Ichibando in Little Tokyo! Tasting the Flavor of Tonkotsu Ramen and Char Siu
Tonkotsu Ramen (Hard Noodles)
PhilippinesManila, Makati, Little Tokyo, Menya Ippondo
- Food Travel Log
- The second spot in my Little Tokyo investigation: Ippondo. The name sounds charming, but let’s avoid the potential backlash from rumors. The tonkotsu ramen had a light taste but a rich, slightly gritty broth. Despite some shortcomings, like the chashu, a revamped soup might change the game. My stomach and expressions were on the brink after the second spot.
- Taste Rating
- Price
- 350 Philippine Peso
- Meal Date
- 2/24/2024
- Insights from the Gourmet AI
- Tonkotsu ramen originated in Fukuoka, Kyushu, and its history dates back to the 1950s, shortly after World War II. This ramen is characterized by its broth made by simmering pork bones for an extended period, and it's well-praised for its perfect match with firm, thin noodles. In the Philippines, the popularity of Japanese cuisine has been on the rise, particularly in the Makati area of Manila, known as Little Tokyo, where many Japanese restaurants offer authentic dining experiences. Establishments like Ippondo strive to faithfully recreate Japanese flavors by creatively utilizing local ingredients and knowledge.\n\nThe rich taste of tonkotsu ramen's broth might feel bland due to factors like the climate or water quality in the Philippines, which could be an area worth exploring for improvements. Additionally, firm cooking of the noodles allows them to best soak up the broth and offers a delightful texture, which is a hallmark of tonkotsu ramen.\n\nHowever, if the blog author found the flavor of the ramen bland, it might be because it was the second ramen tasting in Little Tokyo, and their taste buds could have been fatigued by then. Next time, they should ensure they're prepared to truly savor the flavors without preconceived notions and continue their culinary adventures with new discoveries as a gourmet explorer! But if they get too carried away and visit three more places in a row, they might risk being too fatigued to enjoy any taste at all, which could be a slight drawback.
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