Hungry Samurai: Japanese Restaurant (Tomas Morato) [UPDATED]

WHERE TO EAT IN QUEZON CITY: Hungry Samurai, Tomas Morato

A downpouring rain sometimes pokes you to crave for a bowl of steaming hot Japanese Ramen. The thought then will invite its cousins sushi and sashimi. Or, maybe a thought of trying out new and other Japanese flavors. Japanese Flavors are well-loved by the Filipinos. So, the Japanese-themed restaurants are common in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila. Sitting almost shoulder-to-shoulder along the Tomas Morato, Quezon City alone is a bunch of Japanese restaurants. Some of these offer buffet style and fine dining options. And most recently, a moderately-priced option opened up: The Hungry Samurai. 

Affordable and Fast Japanese Restaurant

For an affordable and fast Japanese dining option in Tomas Morato, you may want to drop by the Hungry Samurai. The Hungry Samurai is actually the revamp of the Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant – Tomas Morato.

Two more branches of Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant are in UP Town Center, Quezon City and SM Jazz Mall, Makati City.

Back at Tomas Morato, the Hungry Samurai relaunched only last June 2018. The Hungry Samurai is still co-owned by comedienne/singer/songwriter, Mr. Ogie Alcasid. It retains as well their former team. The interior of the Hungry Samurai maintains the minimalist Japanese design. To contrast the meditative vibe, they brighten the room by using colored seats. And, they added Japanese inspired murals on its walls.

Aside from these, the Hungry Samurai promises anew to serve meals on a quicker and efficient pace. This is without jeopardizing the quality of the Japanese comfort food which matches the Filipino taste buds.

This June 15, we dined in here to try out their opening promo set meals. The promo is buy one take one deal on their set meals. And, the promo ran last June 15 until 17 only. Anyway, the Hungry Samurai offers Japanese meals at affordable prices.

Japanese Comfort Food Experience

A Hungry Samurai set meal comprises of your choice of one Chahan (Fried Rice), one Yakisoba (Noodles), and one meat or seafood dish. This set also comes with miso soup, coleslaw, and iced tea.

This is super sulit since it cost only Php 198 per set meal. This price is particularly for the set meal with Chicken or Pork dish. A set meal with beef or seafood dish charges an at least extra Php 40.

Hungry Samurai Menu

An extra order of beef or seafood dish costs another Php 88 per servings. On the other hand, an add-on order of Chicken dish, Pork dish, Yakisoba, or Chahan is cheaper by about half, or at least Php 48 per servings.

Our Hungry Samurai set meals

For my meat dish, I got two (2) pieces of Kushi Katsu which are deep fried pork skewers with sauce. I ordered Miso Itame (Miso stir-fry) for my Yakisoba and turned out to be a bit spicy. I then partnered them with Chasyu Chahan which is actually a Japanese – style fried rice with pork.

For me, this was the perfect combination. The sauce of the Kushi Katsu complemented the rice. I loved the combination I chose.

In her order, Tina got Honey Orange Karaage which is Japanese style chicken and comes in 3 pieces. She then matched it with Chicken Teriyaki Yakisoba and Seafood Chahan.

I also liked the Seafood Chahan with a fair quantity of seafood mix. But, I prefer my Chahan with the pork more.

As for Tina, she best enjoyed the sweet and tangy Honey Orange Karaage. My friends Chel and Neil also share the same sentiment. But, for me, the crispy Kushi Katsu that I ordered has won me.

We also tried a bowl of Tantanmen. It was served hot which was perfect for our day with the stormy weather. This ramen has a balance of savory and spicy flavor.

The servings were huge! Tina said it reminded her of Panda Express. I couldn’t agree more. Actually, one plate can already be shared by two people and maybe just some few add-ons like meat items.

Aside from the Ramen, a la carte options are pork gyoza, sashimi, sushi, donburi, stir-fried meals, and salad.

The salad could use a little more dressing. But, you can ask the server and she will gladly add.

[UPDATE!] Other Menu Items from Hungry Samurai

Recently, we paid another visit to Hungry Samurai to sample the rest of their food menu. It was a night of fun with fellow food bloggers and the man-of-the-hour, owner/singer Ogie Alcasid. We were given the freehand to order whatever we wish. So naturally I went for those I haven’t tried in the past like the Gyoza, Hamburger Curry, California Maki, and Gyudon. I loved the Hamburger Curry the best – real beef and the spice and aroma in the curry sauce was just perfect! ,

Other Sides and Hungry Samurai Favorites

Aside from their mains, Hungry Samurai also has delicious sides to complete and/or enhance your meals.

End Notes

All in all, we were happy with our food. The set meals, as well as the a la carte meals, are good value for money. Feels like a good affordable Japanese comfort food which can be shared by two.

The meals are high carbs but are really flavorful. The meals resonates the Japanese style and flavors with a few adjustments on flavors for Filipino likings. The Hungry Samurai is located in the former spot of Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant. Specifically, it is situated in the Tomas Morato corner Dr. Lazcano, Quezon City. It is only across the Alfredo’s Steak House.

For updates, you may also directly reach them through their official Facebook page.

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