One of my mom and I’s favorite pastimes after medical appointments at Makati Medical Center is to eat out. I don’t know, but there’s something about hospital trips that make us look forward to eating after each appointment. There are limited food choices near Makati Med, but we have found a Japanese restaurant in Ayala North Exchange that has become a constant favorite.
Hakata Ton-ichi is a Japanese restaurant located on the 2nd floor of Ayala North Exchange. The restaurant is not only known for its ramen but for its fusion of Japanese rice meals, appetizers, and side dishes at average prices. I’d say average because they are not that cheap to be classified under a low-budget restaurant.
Ambiance
The restaurant’s ambiance is simple. It has cute Japanese elements from the quirky mural on the wall showing a typical life in Japan, neon signage of Hakata, wooden tables, and a ramen bar to complete the look. This casual, non-intimidating set-up invites customers to experience what the restaurant has to offer.
Japanese Favorites
Having visited the restaurant several times already (nearly 10 times I think), we have explored their menu from standalone ramen, ramen + side dishes, and kiddie meal. I will discuss my review according to Ramen, Rice Meals, and Side Dishes.
Hakata Ramen
Based on my research, Hakata Ramen is a type of ramen that originated in the Hakata district of Fukuoka, and is part of the Tonkotsu type of ramen noodles. This type of ramen noodle is named after the port city Hakata and was popular among port workers.
I have tried the Ton-Ichi Ramen, a classical rendition of their Tonkotsu ramen. It has the same ingredients found in typical ramen like chashu, tamago, sesame seeds, cabbage, or spring onions. The broth is tasty but nothing exceptional. My mom often orders the spicy version Karai Ramen, but according to her, it’s also mediocre in taste.
Set Meals
If you opt to have a heavy meal of ramen + rice + sides + fruits, then I would recommend this set meal. The Hakata King’s Set includes ramen, Hakata fried rice, salad or sushi, and mixed fruits. It’s really one heavy meal! I don’t recommend the Cheese Gyoza though as the cheese is too strong and does not match the Gyoza.
If you want to have the lighter version of this meal, you can choose the Kiddie meal instead. It’s not just for kids only but also for adults! This one has the junior size of ramen and you can choose to pair it with rice meals or side dishes in smaller portions.
Donburi Bowls
The Donburi Bowls have the normal standard for presentation, taste, and servings. But for me, it’s a bit overpriced for its serving.
Side Dishes
I frequently order Hakata Ton-ichi’s Potato Salad because I’m a potato lover (duh). I like their version of this salad – creamy and balanced in taste. It’s comes with a tamago egg sliced in half and lettuce and cabbage for that added texture.
For other side dishes, I would recommend the plain Gyoza but as I have said earlier, skip the cheesy version.
Conclusion
If you have tried Ramen Kuroda, this restaurant is similar to that with just a little difference in the prices. What do I particularly like in Hakata Ton-Ichi? I guess it’s the availability of different set meals which you can customize to your liking. You can mix-match the ramen and rice meals or side dishes depending on how much you can consume. The taste of their ramen is similar to Kuroda’s, but I like Kuroda better. However, with the rest of the items on the menu, I think it’s generally okay for an average Japanese restaurant. They have decent servings, prices, and the taste of the food is at par with the rest of the well-known Japanese food chains that I know.
This place is also special to me because my mom and I hang out here often to reward ourselves after our check-ups. Treating her here is my way also of thanking her for accompanying me to the hospital to monitor my health progress.
Hakata Ton-ichi
Ayala North Exchange
6796 Ayala Avenue cor. Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
website: http://www.hakatatonichi.com.ph/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hakatatonichiph
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hakatatonichi/
Other branches:
SM North EDSA – North Tower
Glorietta
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