After our manicure session at Nail it!, we met up with Berylle's beau, D, who invited and treated us for dinner with his friends. His friends suggested and arranged our reservation at the newly opened Kichitora of Tokyo at SM Megamall Atrium fronting Yabu so we headed there to dine.
.jpg "kichitora of tokyo")
Upon reaching Kichitora, we were welcomed and led to our tables. As we settled ourselves into their well-cushioned black leatherette seats, Mr. Larson Chan who is one of the partners, oriented us about the restaurant and explained the menu as well. He told us that their noodles are as authentic as you can get since they flew in Chefs all the way from Japan. He also highlighted the best sellers in their menu.
Kichitora is derived from kichi meaning "lucky" and tora meaning "tiger" in Japanese so you can notice that the wall has tiger prints. Although the space is quite limited the restaurant is divided into several sections with a private function room at the back. The lighting is a bit dim creating a soft lighting effect which adds to the serenity of the place. I love the colorful assortment of patched wallpapers at our part of the wall. It creates a unique flare and liveliness in contrast to the black booths and tables. Along the side, they have an open kitchen so you can see how they cook your food.
Food
Our food orders were in accordance to their recommendations.
Dumplings
 |
| ♥ Gyoza (150 php) |
Their Gyoza is hands down on the best I've tried yet! Upon biting through the perfectly crisp shell, it was spewing meaty juices from the inside. There was no hint of oiliness in it too. We were told that the secret to their Gyoza is their machine which enables them to fried and steam them at the same time.
Ramen
 |
| ♥ Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen (360 php) |
Even better than the Gyouza is Kichitora's Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen. We were all mesmerized with its mild yet savory taste. I swear that every slurp of its broth will leave you wanting for more. I'm even drooling right now as I recall this dish. Although I love ramen, I've never craved for ramen this badly. The secret to their tasty broth is its 8-hour preparation. The two chunks of chicken breast are so soft it feels like pillows on your mouth. It was similar to Hainanese chicken but softer and more tasty. The thickness of the noodles is right on the mark too giving it a nice firm yet slightly chewy texture. I will definitely order this on my next visit to SM Megamall.
Specialty Ramen
 |
| ♥ Hokkaido Miso Ramen (395 php) |
Mr. Larson Chan quotes the Hokkaido Miso Ramen as "the burger of ramens". Upon tasting, I could understand why. It had a bold and wholesome meaty broth that lingers on your tongue for quite some time. The meat was also as tender but not as much as the paitan chicken breast. The noodles is slightly thicker than those served with the Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen. This is highly recommended for manly diners.
 |
| ♥ Spicy Mabo Tofu with Pork Tsukemen (395 php) |
The Spicy Mabo Tofu with Pork Tsukemen was another hit! The spiciness of this dish was quite appetizing. It soothes the thick noodles well. It had generous amount of tofu bits that counters the zing a bit. If you're not too fond of spicy dishes, I'd recommend having this for sharing because it might overwhelm your taste buds.
 |
| Jajamen (Japanese Pork Sauce with Dry Noodles) with Soft-Boiled Egg (395 php) |
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
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
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Although still in its soft opening phase, Kichitora of Tokyo is guaranteed to be a sure hit among ramen lovers. If only this restaurant is near home, I'd definitely have the Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen as often as I could. This is one of the best places for ramen in the metro. I highly recommend this! For beer drinkers, they also offer Japanese beers. P.S. Berylle and D, this is the best Christmas treat ever! You two are the best! =D
Tip: Order the set menu for more savings!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Kichitora of Tokyo Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Dumplings | Rice Bowl | Ramen | Tsukemen | Specialty Menu | Set Menu | Noodles | Chicken | Desserts | Beverage | Beers | |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Kichitora of Tokyo | |
| Business Address | 2/F, SM Megamall Atrium EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave. Mandaluyong, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 10am-9pm (mall hours) |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 350-500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Unlocked Foursquare Perks | None |
| Contact | (02) |
| Other | Facebook Fan Page |
.jpg)
