Kichitora of Tokyo, Megamall

Kichitora of Tokyo, located right across the successful Yabu, has reached its own buzzworthy heights in bringing to Manila the authentic flavor of Japanese ramen.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect now that Ramen outbreak is in Manila.  I visited the restaurant together with Frannywanny sometime end of November and with dozens of backlogs, I haven’t found the time to share the discovery until today.  Their noodles are made from high quality flour specially formulated by Kichitora.  But the story doesn’t stop at the noodles.  It even starts with Kichitora’s chicken soup, which is carefully prepared to ensure exceptional taste and quality.

For a quick reference, Kichi translates to the word “Lucky,” while tora translates to “Tiger”.  Both characters are a symbol for the two families that collaborated for Kichitora.  SM Megamall is the first international branch of Kichitora Worldwide.

For someone who appreciates healthier dishes nowadays, a good bowl of tasty ramen is my soup for the food soul.  Slightly clouded liquid in a bowl with a shrub of noodles can easily underwhelm but that’s nowhere found here.  Kichitora of Tokyo aims to bring that Japanese dining experience revolving around making ramens, with bowls after bowls that can spawn stories of delight and contentment.

On the Table

Special Miso Chasu Ramen with Ma Oil (Ma-Yu)

Fran and I decided to split a few orders between us.  The first that arrived is the special miso chasu ramen with ma oil or ma yu.  You can choose to add extra toppings on your ramen, whether Chicken Chasu (P100) or grilled chicken or the Pork Chasu or grilled pork (P100).

Other toppings you can order for extra portions are Dried Seaweed (P40), Mixed Vegetables (P50), Green Vegetables (P40), Ajitama Half Boiled Egg (P20), Bamboo Shoots (P40).

Notable on what Kichitora can bring to the table is having that real sensibility to balance.  The broth retains its creamy steadiness even with traces of oil and garlic that add a different depth of flavor.  What I particularly enjoyed is the fact that they just don’t include slices of regular pork chasu, their pork chasu is grilled first which appendage the flavor all the more with that smoky grilled flavor.

Gyoza (5 pieces) P150

Japanese potstickers, great as an appetizer or as a side dish to your favorite bowl of ramen

Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Tsukumen P360

I thought the flavor profile can’t get any more built-in than the Special Miso Chasu Ramen with Ma Oil but there is really beauty in simplicity.  Or the enigma of simplicity with a tinge of complexity.  I didn’t expect much from the Paitan but the hours-slow-boiled white soup brought colors to my palate than any other multi-hued soups or dishes.  That semi-clear broth has layers of flavors that reveals itself slurp after slurp after slurp.

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Paitan (white soup) Chicken Ramen P360

If you’re not yet familiar with Tsukumen and enjoy your Ramen as you know it, there’s a ramen version of the Paitan Chicken.  Another interesting dish to order is Kichitora’s Jajamen, which is Japanese Pork Sauce with Dry Noodles, served with Soft Boiled Egg (P395).

Nanban Style Fried Chicken P250

Fried chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection with a crunchy batter coating the tender and juicy white chicken meat.  Squeeze some lemon juice to upsurge the flavor with some citrus hint.

I don’t think you’ll ever get tired of Kichitora’s flavorful ramens but just in case, your craving for a different type of starch, order their rice bowls: Charcoal Grilled Pork Chasu Rice Bowl (P175) or Charcoal Grilled Chicken Chasu Rice Bowl (P175).

Kichitora offers Set Menus like their Shoyu Chicken Ramen + Gyoza P425 or if you can’t decide between rice and ramen, you can have a portion of both with Kichitora’s Paitan (White Soup) Chichen Ramen + Chasu Rice Bowl, choose either Pork or Chicken, combo (P490).

Have you tried Kichitora of Tokyo in Megamall?  I’m looking at visiting again soon.  I’ve been feeling under the weather and a bowl of Kichitora ramen, specifically their Paitan or Chicken White Soup can be just the right antidote for my food soul blues.

Kichitora of Tokyo

2/F SM Megamall, Mega Atrium,

Julio Vargas Ave., Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City

775 1100

Kichitora of Tokyo Flickr Album