Food News: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Now Open at SM Aura

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen opens its second branch at the new SM Aura. After enjoying some really cool tonkotsu ramen at Ikkoryu's first branch at the new East Wing of Shangri-La Mall Plaza (check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/03/ikkoryu-fukuoka-ramen-authentic.html), it's great to hear they now have a second branch.

Richly flavored pork bone broth simmered for hours, tender slices of chashu pork and authentic noodles are the three components of Ikkoryu's ramen, all made with their proprietary recipes and secret blends of spices and seasonings. Known for its Chikuho-style noodles and buttery tonkotsu broth, Ikkoryu serves a regional style of ramen popular in the Kyushu region. A visit to Ikkoryu's second branch was also a good time to try their other ramen dishes.

Inside, one finds the familiar wooden planks similar to their first branch. The cool zen-like interiors is also Ikkoryu's way of preserving its roots, with the wooden planks serving as a visual representation of the Chikuho region's rich forests. It's definitely a cool and unique look.

The wooden planks are also used to divide the seating areas at the center, but there more seating options on both sides of the restaurant as well as counter-style seating facing the glass-enclosed kitchen adding to the rustic, old world charm of Ikkoryu. In case you're wondering, the wooden planks feature love poems by Yasuko Sensyu, a contemporary Japanese artist. Very cool. 

Cool instructional, just in case. And now you can have your noodles prepared to your liking. If you enjoy soft noodles, tell the servers you want your noodles done Yawa (soft) or Utsu (regular). If you want your noodles firm with a little bite, or al dente, go for Katamen (hard) or Barikata (very hard). The servers recommended the barikata style of noodles, and I go with their recommendation.

Ikkoryu's  Teriyaki Chicken Wings (P 180) and Edamame (P 80) or young green soybeans, were served as starters. The chicken wings were crisp and flavorful, a perfect start. I normally go straight for the ramen at Ikkoryu, and it was good to try a new dish before the ramen feast.

Then, the first of the ramen bowls arrived, starting with the house specialty, Ikkoryu's signature Chashu Tonkotsu (P 380), the classic Tonkotsu with three flavorful pieces of tender loin chashu. The buttery and creamy broth and the tender chashu combine for a classic ramen dish. Rich, hearty and comforting, just perfect for a mid-afternoon meal. And the firm noodles, barikata style as recommended by the servers, was just perfect.

The Ajitama Tonkotsu (P 380), topped with Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen's special half-boiled egg marinated in a special blended soy sauce base, adding another layer of richness to an already rich broth.

The Special Vegetable Paste Tonkotsu (P 380), Tonkotsu soup enhanced with seasoned vegetable paste and aromatic oil. This one packs a surprising punch in flavor, with a more pronounced peppery taste. Different, and delicious too.

The Takana Tonkotsu (P 400), Tonkotsu soup with Takana pickles, imported exclusively from Japan. The sharpness of the pickles complements the rich broth for another unique flavor combination.

The Black Garlic Tonkotsu (P 380), Tonkotsu soup with special roast garlic oil. The nuttiness of the roast garlic adds a depth of flavor to the broth, giving it a slightly different character from the usual tonkotsu. With over 12 different ramen varieties to choose from, you'll definitely find your own ramen favorite. Congratulations to Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen for their second branch, and here's to even more branches in the metro.

Special thanks to Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Inc.'s Riza Meriado, Marketing Assistant, for an awesome ramen afternoon.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is located at the Second Level of SM Aura Premier, Mckinley Parkway, Mckinley Hill, Taguig.

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