Kichitora of Tokyo: Authentic Tokyo Ramen in SM Megamall

After our pampering session at the ChaLife Milk Tea launch in Nail It!, we headed out to SM Megamall to grab a bite. We first met up with Berylle's bf, D, who generously treated us at the newly-opened authentic ramen place in SM Megamall, Kichitora of Tokyo.

Located in SM Megamall's 2nd floor Mega Atrium, Kichitora of Tokyo which restaurant fronts Yabu, brings together the winning recipes of three famous ramen and soba chains in Tokyo -- Kohmen, Kookai and Daijin. And while its interior is generally dark and sleek, the tiger prints on the wall give out not just a pop of color, but even epitomizes what Kichitora stands for, "lucky tiger" (Kichi means lucky, while tora is tiger in Japanese).

Having recently opened, Kichitora of Tokyo was still on its soft opening phase when we visited. It didn't feel as such though as we were welcomed very enthusiastically by the whole crew, as well as Mr. Larson Chan, D's schoolmate and one among the restaurant's owners, who shared with us that they've even flown in chefs all the way from Japan to bring the most authentic Japanese ramen creations here in Metro Manila.

To formally start our dinner, we had an order of their Gyouza (P150). Just a single bite from this 5-piece treat and my eyes glistened in pure happiness. Seriously, this is the best gyoza I've ever tasted in my whole life! The pan-fried wrapper was so delicately crisp while still being soft from steaming. And after absorbing how beautiful the dumpling shell was cooked, you'll get to experience an explosion of succulent meaty goodness. We were told that these were machine-made, and you can just imagine my awe after hearing that. I never knew machine-made gyouza can be this excellent! Oishii!!!

A bowl of the Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen (P360) then followed suit. Just like the gyouza, this is also a winner! It has a light, creamy, yet very flavorful broth with slices of moist and succulent chicken breasts and served with thin, firm and chewy noodles, ones which I deem the perfect ramen noodles I've ever had! Mr. Chan shared with us that the secret to such amazing flavors and texture is their 8-hour cooking preparation. Just imagine chicken meat cooking on slow heat for that long... That's just perfection!

If the previous bowl is fit for the ladies, then this one is definitely for the macho diners. The Special Miso Chashu Ramen with Ma Oil (P395), dubbed as the burger counterpart in the world of ramen, is a bowl packed with strong flavors of grilled pork chasu slices. If not for the bamboo shoots and thicker noodles, I'd find the taste too overbearing. However, if you dig super bold meaty flavors, then I'm sure you'd love this!

Aside from ramen, we also got the Spicy Mabo Tofu with Pork Tsukemen (P395). If you're new to tsukemen, it's basically "dipping noodles," one of my favorites where the cold noodles is served separately from the dipping sauce. For this serving, the sauce is thick, rich and spicy while being equally meaty. Every chopstick-full was so enjoyable as the thick noodles complements its moderately-spicy dipping sauce so well.

Our last noodle dish, the Jajamen with Soft-Boiled Egg (P395) was coincidentally our least favorite among everything we had for the night. Being a dry, cold noodle dish, it was quite similar to the Spicy Mabo Tofu with Pork Tsukemen save for the spice. And while the runny egg on top and the slices of bamboo shoots were the only things we found interesting in this dish, I can't deny that it was good for what it is.

The serving sizes at Kichitora of Tokyo is generally good for one. And honestly, if you're more of a big eater, a bowl might leave you wanting for more. However, for the prices, it's best and more cost-efficient to order from their set menu where you can get 2 items (ramen + gyouza or rice bowl) at standard sizes for less than P500.

THE VERDICT

While it was unfortunate that we missed out on desserts, I can positively tell that we'll find ourselves returning to Kichitora of Tokyo again and again. Everything we had was excellent and of top-notch quality. Service was also fast and courteous that you can't even tell they're on soft opening! Actually, the quality of Kichitora of Tokyo's food and service even at this stage, can give more experienced restaurants a run for their money!

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Kichitora of Tokyo, SM Megamall
2/F SM Megamall, Mega Atrium, Julia Vargas Ave.,
Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 775-1100
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