awesome job on its interior manifest, just the way I like it.
BRIGHT. OPEN. CLEAN. WARM. If you ask me, in terms of decoration and set up,
I'll give it a perfect 10. (*wink)
Pork Shoyuramen (Php 170). It taste as good as it looks, for
a cheap price. A "MUST" try!
California Love (Php 195). This creation is basically a California
Maki with an additional Kani (crabmeat) and Mango on top.
Honestly, I prefer my CaliMaki as it is. So
I am not a fan of this one.
But that is not the only thing that makes me
come back to this place. Aside from the place itself, it also offers its food at
a very reasonable/ surprisingly cheap prices without sacrificing its
taste/quality nor its content/quantity.
Tuna Sashimi (Php 155). Between Tuna and Salmon, I prefer the
former. Their Sashimis are so fresh that I can't get
enough of it, literally. A "MUST" Try!
Salmon Sashimi (Php 165). Sweet and Fresh as I like it.
The service crews are very friendly and very attentive as well. Serving of food is about 5 to 10 minutes top. Aside from cash, they also accept Credit Card and Debit card. Service fee is not included in the receipt so don't be shy to tip the servers. :-))
Brewed Coffee (Php 65). I ordered one because its raining that
day, and I need a hot beverage to ease the cold. It didn't
disappoint. Love it!
So far, I visited this place thrice already and the food satisfies me every time. In my next visit, I will surely try their other ramens and sushi. I hope you'll have a lovely experience as I did when you visit. Be sure to let me know what you think.
Budget: Php 400 for 2 pax
RATINGS: EXCELLENT!!
Food: 
Place:
Service:
Price:
KIMONO KEN
2nd Floor, SM BF-Paranaque City
Sucat Highway cor. BF Homes Paranaque City
We were about to check for a movie when we came across this Restaurant. Originally, I am craving for cupcakes and burgers at that time (weird combination, I know hahaha!) But since we could not find any decent burger joints anywhere and the cupcakes were not that appetizing to me, and of course I am a sucker for Japs Food, we ended up in this place. Well, what can I say, ambiance wise, it is very dark and ancient for me. The interior was patterned to look like any other traditional Japanese Restaurant. Very Black and Very Red.
Placemat setting: (^^,)
Maguro (Tuna) Sashimi (Php 250). Served with Radish
Sheds and Cucumber. It seem fresh but the cuts are thick than
usual. Anyhow, I still love it.
California Maki (Php 150). Delicious. 'Nuff said.
The food are expensive but its taste does not match such high price. Plainly, the only dish I love in this resto is the Beef Teriyaki. Maybe I ordered the wrong food or I overly sensitized my taste buds. Either way I am not a satisfied costumer.
Beef Teriyaki Beef (Php 280). This teriyaki is a two thumbs up
for me. Out of all the food I ate/tasted in this resto, only with
this Dish I am fully satisfied. (and its not even what I ordered)!
Gyudon (Donburi) (Php 280). Expensive and not worthy of
my money. The rice is literally drowning with its sauce. Taste
wise, its not working for me. It taste very Salty becausethe
rice was overpowered by the sauce. (Disappointed!)
On the positive note, the servers are nice and attentive. They also accept Credit cards and Debit cards. Service Charge is included in the receipt. Be sure to let me know what you think!
Budget: Php 1,000++ for 2 pax
RATINGS: AVERAGE!
Food: 
Place:
Service: 
Price:
For Price and Menu Inquiries visit this site:
http://www.zomato.com/manila/kimono-ken-sm-city-north-edsa-quezon-city/menu#tabtop
ICHIRO
2nd Floor, One Archers Place
De La Salle University, Taft, Manila
Pork Katsudon (Php 120) & Salmon Sashimi (Php 160) served
with Coleslaw and Cucumber. Yum!
De La Salle University-Manila Food scene is always evolving. One day, one store opens, the next day, another closes. This is so because DLSU Students are always hungry for something different. Some place where food are either cheap or expensive. Tasty or bland. It does not matter as long as one is satisfied. Believe me, I know. I am one of those students. One of the decent restaurant in Taft I stick to is Ichiro. Their food are student budget friendly because it is cheap but delicious and buzz worthy. The space are quite congested specially during rush times as students always jump-pack the place. I always eat in this place, thrice a month, ordering the same food, Pork Katsudon and Salmon/tuna Sashimi. I am satisfied every time. Feel free to visit! Remember, Be sure to let me know what you think!
Budget: 100++ per pax
RATINGS: SATISFACTORY!!
Food:
Place:
Service:
Price:
Justine
