From Singapore to Manila
If you love Japanese food especially ramen (like me!), this is something you don’t want to miss! Tampopo is a ramen and katsu specialty restaurant originally from Singapore. Fortunately, we already have TWO branches of Tampopo in Manila – and it’s actually the first outside of Singapore. 😉 We’re so lucky!
It’s unique offering is what initially made me curious. I mean, how is this Japanese place different from all the others I’ve tried? Tampopo is actually the FIRST dual concept Katsu-Ramen restaurant in Manila – they even have two kitchens to specialize in each!
A unique experience
A lot of Katsu and ramen places have been popping out like mushrooms but what if you find one that is more in favor of quality instead of quantity (unli everything?) Tampopo finds the right balance!
Tampopo
So enough of the hearsay – let’s try the real thing!!! 🙂
Extensive menu | “Top Trade Black Pig”
Upon arriving in Tampopo, it instantly gives you the authentic Japanese feel. Wooden interiors, open kitchen and even Japanese greetings to match. Their ramen menu ranges from the simple miso ramen to a more complex pork bone broth. For their katsu, Tampopo sets themselves apart from the other Japanese Tonkatsu stores with their use of really soft Black Pig pork.
All smiles
I also appreciate the warm welcome of the Tampopo BGC team. You could tell that they sincerely wanted to know if I enjoyed my meal or not. I think I arrived on short notice during the dry run but they gladly accommodated me! 🙂
Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen | Php460.00
HA – this is what I ordered! 🙂 I am suuuper addicted to ramen and I loved the rich flavor in this one. Served in their signature black bowl, the yummy dish is in a milky broth (made from 2 days’ worth of cooking pure pork bone soup,) topped with the Black Pig pork I mentioned! This lovely dish was voted as Singapore’s Best Ramen by HungryGoWhere.com.
PS The deluxe variant comes with corn and egg toppings
On the menu: Founded by Takaaki Takagi in Singapore
Takaaki Takagi, director and founder of Creative food Concepts is one of the key players in the Japanese F&B industry in Singapore. Over his long spanning career Takagi has set up more than 30 restaurants and eateries in Asia. Known for his passion and devotion to the F&B industry, and under his leadership, the Tampopo brand has flourished.
Sui Gyoza (6 pcs.) | Php150.00
All the items on the menu are reasonably priced. As an appetizer, I ordered 6 pcs Gyoza and it was so good. Juicy meat mixed with vegetables – yum! The ramen I ordered was even big enough for sharing! But it was so good that I forgot to share
Cheese Layer Cutlet Set | Php460.00
We super enjoyed this cheese-filled katsu. As in so cheesy that it makes cheese strings when you pull it out! Frying tonkatsu is a form of art, and Tampopo has mastered it. Made from scratch and from high quality ingredients, the Tonkatsu at Tampopo is fried to perfection.
Visit Tampopo PH!
You see the dish on the right? The ramen/katsu combo? It’s next on my list!!! If you are not sure which dish to get, I suggest you get the best of both worlds – order the Tampopo Black Pig Ramen with Black Pig Tonkatsu on the side. It seems like a great combination after trying the Katsu and Ramen separately.
Thinking about my next order
Tampopo is definitely a casual and comfortable dining experience where you and your family can enjoy high quality cuisine at a reasonable price. Budget would be around Php400-600 per head. Sulit na sulit! Tampopo currently has two branches: First one in Promenade, Greenills and the latest one in Bonifacio High Street (right above Jamba Juice!). Highly recommended! It’s definitely value for money. Stay in the loop by following Tampopo on Instagram via @tampopo_ph and Like them on Facebook! You may also view their menu at www.tampopo.ph 🙂
Til my next visit,
Yuki
(Photos by McCoy Reyes)