A homegrown concept known for its unique Sizzling Ramen, Kureji ups the ante with new menu offerings...
It's different. Fun. And even crazy. It's the ramen experience, re-imagined. And it works. Now with three locations, Kureji is all set to spread its signature Crazy Ramen experience throughout the metro (for more on Kureji's signature sizzling ramen, see my earlier post from last year here at Crazy Sizzling Ramen at Kureji). Plus, an expanded menu due to popular demand to complement Kureji's ramen specials add even more reasons to visit. Think of it as Kureji's way of completing your dining experience. Things are looking crazy good at Kureji...
Located along Malakas Street in Diliman, Quezon City, Kureji's third branch isn't what you'd expect. With its other two branches located in malls, a beautifully restored former ancestral home becomes the stage for Kureji's signature dishes. Structural elements from the past blend seamlessly with the elegant, modern and clean design...
...making you feel right at home the moment you enter. The split-level sixties-era residence was opened up allowing more natural light in to complete the rustic and homey vibe. It's quite refreshing to dine in a home instead of the usual mall setting. Start your meal with Kureji's sweet and refreshing Honey Citrus Soda (P 130), a soothing honey citron blend with soda water for that extra fizz. And when you drink it all the way, ask for a spoon to get all that sweet citrus rinds at the bottom.
A few more sips and you're just about ready for some tasty appetizers before Kureji's specialty ramen. Ramen, and the signature ramen, are undoubtedly the stars headlining Kureji's menu. But the supporting cast deserve some special mention too...
...like Kureji's crisp and juicy wings in Soy and Garlic (P 250), spicy Sriracha (P 250) and Salt and Vinegar (P 250) variants. Each variant has its own distinctive profile, and it's hard to pick just one for your own list of favorites at Kureji.
For me, it's a contextual thing. Any of these variants would work on a given day, depending on how you woke up, your current mood and craving or how the day went. It's really one of those safe bets. Deep-fried for that crisp and juicy texture, the delicate richness of the chicken is enhanced by the different flavors of the glazes, from the fiery Sriracha...
...the clean yet bold notes of the Salt and Vinegar...
...to the sharp and nutty hints of the Soy and Garlic, whatever you choose, any of these would be the perfect starter before your ramen dish. Kureji also offers the equally flavorful Miso Chicken Wings as another tasty option. Four tasty variants, and that's just for starters.
But Kureji offers even more innovative sides, like the Chicken Manila Gyoza (P 200), a Japanese classic with a cool local spin. Tossed in a flavorful annatto sauce, the initial notes remind you of the local chicken inasal.
The soft dumplings drizzled with annatto is a savory side dish that pairs well with any of the specialty ramen of Kureji. Light yet full of flavor, each tasty bite will have you going for another...
...and these dumplings are gone in no time at all. Kureji always surprises with its inventive culinary style, but there's more...
The Tuna Tataki Taco (P 320) includes crisp nori tempura served with fresh tuna and avocado with a side of tart salsa delivering both vibrant notes and contrasting textures with each bite. Just grab a piece of nori and top it with fresh tuna and salsa, and repeat. The fresh and clean notes of tuna play well with the salsa and crisp nori for another tasty play on both flavor and texture. It's this innovative approach to flavors that make Kureji different and special.
The Mixed Tempura (P 490) with delicately battered and crisp deep-fried prawn, kisu, soft-shell crab and vegetables offers familiar flavors that also pair well with your ramen at Kureji. Light and delicately crisp on the outside, each piece offers distinct flavors from the briny notes of the prawns and soft shell crab to the subtle sweetness of the kisu or Japanese whiting and vegetables.
Elegantly plated in an ornate bowl, it's another tasty centerpiece to your feast at Kureji. It's also one of the newest menu additions at Kureji, showcasing traditional offerings alongside its innovative ramen dishes.
And now, you can also enjoy the classic kamameshi at Kureji. The traditional Japanese kettle rice makes its debut at Kureji with the Mushroom and Pumpkin Kamameshi (P 350) made with Japanese rice, mushrooms, and pumpkin simmered in Kureji's very own kamameshi stock. Loaded with fresh vegetables, the nutty and earthy notes of mushrooms and natural sweetness of the pumpkin come together seamlessly with the new kamameshi dish. It's a full meal in itself. The variety of mains make Kureji your first and last stop for inventive Japanese cuisine.You can also opt for Kureji's Chicken Teriyaki Kamameshi and Coconut Prawn Kamameshi for even more choices.
But it's the sizzle that truly sets Kureji apart. The Sizzling Carbonara Udon (P 420) served in a fiery hot stone bowl takes your comforting carbonara to a whole different level. The sizzling udon draped in creamy carbonara sauce topped with fresh egg, enoki mushrooms, shimenji mushrooms and crisp bacon bits treats the senses to a visual feast, first feeding the eyes followed by a fragrant aroma. Just gently tap the egg yolk and let it ooze down the udon noodles where it sizzles even more to complete the dish. Rich, creamy and full of flavor, the richness of the dish is tempered by the nutty mushrooms and smoky bacon. Carbonara with a sizzle, and it works.
When cheese meets ramen, you just know it's going to be different. Cheese becomes an unexpected main component in Kureji's Cheese Ramen (390), one of Kureji's signature ramen made with menma and fork-tender pork chashu in a thick and creamy cheddar broth topped with parmesan cheese. The creamy notes of the cheese coats your palate with its familiar and comforting richness, perfectly finished by the soft yet firm noodles and savory pork chashu. When you just can't say cheese enough, there's always the Cheese Ramen at Kureji.
But the signature sizzle of Kureji has one more tasty surprise. The Sizzling Tomato Seafood Ramen (P 420) announces its arrival with a bubbly entrance, made with Kureji's signature spicy tomato tori paitan broth topped with succulent kani, salmon, squid, kimuchi and noodles served in a sizzling stone bowl. Kureji combines the traditional ramen with a sizzling hot stone bowl bringing out the aroma of the slow-cooked broth to add another dimension of texture and flavor to the noodles, broth and other ingredients. It is a different ramen experience that can only be found at Kureji.
Sure, it may go against tradition but Kureji maintains all the mandatory elements in preparing their signature ramen with absolutely no shortcuts from the premium wheat noodles, the slow-cooked tori paitan chicken broth simmered for hours to the freshest toppings. Let it sizzle for a few more minutes (a cool mini hourglass is placed beside it for your easy reference) before pouring additional broth to seal in the flavors. The bestselling Sizzling Tomato Seafood Ramen is the first of its kind in the country, and the difference is not only with the sizzle but the whole package of fresh and premium ingredients and the delicate manner of preparation. The result is a vibrantly flavored broth with bold and tart notes complemented by a medley of fresh seafood, perfectly finished by the searing hot and bubbly presentation.
Sizzling Rice Bowls, four varieties of Asian-flavored chicken wings, kamameshi kettle rice and tempura, diners can now expect so much more at Kureji aside from their signature ramen. There's more to Kureji than the sizzle, but then again, it's the sizzle that sets them apart.
Kureji is located at 78 Malakas Street, Diliman, Quezon City or call 729-4909 for inquiries and more information.
Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Got something to share? I'd love to hear from you...