Hello, tasteemers!
I have to admit that what happened in Kim's Taste #6 is such a disappointment and shame on my part. I guess I got carried away by the idea that sweets and pasalubongs can be included in @tasteem. I respect the curation team's judgment so I have to move on from there. One lesson I learned from that mistake was that I still have a lot to learn from this new venture. I guess it's time to move on and continue striving to never commit the same mistake again and to continue learning and evolving.
Now, you're all welcomed to the 8th edition of Kim's Taste. As I've said, it's not going to stop any sooner because I'm actually enjoying this. Plus, I can now share my food escapades in which all my photos are tucked away in Google Photos. Because of this, the decision to make everything about food exclusive to @tasteem easily came to my mind.
Remember: If you happen to be in one of the restaurants in my review, we might have different preferences, as well as experiences, so our ratings might not be exactly the same.
This edition is about a Japanese restaurant that one branch is very near to my house. I can just literally walk a few meters and I can reach that restaurant. In fact, I have been passing by that restaurant since college, but I have never tried their food until about a week ago.
This restaurant is Sachi Authentic Japanese Ramen • Okonomiyaki. That's a hefty name so from now on, we'll just call it by its common name: Sachi. I don't want to prolong this further, so let's dig in!
As the same format with my other reviews, I will have to divide this in four (4) categories namely: Food, Ambience, Service, and Price. I will give ratings from 1 to 5 depending on my experience. No matter how much I aim to be objective in my review, I can't help myself when it comes to certain biases so I will just make everything personal here.
Sachi is located at M.L. Quezon Ave., Cabancalan, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. It's just along the highway and near Cabancalan Barangay Hall.
FOOD - 4.9/5.0
I ordered Tantanmen because it was the only spicy ramen in the menu. I didn't hesitate to finish the whole bowl because it was so rich and tasty! They say that the secret of the best ramen lies in the broth. True enough, the broth was so rich and delicate. With a subtle kick of spiciness, that was to worth every penny!
My friend, Daphnie, ordered Tonkatsu ramen. It was also rich and delicate, but I liked my Tantanmen more. She also ordered takoyaki and I think I can finish more than 10 takoyaki balls given that taste. It's crispy on the outside and creamy and gooey on the inside. Even if it's hot, I didn't mind munching immediately. I find the katsuobushi or bonito flakes toppings (I'm not sure) interesting because it sways with the breeze from the fan.
GB ordered gyoza and it was one of the best dumplings I've ever had. It's so juicy and delicious! The moment you pinch that dumpling with your chopsticks, juices come out. I definitely enjoyed it even if I'm not the one who ordered it.
Everything was well prepared for me. To think that they don't have a service fee, they gave their heart in preparing that meal.
AMBIENCE - 4.8/5.0
You know you're in Sachi when you are greeted with red lamps which for me warms your spirit. Once you enter the restaurant, your eyes will feast in the Japanese decorations. I immediately took a lot of photos for this review.
The place is small, but not suffocating. It's cozy and warm. It can only accommodate about 20~30 guests in one setting, so it's not as large as any other restaurants. But it's fine for me because it means the experience and service is intimate.
Colors are popping everywhere in which red is a dominant color. Definitely a Japanese reminiscence when you get inside.
SERVICE - 4.7/5.0
Japanese hospitality and treatment of guests are I think their selling points. They don't forget anyone who enters and say thank you and goodbye to those who leave the restaurant. I think the classic review that the staffs are friendly and accommodating is an understatement.
They made sure that you get what you wanted. Because of the size of the restaurant that limits the number of guests to be accommodated, their service is spot on. Whenever you need anything, it's sure that there will be someone to accommodate you.
PRICE - 4.8/5.0
Given the taste of their food and the service they've shown, I think I get more than the price range permits. I think Sachi is much cheaper compared to other Japanese restaurants here in Cebu.
For a range of Php 200.00 ~ Php 300.00, you'll definitely enjoy your ramen which can be fetched at Php 400.00 ~ Php 500.00 in other Japanese restaurants. For me, that's a good deal considering the quality and taste that they offer.
OVERALL - 4.8/5.0
If I was not mistaken, this is the highest rating that I give in all of my reviews. I think Sachi deserves the recognition because for me, that Tantanmen was the best ramen that I've tried so far. There might be other ramen out there that are better than the one in Sachi, but I still have to taste them yet.
I'm sure comparisons will be inevitable in the future, but I leave it here that Sachi has the best ramen based on my experience. I know there are other Japanese restaurants that claim to be authentic, but I guess ramen shops in Japan have the real "authentic" ramen. For now, let's settle with what's in our neighborhood. I know Japan is waiting for me in the near future.
How about you? Have you tried Sachi? Did you agree with my review? Please don't hesitate to comment anything that you want to express! Also, thank you in advance for showing some love by upvoting this post!
Note: All photos are mine unless otherwise stated.
See you in my next review!
Best Regards,
Kim
Restaurant Information
Sachi Authentic Japanese Ramen • Okonomiyaki
M. L. Quezon Ave, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines
This post participated in the Tasteem contest Your weekly choice
