OH MY GOODNESS!

Fukuoka is Ramen.

Photographed and Written by JUN REYNALES.

IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN, SM Aura BGC Taguig City, July 22, 2013 – When Fukuoka means Ramen.

In a chanced invitation in that overcast day of July, I was invited to partake and try some delicious japanese ramen noodles in their newly-opened branch in that controversial SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. 

No amount of controversy stopped me from venturing to a food tasting invitation before so I said a big YES. Hehe. So after a few minutes of searching in that mall, I found the Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen restaurant, and was received by the charming marketing assistant Riza Meriado. She eventually introduced me to the men behind the restaurant’s success – Kenji Komus (PRO, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen) and Masanori Ogata (CEO, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen) – which operates not only their ramen house in Japan and the Philippines, but in the countries of Taiwan,Thailand and China as well.

Through the stories and experiences of Masanori Ogata, told us that japanese culture is so much engraved in their dishes. Fukuoka, being situated inland in Japan, their ramen noodles have more meats like pork, beef, and chicken that adds up to the flavours. Ogata added that his great grandparents handed down to him the ingredients and the right formula and mixture befitting their ancestry thus making it one of the best, if not the best, ramen noodle restaurant. His word of “Me de tai” meaning “happy fish” means that they only use the best ingredients, and if he is not satisfied as a ramen noodle regular, he will not share it and sell it. That’s one sincere guarantee of a good satisfying food experience: guaranteed by the company’s CEO.

Enough!

Now comes the Tonkotsu treats!  First I get to enjoy and try their Ajitama Tonkotsu. It’s the restaurant’s best seller. Pork slices with specially marinated soup with hard-boiled eggs and served in a good portion of bowl.  Next was their Black Garlic Tonkotsu. A delicious soup with good ramen noodles with their special roast garlic oil. And the third ramen noodles tried was Spicy Tobanjan Tonkotsu, nice ramen noodle soup with that spicy Tobanjan paste that added character to it. Not so spicy, the way I preferred it anyhow. Added treat was their version of dumplings called Gyoza – a good treat.

The restaurant also excudes the beauty of a typical ramen noodle house in Fukuoka region in Japan. With special kanji writings by one of japanese renowned calligrapher Sensyu Yasuko, a brilliant skilled lady in the ancient and majestic art of Japanese Calligraphy.

Through her simple works that is strewn around the areas of the Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen restaurant, you would not only savor and taste the delicious flavours the wonderful noodles but also feel the culture that is synonymous to its heritage.

Indeed... Life is Good!