Happy New Year! It's been a month since I last uploaded a post... I think it's about time that I add some content in this blog. First entry of the year: Ichiraku Ramen.
A few months ago, I got to try my first ever authentic ramen experience in the City of Gentle People. Since Bakugo has set a high standard, I have high hopes for Ichiraku given the fact that it is owned by a Japanese ramen chef.
I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen with rice ball (small - 120php) and an additional order of Kaedama or extra noodles (30php). Total cost: 150php - awesomely affordable.
Things I Loved:
Char shu - it was so tender it felt like it was melting in my mouth
Serving size - most ramen restaurants only offer the regular size and having a small portion is a good point for me esp. for people who are on a diet or simply couldn't consume the regular portion
Price - it's totally reasonable; it would definitely attract people to try an authentic ramen experience
Things that I think can still Improve:
Egg - I always believe that the egg in ramen should have a gooey yolk
Broth - I just wish it were thicker, milkier, and more flavorful... Although it was okay given the price point
Service time - the servers were friendly and nice but the time my order got served was a bit long for me (14 minutes) as compared to my other ramen shop experiences (around 3-7 minutes)
I can't help but compare Ichiraku and Bakugo. I would say that I prefer Bakugo's Ramen. But just to be objective, there are 2 extra good things that I think are also advantages of Ichiraku in comparison to Bakugo:
Shop hours - Ichiraku opens for lunch and dinner (11-2pm | 5pm onward) while Bakugo only opens late in the afternoon (5pm onward)
Shop ambiance - Ichiraku has air-conditioning and is cozier in general while Bakugo is an open-air establishment and the place could still improve
I suggest you try both places so that you'll have an idea of what I mean.
In conclusion, I'm just happy that there are now ramen shops in Dumaguete City. Ichiraku is a very good addition to the ramen scene in the city. If you know of other places that offers ramen, please let me know.
Until next time, guys. See you in the next blog post. ^_^ FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ichiraku.Dumaguete/