Tadaima! Minasan, o-genki desu ka! Sounds strange right? Don't worry this statement won't hurt you. It simply means "I'm back! How are you everyone?". You may have heard it before from a friend or a special someone who lives in Japan a.k.a "Land of the Rising Sun".
Yes! I'm again back in town. Did you miss me? Can someone welcome me with a bang? It has been more than three months since I refrained from blogging and disconnected myself from social media. I totally missed a lot especially my readers like you. Why? Guess what? The hint is about Japan. Nope! Unfortunately I didn't go there. You're almost close. Another guess? There you go, correct! I'm actually studying "Nihongo" or Japanese Language. Way back in college, when I first learned it and years went by I honestly forgot everything. That's why middle of this year when I decided to go back from scratch and rekindle my love for Japanese Language. Perhaps, you're asking yourself now why I need to do this. First, I really want to learn several languages. Second, I'm preparing for a "career move" very soon. Third? No more, that's it.
The process of studying again at first was not easy especially if you are already working. There are things that I gave up right away like spending long hours on social media, which was okay. But sadly, even weekend getaway with friends.
I'm already on my 4th month of like never-ending memorization of tons of Japanese words. Good thing I got a break last week when my two closest friends invited me for a dinner. It's been almost a year since we last went out to eat and I felt glad that they replied right away. Indeed, true friends are always "one chat away".
I never thought that we would end up eating in a Japanese restaurant in Makati City that evening. I was really expecting that it would be just like an all day hang out at Starbucks or a movie date. I only got an idea when we met in Ayala with their Supervisor. I just nodded with blank expression when they said we would go to a "Ramen House" in Bel Air. Honestly, I'm really not a fan of Ramen not because I hate it but merely because I don't usually eat noodles. Well, like what my friends usually say to me "it's okay to try". So, without drama we went there.
It's funny that the restauraunt is like a five-minute stroll from my office and I usually see this everytime I go to work. The very Tokyo vibe Mitsuyado Sei-men "The House of Tsukemen" is located at No.22 Jupiter St. Brgy. Bel Air, Makati City. I remember last year when I imagined myself dining at different restaurants in Jupiter and I thought it wouldn't be a reality. Hopefully, this won't be the last and this will starts a new gastronomic journey.
"Irrashaimase!". Expect to hear this warm welcome phrase when you enter any Japanese resto and that's one of the things you will always remember. They will always respect you as a customer and treat you well. In my entire life, I mostly visited Chinese and Korean restaurants and it was my first time to eat in a resto with a concept of like a "Ramen House". So far it is worth it. No long queue. The food and service are commendable. Definitely, I won't forget the cozy ambience that perfectly complements when it's raining outside.
Since it was my first time to eat authentic ramen and not just an instant noodles I let our waitress choose for me. She said that one of their best-sellers is Karashi Ramen (280 Pesos) with dumplings. Waiting time was like 15 minutes which was fine because we still had time to chat. It's nice too that we got free three bottled UCC Creamy Caffe Latte on the side. Sadly, they don't serve like tap water it's either you buy or bring your own. Don't worry you can always ask to serve you warm green tea as an alternative.
It took me almost 30 minutes to finish my Ramen and I made the right choice to order only the regular bowl. It was good and a bit spicy but I felt full right away. I guess if you are looking for heavy meal this is the exact place for you.
One thing that I will never resist whenever I go to any East Asian restaurants is eating dumplings. That's why I didn't forget to order Gyoza (5 pcs. for 180 pesos). I became interested when I saw it on TV and luckily I got chance to taste it when I went to Salcedo Saturday Market before. I totally got hooked with it and now on my comfort food list.
It was just a short stay yet the food trip with my friends was priceless and fun. Hopefully, we'll have more free time later on and discover amazing restos in the metro together.
Like what I did, maybe it's okay also for you to try to dine here? Especially if you are studying "Nihongo". This will surely help you to know more about Japan and their writing system. Plus! For me the prices are right! For more details I recommend to check many reviews about Mitsuyado Sei-men from their customers on this link https://www.zomato.com/manila/mitsuyado-sei-men-bel-air-makati-city.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you on my next article about travel or food.
