Dining Snippets: Ooma x Ramen Yushoken x Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie
OOMA
SPICY LAPU LAPU TACO MAKI (P220)
It was love at first bite for me in Ooma. After that ‘bite’, I just couldn’t resist coming back for more. I already have staple orders in that restaurant such as its Hanger Steak, and both variants of its Buta Kakuni dish. However, there are days that I feel like changing up my orders to try something new, such as the Spicy Lapu Lapu Taco Maki. This open-faced temaki was extremely messy to eat, but its combination of fresh lapu lapu, white truffle oil, aligue mayo and kimchi, was simply divine.
O-GYOZA (P235)
The O-Gyoza looked absolutely killer. However, Ooma’s take on the cheese gyoza was quite disappointing. The meat was tough, and tasted slightly off; and the mozzarella and cheddar cheese merely served as toppings of the potstickers; and not part of their filling. This is probably the only dish that I didn't really enjoy from Ooma.
SOFT SHELL CRAB TEMPURA (P398)
The Soft Shell Crab Tempura was a better choice as it came with a killer avocado mousse, made from aligue mayonnaise and avocado. Each piece comes with a perfectly crisp batter, and a meaty portion of the soft shell crab. This dish is definitely worth the cholesterol! Another indulgent dish worth trying would be its Uni Udon (P495). Clothed in a thick and creamy white sauce, this pasta packs a generous serving of uni and fresh mushrooms. As this dish will quickly fill you up, it’s recommended for sharing.
Ooma
3F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
Ortigas, Mandaluyong
Date of Visit: April 23, 2016 with Lily Chua
RAMEN YUSHOKEN
TANTANMEN (P380) AND AJI TAMAGO (P80)
Despite the scorching heat, we eagerly awaited our hot bowls of ramen from Ramen Yushoken. Sadistic as it may sound, who knew when else we can venture to the south again? True, I’ve tried Mendokoro Ramenba a couple of times; but dining in Ramen Yushoken was definitely still a unique and memorable experience. It’s true though, that my Tantanmen tasted the same as the one in Mendokoro; but the winning factor would have to be its amazing side dishes. True, you can get Gyoza and Karaage in most Japenese ramen restaurants; but boy do they execute these perfectly. The Gyoza (P150) comes with heavenly juicy and crazily tasty pieces; while the Karaage (P210) features perfectly huge fried juicy chicken pieces you can’t get enough of!
Ramen Yushoken
Molito Lifestyle Mall, Madrigal Avenue
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Date of Visit: April 24, 2016 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua
TUAN TUAN CHINESE BRASSERIE
CRISPY MINCED DUCK SNOW BUNS (P188/3pcs)
Tuan Tuan’s take on the classic pork buns has always been on point, especially since its Crispy Barbecued Pork Snow Buns, are known to be one of the best in the Metro (in my opinion, it’s a close second to Choi’s pork buns). Make things more interesting by switching it up with the Crispy Minced Duck Snow Buns!
GRILLED OX TONGUE (P488)
Apart from the buns, its menu highlights on its customizable noodle soups, which sadly, I’m not a fan of. What I do enjoy though is its other treats such as its curry dishes, and its side dishes such as the Grilled Ox Tongue. The Grilled Ox Tongue features beautifully slices of cured and grilled ox tongue. It’s meant as a side dish, but I love pairing it up with rice all the time. Its Pan Fried White Turnip Cake in XO Sauce is also a delectable treat from its side dishes!
PRAWN CURRY (P548)
Another perfect rice complement would be its Prawn Curry; this curry is quite on the heavy side as the kitchen doesn’t skimp on its use of coconut milk. It marries just the right amount of spices, heat, and flavor in this curry. Its US Premium Beef Rib Curry (P498) is a perfect choice if you’re looking for something with a bolder flavor.
Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie
GF Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
Date of Visit: April 17, 2016 with Lily Chua
