A reminiscing taste of Japan: Rai Rai Ken

It has been a while since I wrote a new post. Luckily, I now have time to write a new one. Give a big whoop whoop to Vacation Leave.

2 weeks ago, I had to experience my first ever Overnight-Overtime in the office. And guess what, the next day was a Friday, therefore, it was a wash day. Imagine me, the only person in the office wearing a uniform. Such depressing times calls for a food trip.

So, it was a Saturday, the day after I got home. Unfortunately, our manager has great “Management Skills” that she was able to “convince” me to work that day. Well, I had the chance to take a bath and change clothes. That was a good thing, right? Unfortunately, the thing she was expecting did not come. Well, let’s just say that my efforts did not go to waste. I had to file it as OT so that I get paid to linger in the office.

After a grueling stay at the office, I had the chance to take a leisurely solitary walk around “Market Market”. I planned to have my Food Trip there. Alas, I did not have the courage to dine-in alone in their “interesting” restaurants. I guess I had to have a try at some other place for my food trip.

The next day, I had the chance to re-visit SM Southmall. My itineraries were: look for office shoes, have an ID pictire taken, pay for membership in FF (I had to unfreeze my account), and of course, make-up for the lost Food Trip.

That day, I saw a sign written in Japanese (irrashaimase) and the recycle bins which is categorized in different trash types. That reminded me of Japan. Because of that, a craving for Udon was overpowering me. Thus, Rai Rai Ken. It wasn’t my 1st time to eat there, but with that previous experience, it was Food Trip worthy.

So, I sat there and ordered seafood ramen (far from udon) and French Maki. The place has a great ambiance. It has a warm feel, and that feeling did not come from me eating alone. Too bad their service was a little bad. Just imagine, I was already seated, my food was served, yet there were no chopsticks, spoons and forks. That was a category for me that entitles them to “No Service” tip.

Going on the food part, I liked the French maki. It was a breaded shrimp presented as a Maki. You can see that the presentation and the creation of this dish wasn’t taken fore granted. They used Japanese Rice and had it well compacted to the point that it did not break down when I used chopstick. Moving on with the Ramen, I must admit, it was far from what I had tasted back in Japan. However, it was more suited for Filipino taste. I suggest that when eating ramen or udon type meals, do not order any drinks aside water. Not only is it healthier, but also, it won’t ruin the taste buds by giving a stronger taste over the dish.

If asked, if I wold come back again. I will answer without hesitation: Of course!