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. 

My dear old aunt (阿姨) who is more of a traveler than a foodie has been raving about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka ever since her friend brought it to the Philippines.  My aunt was so convincing that almost everyone in the family has tried it except for me and then they were raving to me about it.  So when it open at SM Mall of Asia, they decided to dine there for me to try.  Yes!  I'm so lucky that my family is so sweet that they don't want me to be left out in this type of things.  Plus, it was also the perfect option for the rainy weather. 

I guess they regularly have a long waiting line because they were very systemic and organized about it.  They had a list and waiting benches both in the inside and outside of the store.  We were listed as number 6 in the waiting list.

Like most Japanese restaurants, they had a display shelf of their food models.  This is also standard for Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branches worldwide.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka was established in March 1988, in Asahikawa, Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido serving initially only Shio Ramen.  During its popularity, their specialty Tokusen Toroniku Ramen with roasted pork cheeks was born.  From its humble beginning of a 9-seater ramen shop, it now has many branches in Japan and Internationally including USA, Canada, Hongkong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

The space was quite limited and narrow.  But, the service and turnover is fast.  I really liked the black and white modern minimalist interior of the place. 

Their payment system was something new for me.  You pay at the counter after you eat and on your way out. 

Food

Original Ramen
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offers their ramen in three sizes: S (Small), R (Regular) and L (Large).  If you order S, you get only 1 slice of Char Siu and lesser portions on everything.

♥Shio Ramen S (280 php)

The Shio Ramen is a salt based ramen with Umeboshi (pickled plum), Negi (leeks), 3mm Strips of
Arage Kikurage (jelly ear mushrooms), Takenoko (bamboo shoots), Kamaboko (fish cake) and Char Shiu (pork belly).  Ordering the Shio is the best way to appreciate their special ramen broth.  Of two types of ramen in terms of heaviness: Koterri (heavy) and Asari (light), my family is generally not a fan of the former and liked the clear broth more.  I think their ramen is in between the Koterri (heavy) and Asari (light) because they serve a mild and creamy tonkotsu broth made by simmering pork bones for 20 hours and my family loves it!  The texture of their thick and wavy noodles is also excellent. 
 

Shoyu Ramen S (280 php)

The Shoyu Ramen is the soy based ramen with Umeboshi (pickled plum), Negi (leeks), Nori (seaweed), Takenoko (bamboo shoots), Kamaboko (fish cake) and Char Shiu (pork belly).  I personally prefer the Shio over this. But if you want a more savory ramen, this is for you.  Their Char Shiu is of kurobuta pork so it oh-so-good and melts in your mouth. 

♥ Char Siu Shio Ramen S (320 php)

The Char Siu Shio Ramen is basically the same as the Shio Ramen but with more Char Siu for an added cost.

Specialty Ramen

♥ Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen S (370 php)

The Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen is Shio Ramen with the same toppings except for the Char Siu being replace by their premium roasted pork cheeks. 

♥ Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen S (370 php)

Pork cheeks meat is very rare and only 200-300g can be taken from each pig.  It is roasted until tender which also brings out is delicious flavor.  Since it is served without the charcoal grill, you should eat this fast before it gets cold. 

Side Dish

♥ Chawan Mushi (100 php)

The Chawan Mushi is a steamed egg pudding topped with scallions and salmon roe and filled with lots of seafood and mushrooms was delicious.  It had a mellow flavor and superb smooth and silky texture.


Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
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
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is one of the best ramens available in the Philippines!  The only reason why I'm not declaring it as the best because I don't believe that there is a best in terms of ramen.  As in Japan, each ramen shop has it own distinct and specialized flavor.  Each one is a unique masterpiece in its own and should be appreciated without comparison.  The price is a bit steep but it's worth every peso.

While we were walking along Alabang Town Center, we decided to stop over at Serenitea to quench our thirst after a fun game of lazer tag at Lazer Xtreme.  On our way, we noticed people drinking in Serenitea JUMBO cups so I instantly knew that something was going on.  
We went over to Serenitea and I was right!  It was Serenitea's 3rd year anniversary.   Like the previous years, Serenitea offers a FREE upgrade from their Large cup to the JUMBO cup or 1 liter cups.
Glancing up on their menu, they had more selections now.  But, I thought that since this is for a JUMBO cup, I better stick to my personal favorite, the Hokkaido with Pearl sinkers.  Although my favorite sinker is the green tea jelly, they don't allow that for the Hokkaido.   For the Hokkaido, I always prefer 50% sugar.

Hokkaido with pearl JUMBO cup (105 php)

Hokkaido with pearl JUMBO cup (105 php)

Looking at how many people are eagerly waiting to claim their orders, we decided to take a 30-minute stroll.  We came back just on time too.  
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Serenitea is consistent with its product quality regardless of the branch.  You can never get tired of trying out drinks at Serenitea because each variation offers a different sensation plus they give you the freedom to choose your choice of sugar level and sinkers to enhance the experience.