Ippudo - Try The Gyoza.

I was roaming the mall today and nothing appeals to me for lunch.  I resorted to ratings online to determine which restaurant to try.  And Ippudo came up with almost five stars.

There was so many raves about this restaurant.  When I got there, they couldn't give me a seat inside because I was still waiting for my company.  The receptionist didn't even offered the menu so that I could make up my mind of what to order while waiting inside.  

I'm sure their food was great and wanted by a lot of people (who are aware of their existence) but then why make it harder for people who are already there and ready to take a whiff of their much talked about dishes.  

Well, kudos to the server who knows all about their menu.  For first-timers like me, I really rely on their recommendation.  And he offered a truthful one.  It's like they actually tried it themselves.  They should.  And it's a must.  They should know what is good and what will make their customers come back.

 I'm not a fan of gyoza.  It hasn't impressed me from previous dining experiences.  However, theirs was different.  There were two types of gyoza that they're offering and for the life of me, I don't remember which one we had chosen.  The photo above shows (you) the readers which one. And I highly recommend it to those visiting.  

I'm supposed to rave about the noodles. However, my mother chose the ramen herself and denied me of the chance to choose the spicy ones.  She chose the "creamy" ones instead.  I had to order the rice topping, Unagi - another recommendation.  And so, I have to come back for the ramen that I wanted. 

And I'm going back there for the Gyoza too!

Ambiance: 5 out of 5

It really looked like a Japanese レストラン (resutoran) considering that Malay-looking Filipinos are serving our food.

Taste: 4 out of 5

It was truly a burst of flavours. Authenticity is a must if you're trying to eat food that you can only get if you travel miles away.

Service: 4 out of 5

The servers know about the menu. However, it took time because when we ordered additional food, they failed to note it down hence, we have to ask for it twice before they made it appear on our table.

Cost: 2 out of 5

I'd have to say it was overpriced. We paid around two thousand pesos - the amount for a week's grocery for one bowl of ramen, two order of gyoza, two rice toppings in a hot metal bowl. It was just too much. The servings were really good for one.