Step into a world of culinary delights at Kiwami Food Hall, the newest addition to Alabang Town Center. This vibrant hub is home to four incredible Japanese food concepts: Yabu, Ippudo, Hachibei, and Hannosuke. It's a brand new 600 sqm space that opened its doors on September 1st. This exciting establishment encompasses a wide range of culinary delights, including delectable katsu, flavorful ramen, mouthwatering yakitori, and indulgent Hokkaido soft cream. Carefully curated and thoughtfully brought together, this space offers a unique dining experience where you can savor the best of Japanese cuisine all in one place.

As avid food enthusiasts, we couldn't resist the temptation to visit this gastronomic haven, even though we were already familiar with Yabu and Ippudo.

Our first visit to Kiwami Food Hall was nothing short of noteworthy. Despite being a weekday, the place was buzzing with energy and excitement. The atmosphere was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation, creating a lively ambiance that instantly drew us in. We were fortunate enough to secure a table for two, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in this culinary experience.

Tokyp-based Studio MYU's expertise in architectural design was evident from the moment we stepped foot inside. The space was a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with wood taking center stage. From the walls to the corridors and tables, the warm hues of wood enveloped us, creating an inviting and cozy ambiance.

Amidst the wooden backdrop, bursts of navy-blue noren and traditional Japanese fabric dividers added a delightful pop of color. These vibrant accents not only enhanced the visual appeal of the space but also served as a subtle nod to the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Each noren curtain seemed to tell a story, inviting us to explore the depths of Japanese tradition while indulging in our culinary adventure.

(Note: I apologize for not being able to capture any photos of the restaurant, as it was bustling with diners. Additionally, I refrain from taking pictures out of respect for the privacy of other patrons. Just as I wouldn't appreciate someone pointing their camera at me, I believe in extending the same courtesy to others. I just combined the photos into mixed artwork.The images above are from Kiwami.)

With our stomachs growling, we wasted no time in perusing the menu. The array of options was overwhelming, but our hunger guided us toward the irresistible Rosu Katsu set and Ippudo's Shiromaru ramen.

As we eagerly anticipated our mouthwatering meal, the only setback we encountered was a slight delay in receiving our food. However, this minor inconvenience was quickly forgotten as we immersed ourselves in a culinary delight.

The moment the food arrived at our table, I knew I had made the right choice. The crispy exterior gave way to tender, succulent meat that melted in my mouth. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me craving for more.

Meanwhile, Hb indulged in a steaming bowl of Shiromaru Special from Ippudo. The rich, savory broth enveloped the cooked noodles paired with pork chashu, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. When it comes to ramen, HB is incredibly meticulous. So, when asked about his opinion on it, he simply states that it's just okay and nothing to boast about.

To complement our main courses, we decided to venture into uncharted territory and ordered the Torched Salmon Roll. The combination of torched salmon, adorned with a luscious creamy mayo and a delicate sprinkle of fish roe, was a match made in heaven. 

 

No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Kiwami Food Hall did not disappoint. We opted for a Hokkaido soft serve, served in a delicate cup with Kuromitsu boba, and it was a revelation. The velvety smoothness of the soft serve paired perfectly with the chewy boba, creating a delightful contrast of textures. It was a dessert that left us craving for more.