Ramen Date at Kichitora of Tokyo in SM Megamall

Today is the 1st of February and it's my dear friend and fellow blogger Jane of Between Bites' birthday!!! Since it's her special day, let me tell you about the night when Jane and I went out for a ramen date. Just us girls for a couple of hours of bonding and happy eating.

I met Jane over the Internet as I have been an avid reader of her blog since way back. One time, we agreed to meet up for dinner with two other girl friends (hello Sab and Didi!) back in 2007. I still remembered that she brought a container of pasta for all of us to try. That's how sweet and thoughtful Jane has always been. She would really take time out to do things for her friends and loved ones despite her super jam-packed schedule and never-ending things to do. I really enjoy being able to spend time with her as she's one of the most sincere and loving friend that I've ever known. She's a keeper, guys and girls, and I'm so lucky to have a friend like her! Truly someone who got a BIG BIG heart inside her petite frame.

Going back, Jane and I agreed to check out the then newly-opened Kichitora in SM Megamall Atrium. I guess one reason why we click is because we both love to eat and we live by the foodie motto "the more, the yummier."

Remember, I told you of my prediction that 2013 will be the Year of the Ramen? Here's another reason why. Kichitora is a collaboration showcasing the popular recipes of three different ramen and soba chains in Tokyo. Kichi means lucky while Tora stands for Tiger. This explains the beautiful tiger painting on the wall of the restaurant.

Jane and I agreed to share our orders and here's what we had:

Gyouza (Php. 150)
Next to Katsudon, Gyoza has always been my staple order whenever dining in a Japanese restaurant. I've had my share of overly soupy gyozas to the dry and boring ones. Kichitora's version came perfectly pan-fried giving the wrapper a slightly crispy bite yet keeping the filling really tender and yummy inside. I loved it! The wrapper held on tighly yet it was soft enough as I bit into it. I didn't even have to dip it into the sauce as I found it to be flavorful enough.


Paitan Chicken Tsukemen (Php. 380)
Another version of the Tsukemen this time with white chicken simmered for hours. I'm not a big fan of chicken so I wasn't expecting much from this. However, my eyes lit up on my first sip as the soup was sooo flavorful! However, ordering Tsukemen style can be really filling.

Paitan Chicken Ramen (Php. 360)
We tried it ramen style requesting that they serve it with thin noodles and we liked it better. I can have this entire bowl all to myself! This makes a great comfort food. I highly recommend this!

Special Miso Chashu Ramen with Ma Oil (Php. 395)
Yes, 3 bowls of ramen for 2 hungry girls! *RawR* We couldn't help it, we just have to try this as the photo looked so good! I love miso based noodles and the chashu pork literally melts in your mouth. You can also order more chashu or other toppings as you wish. This was very tasty as well but the Paitan Chicken was still the one that won my heart that night.

Nanban Style Fried Chicken (Php. 250)
To achieve a balanced meal, we tried the Nanban Style Fried Chicken which are deep-fried chicken tenders served with lemon and mayonnaise. The chicken meat was so juicy and the coating was just right. Not too thick nor was it flaky at all. This is a must try for all chicken-lovers out there.

I really enjoyed my meal at Kichitora and have been wanting to go back since. I can't wait to have the  Paitan Chicken Ramen again or maybe try the rice bowls this time.

Kichitora of Tokyo is located at the 2nd level, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Call them at 451-2218.