Tampopo たんぽぽ Philippines: Ramen and Katsu Dinner (Greenhills Promenade)

We've been to ramen houses and tonkosu joints but why not go to one that specializes in both?   Thus, we decided to dine at Tampopo たんぽぽ Philippines one random Saturday nightin Greenhills Promenade. 

It is located at the first floor, highly visible by passerby.

It has an enticing display too.

The interiors is one of a kind.  It has a nice Japanese feel because of the bamboo and wood material.

Food

Kyushu Ramen

♥  Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen (460 php)

Everyone in the family ordered the Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramenbecause they were enticed by the 2-day boiling process of the black pork bone soup.  Kyushuis the province whichHakata district of Fukuoka City is part of.  Thus, the preparation of this is Tonkotsu or Hakata-style.  This is spicy which is evident from the chili powder so you can request for a milder version.  It comes with thin, hard and straight noodles.  The Charsiew is thinly sliced, tender and lean black Berkshire pig.  

The ♥ Tasty Egg is cooked perfectly.  Thus, I'd convince you to go for the deluxe for more toppings.

Hokkaido Ramen

♥ Deluxe Hakodate Ramen (440 php)

Unlike the white and rich Kyushu Ramen broth, the Hakodate Ramen comes with a lighter clearer yellow chicken and pork bone brothresembling that of the Chinese noodle soup because its birth is influenced by the Cantonese settlers during the Edo Era who came to Hakodate to trade seaweeds.  The Hakodate-style ramen is usually salt-based and mixed in with seafood and vegetables.  The simple light ramen is comforting enough to warm the tummy as the climate in Hakodate is not as cold as its other Hokkaido counterparts.  Tampopo's versionDeluxe Hakodate Ramen is dominantly a salted chicken and pork bone broth enhanced by small dried shrimps (In Fookien, we called these hebi) and vegetables.  The noodles are thick and chewy. 
 

Pork Katsu

♥ Top Grade Black Pig Tonkatsu Set (750 php)

Of course, we ordered their highly marketed and best-seller Top Grade Black Pig Tonkatsu Set.  According to the menu, they make use of black berkshire pork from the US.  The black berkshire pork is equivalent to the kurobuta pork in Japan.

♥ Top Grade Black Pig Tonkatsu

It had a slight greyish shade and some fattiness.  It was tender and soft.  The coating has a nice crisp and not oily at all but nothing that would stand out to leave a lasting impression.

Black Loin Tonkatsu Set (690 php)

With 60 php less is the Black Loin Tonkatsu Set.  When you order set, you get a bowl of Miso Soup, bowl of rice and slices of fruits.  The Miso Soup is fulfilling because it has pork slices on it.

Black Loin Tonkatsu

The Black Loin Tonkatsu is dry and tougher than the Top Grade Black Pig Tonkatsu.  I'd choose the latter even if it comes with an additional price.

Don't forget to prepare and dip it into their sauce.  They also have the roasted sesame dressing for the cabbage.

 And, leave your feedback.  Their feedback form is also their chopstick wrapper.

Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Kitchitora 1 | Kitchitora 2
Kokoro Ramenya
Menya Genki Tonkotsu Ramen
Miso-Ten
Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Moshi Koshi 1 | Moshi Koshi 2
Rai-Rai Ken Ramen House
Ramen Bar
Ramen Cool
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Tampopo たんぽぽ Philippines
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Other Katsu Reviews
Ginza Bairin
Katsu Cafe
Kimukatsu 
Saboten
Tonkatsu by Terazawa
Yabu 1 | Yabu 2
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'd visit Tampopo たんぽぽ Philippines for the ramen.  There's no other ramen house than can offer the same experience.  But, in terms of tonkatsu, I find it to be behind its competitors especially when considering price and quality side-by-side.  I'm also noting that their service is great.