I never thought Mike and I would be celebrating our second anniversary at a ramen place. As I mentioned in this post, he's not a big fan of noodles, so we tend to eat at places that offer some sort of rice meal. So, to the man who never fails to surprise me and take me to new places, happy anniversary!
Of course, this wasn't the only thing he had planned for the day - he also took me ice skating!! Sure, I fell a couple of times (four, to be exact) and woke up the next morning with a bruise on my knee, but it was so much fun!! Mike fell once, but boy, was it epic! I'm gonna save him the embarrassment by not going into detail, but it's definitely on top of the things-I-will-remember-happened-that-day list!
I really don't mind falling over and over again as long as you're the one who catches me. <3 <3 <3
ANYWAYYYYY. Back to the food. After a two-hour session on the ice, we ended up at Kichitora of Tokyo, where we both enjoyed bowls of warm noodles as we dried off our wet butts.
Mike ordered a small serving of Chintan Ramen with Pork Chashu Rice and Almond Jelly on the side.
Knowing absolutely nothing about these authentic ramen places, I went with the Paitan Ramen Zenbu No Se since it is their bestseller. The base was creamy and flavorful, and full of toppings! I think the small serving is the perfect size for one, but if you're planning to share, get the regular.
Mike ordered a small serving of Chintan Ramen with Pork Chashu Rice and Almond Jelly on the side.
Chintan Ramen
a salt or soy sauce-based clear soup ramen topped with your choice of chicken or pork chashu, bamboo shoots, green vegetables and spring onions. Light yet satisfying, this is the fundamental bowl of ramen.
I guess they call this the "fundamental bowl of ramen," because the taste is very simple, almost plain. Where their other ramen offerings are full of spices and ingredients, this didn't. I definitely liked it more with the additional garlic/chili oil. :)
I'm glad Mike couldn't resist ordering rice. Their Pork Chashu Rice was pretty great. The meat was tender and flavorful. I especially loved the molten lava egg (ajitsuke tamago) that went with the grilled pork chashu chops and dried seaweed.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a solo shot of the Almond Jelly, but I'm recommending everyone to try it! It was the perfect dessert to cap off the night! It's very light, almost melts in your mouth, and the best part, it cleanses the palate of the spiciness of the ramen. I would come back for this alone (unless my mom knows how to make it, then I'm good :p)
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To Mike: thank you for the wonderful date and of course, the amazingly beautiful flowers!
I hope we can explore more ramen places in Manila soon :)
Love you! ♥
