I still can't get over last night's grand opening party as Roku Sushi Ramen Donburi opens in Level 1 TriNoma.  

Mika Romero Inviting You to Try Roku!

Roku is a family-oriented and student-friendly Japanese restaurant concept formulated by Mika Romero.  Mika has been yearning for a good quality Japanese casual restaurant near the University where she studied.  Since she can't find any, she decided to put up one herself with the guidance of her mother Sheila Romero.  

Roku means 6 because they are 6 in the family.  And, they want Roku to embody their family-oriented passion in everything they do.  


As a shy wallflower type of foodie, I was really overwhelmed by the awesomeness of the party.

The event was graced by the Ayala Top Management, celebrities and politicians.
 

There were also media, fellow bloggers (spotted on the photo above are: Arcee of TheBagInvestigator.Com, Jonel Uy and Marjorie Uy of SeatForTwo.Com, Aldous of AldousAteTheWorld.blogspot.com) and Instagramers (spotted on the photo above are: @sheroseontimare, @thehungrychef , @maxieissuper, @thebaldbakerph and @manilaeatup).  Though I was to shy to approach them as their follower, I was glad to see these people who I look up to.


Music performances of Curtismith and  St.Vincent & The Grenadines rocked the party.  
 
And, of course there were tons of food!
 

Pork Gyoza (169 php)

The Pork Gyoza is pretty good.  Thin and soft shelled with succulent juicy ground pork.

Dream Roll (259 php)

 Our favorite with tempura-battered salmon, kani and cream cheese.

Firecracker Roll (249 php)

 Too bad I was the only one on our table who can tolerate spiciness so I had to finish the Firecracker Roll all by myself ~ with pleasure. =p

Sailboat Roll (259 php)

 The Sailboat Roll has spicy tuna with crunchy wantons.  Loved the appearance and the experience it delivers too.

S.S. Roll (249 php)

The S.S. Roll  is tasty salmon teriyaki on top and filled ith salmon skin, cream cheese and cucumber.  Yum!

Gyudon (sample portions)

The Gyudon is so good because it has shitake mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

 

Chashu Shoyu Tonkotssu (sample portions)

Roku's Tonkotsu broth (boiled for 12 hours) was specially created by Japanese Ramen Master, Kenji Dobashi of famous ramen house Kagari in Ginza, Japan.  Their chashu slices are  slow-cooked and marinated for 8 hours.  So you could really taste so much of the rich goodness in every sip of the Chashu Shoyu Tonkotssu.

Kampai to Roku

I really enjoyed the night!  And, I will definitely try more of their dishes (and review them) with the family next time. 
 
P.S. In case you've wonder how I ended up in such a party...  I was invited by one of my longtime instagram followers to attend Roku.   When I first heard this, I was really surprised and quickly turned red.  Up until my recent acquisition of the Zenphone 2, I swear my instagram photos were horrible.  My family and relatives were literally begging me not to post anymore because my photos were not recognizable or if they were, they looked disgusting.  Even now, none of my siblings follow me on instagram because of that.  So, whoever has been my follower ever since deserves my utmost gratitude and I would certainly like to thank them in person haha.  My photos are now recognizable so hope you can follow me @tsinoyfoodies

After trying out Breakout, all my cousins, siblings and I were so hungry.  The puzzles were fun and challenging so it drained us mentally and physically.  Since we're all from the South, the Kapitolyo area was out of our bounds for family get togethers, so everyone was excited!  My cousin suggested that we try his friend's restaurant called Takashi in Pioneer Center. 

With no time to argue, we all agreed.  We convoyed to the establishment.  The Pioneer Center has a big parking space and it's free too!  My cousin's friend was there to welcome us.  The chef Takashi was also introduced to us so we all had high hopes for a wonderful authentic Japanese meal. 

I think the place can house around 30 persons.  Our group of 18 had to be divided into  two long tables. 

Food
My cousin ordered the appetizers and mains which we shared.  Then, we all had our own Ramen bowl.

Appetizers (Maki Rolls)

Crazy Maki Sushi (160 php)

The family is a big fan of maki.  We ordered the Crazy Maki Sushi which was visually appealing.  It is calfironia topping topped with kani salad-crabstick with Japanese mayonnaise and roe.

Devil's Roll (240 php)

The Devil's Roll is more to my liking.  It had breaded shrimp, lettuce, salmon, Japanese mayonnaise and spicy red sauce. 

♥ Salmon Teriyaki Maki Sushi (240 php)

The Salmon Teriyaki Maki Sushi is my favorite among the appetizers.  

Salmon Sashimi (250 php)

The Salmon Sashimi was just okay.  You can already judge it by the way it looks so no need for elaboration. 

Spicy Salmon Sashimi (220 php)

The Spicy Salmon Sashimi is cheaper than the Salmon Sashimi.  Perhaps, since it is chopped, it is less in serving size.  I did not find it to be spicy so this was dull for me.  

Mains

♥ Ebi Tempura 5 pcs. (280 php)

The Ebi Tempura is well-executed.  My little sister was delighted with this.


Donburi

Oyakodon (190 php)

The Oyakodon seems to be over seasoned -sweet and salty for our taste.  

Ramen

Tonkotsu Shoyu (280 php)

The Tonkotsu Shoyu failed to reach my standard.  Something just seemed off.  I just couldn't pinpoint what it was lacking.  I didn't like their noodles too.  

♥ Hokkaido Miso Ramen (280 php)

The Hokkaido Miso Ramen is their best ramen based on all our feedback.  They got it right with this one.  

Spicy Karaage Ramen (280 php)

The Spicy Karaage Ramen was better than the Tonkotsu Shoyu but I wouldn't pick this as long as the Hokkaido Miso Ramen is available.  The Spicy Karaage  is great for spicy lovers like me.  But, I found this difficult to finish.

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
Kenji Tei Ramen House
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 Verdict
Takashi's ramen is affordable   If craving for ramen in the area, I would definitely choose this over Ramen Cool.  I'll only order the Hokkaido Miso Ramen again.  You can't go wrong with ordering the makis for sharing too. 

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 night in 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 Ramen because they were enticed by the 2-day boiling process of the black pork bone soup.  Kyushu is the province which Hakata 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 broth resembling 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 version Deluxe 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
Kenji Tei Ramen House
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
Takashi Japanese Cuisine
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.