a bite of brownie

I’m writing a review this time for Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen. But honestly, this isn’t the 1st time I’ve dined in this restaurant. All the while though, I thought it was. Digging through a year’s worth of Instagram posts, I discovered that I dined at their SM Southmall branch in Las Piñas. And how I came about that branch could very well be an entirely separate story that could hold its own. Lots of great memories there, an international date while enjoying their Ajitama Tonkotsu, the coining and birth of the cutest name ever, and oh! Maybe we’ll touch on some of those in this review. Or maybe not. So yeah, maybe this isn’t just a review for 1 Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, but 2 Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen’s. Hehe.

So unbeknownst to myself at the time, I dined at their Alabang Town Center branch for the 2nd time. And wonderfully, I ordered a different item from the menu - the Spicy Tobanjan Tonkotsu. And for good measure, and because that’s how ramens should be enjoyed, threw a side of Ajitama Tamago and Gyoza.

Now here’s where the 1st dining experience won over the 2nd one. My ramen’s broth was too salty! It was like drinking liquified salt. It was so horrendous I had to get the attention of their manager and politely ask him if the broth was supposed to be that salty. He was taken aback and he said it shouldn’t be. He then offered to fix my bowl for me and when it was served to me the 2nd time, the saltiness was corrected and I could definitely taste the spicy side of the broth. The noodles, I asked for it to be served super hard, but maybe because of the second trip it had to the kitchen, it sort of affected aesthetically. Compared to my 1st visit a year ago, my bowl was just a joy to eat. Maybe it was their signature bowl speaking for itself or my overall mood affected everything. The ajitama on both occasions, I remember, were done right. Distinctly colored whites and semi formed, soft yolks. The 1st gyoza was better than the 2nd one by leaps and bounds. The 2nd gyoza had a funky after taste to it (yeah, I’ve eaten that many gyozas in my life!). Definitely affecting the overall dining experience, 1st had a better and larger dining area. More chairs, better lighting, and ventilation. The 2nd one felt a little too crammed. 1st branch also had better crew, attentive and very helpful.

Verdict: (I feel like I need to have 2 here)
1st - SM Southmall branch: 3.5
2nd - Alabang Town Center branch: 1.5
They are just two very contrasting experience. On one hand, I had something I really enjoyed and on the other hand, I had something I would definitely take a pass on. Their signature bowl is a must try, maybe just put a little chilli flakes to it if you want a little heat. Their spicy bowl, I’d say is good enough, if served properly. Interesting fact: 1st trip was dated Jan 20, 2017. 2nd was Jan 27, 2018. 1 year and 1 week apart. Happy anniversary, IFR!