Ootoya

Ootoya is a chain restaurant in Tokyo that offers Japanese dishes for a reasonable price. Meals range from Y700-Y1300.

My favorite is this traditional Japanese dessert with vanilla ice crean, red bean, and green tea mochi.

Japanese Food in Manila: John and Yoko

When I was out for a stroll in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City, Philippines, I passed by this restaurant named John and Yoko. The name interested me good enough, but what interested me more was that it is a Japanese restaurant. The Beatles fan in me flailed in excitement at the thought of the name, but the food enthusiast in me (and yes, my rumbling stomach too) wanted to try what kind of Japanese food they offer. 

I tried the pork gyudon set meal with lots and lots of onions and mushroom. Honestly, there is nothing really special with their food. It's just a normal gyudon set that is actually quite pricey for such a meal. Prices in this restaurant range from P300-P600 per set. I think you can get Japanese food with the same (or maybe better) quality as compared to this for a much cheaper price.

The ambiance in the restaurant is also quite average. It is not as posh as I expected restaurants in Greenbelt to be but it's not bad at all. Lights in the restaurant are quite dim and reddish. What attracted me were the colorful drawings of Japanese characters on the wall and on the chairs.

My experience in John and Yoko was not amazing but it's not so bad that I would not want to go back anymore. I would still consider giving it a second try if I find myself anywhere in the area. I still want to try their sushi, who knows, it might be their redeeming factor.

Where to Eat Ramen in Tokyo: Ippudo

Entrance of Ippudo

Ippudo is a chain ramen restaurant that can be found in a lot of places in Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Roppongi. There is also a branch in Takadanobaba, a station along the Yamanote Line. Because of the shop's proximity to Waseda Univeristy, there is always a long line of students waiting their turns during lunch time. Ippudo does not only serve delicious tonkotsu ramen, it is also very affordable.


The interior design of the restaurant is mainly made up of wood - from the tables and chairs to the chandeliers, as well as the condiments holders and table accessories.


The shop offers a bowl of ramen for around Y800 depending on the type you are ordering or you can get a set meal with rice and gyoza for a few more hundred yen, which I must say is super worth it. I always order this spicy ramen set that is perfect for a cold winter evening!