Kentouka 賢桃花 — Restaurant in Lucena

UPDATE (Pleasantville location) We are very satisfied with our last visit. Parking is limited but easier than their old location across the school. Branch has air-conditioning. Tonkotsu Ramen was my favorite of the two we ordered plus the Mango Shrimp Roll, which was always crunchy in the middle. Wait time for food was also okay and staff was friendly.

AMBIENCE Since parking along their street looked risky after seeing a couple of clamped cars on the side of Sacred Heart College, we were relieved to learn they had a few parking spaces. I counted about 26 indoor seats, 1 for waiting (maybe for takeouts), and 1 highchair for a toddler. Restaurant was cozy with good aircon temperature. Japanese interior was simple and presentable.

FOOD Tonkotsu Ramen had a tasty broth and decent noodles that were fun to chew. Seeing only one slice of meat was a bit of a downer but I enjoyed the veggies and egg.

Kentouka Maki was our first to try among the maki but it wasn't that impressive. Rice had the consistency of rice kept in the refrigerator for quite sometime, and there was so much of it. This dish could have more value if the other ingredients stood out more prominently than the rice. Overall, the maki could also use more flavor too!

Takoyaki was big, tasty, filling, and chewy. To perfect this appetizer, more octopus or "tako" would have been nice. It is, after all, Takoyaki.

Taiyaki was our dessert and ube was a recommended bestseller. I suggest grabbing some that are newly cooked 'cuz those are hot and tasty. I'm just puzzled why they were P99 for 2 pieces dine-in, when you can buy 1 piece at the front of the entrance for P25.

SERVICE Our server didn't seem quite sure if the P99 Taiyaki should be two of the same flavor or two different ones. Wait time for the bill was acceptable. I appreciated the water pitcher and delicious candy that came...

After a short appointment in Metro, I craved for Japanese food for lunch. Googled it and took me to this hidden place.

Not so hidden actually as it is just in front of Sacred Heart College Lucena.

It has a very minimalist store front and signage but when you walk in the resto, it’s quite homey. Slight Japanese touch on the walls.

But the surprise is in their menu. They have lots of Japanese food to choose from. From ramens, sushis, dumplings to takoyaki. They have this Ramen kit promo as well. Sulit.

I ordered the Tantanmen/Tempura kit and ordered 8pc Shrimp Mango Sushi which I thought I’ll have to take out. But no. I did finish them all in one sitting within 20 minutes. All of them are that good.

I look forward to eating here again to try oit...

いらっしゃいませ！-- Kentouka

This place is a bit far from the food district here in this subdivision. But don't take it at face value, the atmosphere here is pretty nice once you enter.

They got a whole selection of menus, from ramen sets, rice meals, appetizers, to group bundles. I would recommend going here if you want a place to hangout with your family and friends.

If you want to experience some Japanese cuisine near the comfort of your home in Pleasantville Subdivision, this is a good option.

They also offer deliveries via...