Sambo Kojin @ Megamall

 First time trying out Sambo Kojin , a mix of Japanese and Korean dishes, I also noticed some Filipino food being served, So if you are a big eater try out their buffet packages at a discounted rate

The one I went to is at the 3rd floor of the Atrium in Mega Mall. 

To prepare myself,  I did not eat breakfast coz I was planning there to go there by lunchtime . My first order of business is to dig right in the sushi station. And got me some fresh tuna and salmon

Salmon and tuna sashimi as a warm-up for me before digging into much heavier dishes. 

More Japanese foods

Cuts of ham and lechon bely

Beverage station

Kare-Kare

For some Filipino foods, Beef caldereta, kare-kare, Lechon belly are some of the dishes that I tried.

Sadly I wasn't able to take a picture of the Korean foods, I was too lazy to fire up the grill. Overall the experience is ok but not that impressive in my book. But considering the price. It is a bargain.

Ramen kuroda

I was with my niece at SM City. After a few hours of strolling, got tired and yep, got famished; so we decided to  have something to eat. She suggested that we try Ramen Kuroda.

Nothing fancy about the restaurant, just a typical ramen fast food which you find in malls.  Staff would greet you in Japanese, as they guide you to the table.

We tried the Bari Kara Ramen and some chicken karage. 

Serving is decent for the price, the ramen I would say is not as authentic, it tasted average for my tastebuds. You have options if you want to make your ramen as spicy as you want it to be. The chicken karage is not that great too, it's too bland for me.  I would give a grade of  5/10 for the taste, and 4/10 for the price. 

Toilet seats in Japan

    As I go back home to the Philippines (I finished my work stint in the US), I chose a ticket that would allow me to have a layover in Japan (just making my money's worth and to input some refreshing things to do in the humdrum of long flights) . Why Japan? I have heard so many good things about this country. after satisfying my taste buds by having an authentic Japanese dish as soon as I landed, my stomach complained with my being a glutton (lol). I had to use the restroom, in Japan! I wonder how it looks like.. Is it similar to the ones we use in the US, or maybe in the Philippines.. Or am I going to have a culture shock because of overthinking about what? a restroom ,whew! Anyway, my needs can't wait, so I let myself in one of the nearest restrooms I could find.

Tadaaaaaa! Aren't they spectacular?? They're so neat! Everything is automated; from the time you finish and need a wash, to the time you need some drying up after washing ( I felt so royal hahaha!), You just then have to place your hands on a sensor and it'll flush by itself, not much effort is needed wow! Amazing!            

Japan public restrooms are so clean! It looks so simple, but they have everything you need to keep you and the space you use as clean as it was before you came in. The bar that you see on the tissue side is for the elderly users who may have been lacking some balance when they sit (because of their age). They even have that in mind so, these people can hold on to that rail to regain some balance as they sit, and when they need some effort to stand as they finish. Public service at its finest! That's how Japan makes life comfortable for their people. They even have a special restroom areas for mothers with babies in tow who needs diaper change (they have that compact baby bed in the restroom where the baby can be laid and moms would find it easier to change their babies' diapers or clothes).

It was just a simple thing I did today but I've experienced Japanese "omotenashi", their unparalleled, incomparable way of serving others in a way that would make life easier for the people. It's a thing to beat, and I'll never forget their toilets ever, they made me feel like a royal, even for a few minutes. Just wowww!!!

Vest Ramen by Erra's bar and gryll

In my search of budget friendly but great tasting food, I found my way going to Adriatico Manila to experience Vest ramen.

A place that is a bar and a ramen house, a good combination huh! when at 2 am and you are all drunk, what a good way to get sober.

I got a bowl of Tan tan men, a spicy broth of egg and pork. you can have extra servings of ingredients at a minimal cost

my add ons

I ordered some siomai, and it' s really good. Goes well with my noodles.

My friend Chris enjoys his meal

Vest ramen at night, Photo credit: Greg bloom on twitter

For less than a Php 100, not bad. Vest ramen is worth checking out when you are in Manila

taste : 7/10

price: 8/10