PHILIPPINES

5 TOP SPECIALTIES | IZUMI AUTHENTIC RAMEN

Noodles had always been my comfort food and here in Bacolod, I am always on the look-out for new noodle houses to dine with family and friends. Recently, I had the chance to visit Izumi Authentic Ramen and I must say it is a haven for foodies who crave for Japanese ramen, tempura, and sushi. Izumi Authentic Ramen is a small restaurant but their food is packed with flavor and the ramen servings are big and served piping hot to fill your tummies. It is located at Nolan Building beside Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod City.

Ms. April Yatar (owner) said that except for the meat, noodles and vegetables are locally sourced, they only use authentic seasonings and ingredients imported directly from Japan. April was trained by a Japanese chef and is very hands on in both the kitchen and in keeping track with the restaurant’s sales. She has implemented strict rules in the kitchen so every customer is assured of a well-prepared bowl of noodles and Japanese meal.

As we were chatting with April, we could smell the food being prepared in the kitchen and I couldn’t help but feel excited to try Izumi’s house specialties. Here are the must tries:

1.) Tonkotsu Ramen– Firm noodles drenched in creamy pork bone based soup with thin pork slices that is just sooo filling, rich and flavorful. A bowl of this delicious ramen could surely warm the cold nights. P320/P195.

2.) Gyoza– If you are a dumpling lover you shouldn’t miss eating this. Each gyoza dumpling is handled with care while in the process of cooking. This melt-in-your -mouth Japanese dumpling is made of ground pork with Japanese seasonings and spices. Each is steamed until it turns a bit brownish. (P165-5pcs)

3.) Shrimp (Ebi) Tempura– What I like about Izumi’s tempura is that it looks and tastes home cooked. Delicately prepared large shrimps coated in generous tempura batter deep fried until golden brown. It’s really crunchy on the outside and the shrimps are fresh and juicy inside. (P225)

4.) Chicken Karaage– marinated deep fried chicken meat seasoned with Japanese spices and seasonings that give it a soft texture and a fragrant and mild flavor. Best eaten with Japanese rice. (P225-4pcs)

5.) Tonkatsu– another Japanese dish Pinoys love. Breaded tenderloin cutlets marinated, breaded and deep fried until golden brown so it’s crunchy with every bite. Izumi’s tonkatsu is chewy and juicy. It doesn’t have a rubbery texture when you eat it. Served with bulldog sauce though customers may also create their own choice of dipping sauce. (P235)

Other ramen specialties are Miso ramen, Shoyu (soy sauce soup based) ramen and Chashumen (any soup with more pork). For spicy food lovers, Jigoku ramen and spicy Janjanmen (Level 1, 2 and 3) are Izumi’s spicy treats. Upon ordering you may choose the level of spiciness you like- mild, spicy or extra spicy. Other favorites like California Maki, Maki, and Sushi are also available and only Japanese rice is used so the ingredients are all held together and doesn’t scatter when you grab a bite. Izumi Authentic Ramen also have barkada and family treats promo for everyone to enjoy. For

For reservations, you may call or text Izumi Authentic ramen at 0917-325-26-86.