Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura - from Osaka to Manila
Our turf just got more interesting with the addition of Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura restaurant in Robinsons Place Manila. It recently launched (albeit a dry run) this first quarter of 2019, and they are already attracting curious foodies to check them out.
My visit came in unexpectedly. I was just passing by the area when I suddenly saw two of my friends in my peripherals. Shortly, I followed, and took the chance to try the restaurant's udon.
When I was observing the interior, I couldn't help but notice the stark resemblance with Marugame Udon (read more to check the place out). It's arguably carbon-copy, utilizing the same aura and experience. In fact, the ordering process is also similar wherein you need to line up, mention your order, pick some sides, and pay in the cashier.
However, revisiting my travel in Japan, I realized that this is a standard set-up for restaurants, and I remember a particular visit wherein the entire ambiance and experience are exactly the same. Hence, I suggest that we just say that both Tsurumaru and Marugame offer an authentic Japanese experience!
For the night, I ordered Beef Sukiyaki Udon (P200 - Regular). I chose this over the other because it's the only udon inclusive of a soft boiled egg.
The chef carefully set up the dish starting off by pouring the freshly cooked udon into the bowl. He then meticulously piled up the sukiyaki beef, placed a soft-boiled egg and pour the sauce as a finishing touch.
The noodles were thick, yet enjoyably "al dente" -- with the right mix of softness and chewiness. The beef's savory sweetness seeped deep into the meat fibers giving my sweet buds some nudge which was further accentuated by the richly flavored sukikayi-like broth. The combination of the taste and the texture from the udon gave a lasting impression on my mouth. It was superb!
Doing a little comparison with Marugame's version, I noticed that the egg was more cooked here in Tsurumaru, unlike in Marugame wherein the egg is cracked on the spot on top of the steaming udon. It's now up to your preference, whether you'll enjoy the soft boiled eggs here in Tsurumaru or not.
I finished my bowl under 10 minutes. That was how excellent it was. With this experience, I can't wait for the restaurant to fully launch, and I'm very positive that Tsurumaru will be embraced by the locals.
Tsurumaru - Overall Ratings and Summary
Note: Unshaded stars are equivalents of half-stars. The ratings reflect my personal experiences on the times I dine here.
| Ambiance: | ★★★★ |
| Taste: | ★★★★★ |
| Service: | ★★★☆ |
| Price/Value: | ★★★★★ |
| Budget: | at an average of P180 each for a personal donburi or udon dish |
Tsurumaru definitely captivated foodies evident with the long queues. They serve fresh udon, and the taste is truly 100% authentic as they claim. Currently, the restaurant is still in dry run, so service may not be at its peak; hence, you may need to bear a little as they adjust with the surge in demand. Prices are more affordable compared to the first-mover, Marugame Udon. Finally, I now have a new go-to place here in Robinsons Place Manila! Highly recommended!
My personal favorites here in this restaurant are Beef Sukiyaki Udon and Curry Udon.
Tsurumaru
Location: G/F Pedro Gil Wing (near Robinsons Supermarket and Burger King), Robinsons Place Manila, Malate, Manila
Service Charge: NONE
