Moshi Moshi is a Japanese fast food joint located in Regis Tower in Katipunan, sharing the same floor with Saint's Alp Teahouse and other foodie havens. This resto serves various rice bowls, bento boxes, snacks, vegetable salads, drinks, and desserts.
moshi moshi = "Hello" or "Hi" when answering the phone
Taste
I've read good reviews about this place so we decided to go here for a light dinner. We ordered Takoyaki, Tendon, California Roll, Shoyu Ramen, a slice of cheesecake for dessert, and Lemon Iced Tea and Apple Iced Tea to wash them all down. I was hoping to try their Okonomiyaki; unfortunately, it was not available during our visit.
I liked the takoyaki. Not much octopus inside but the balls were soft and the sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes boosted the yumminess. I should have ordered the bigger set (10pcs).
Takoyaki (6pcs) - P55
The tendon (tempura on rice) was okay. The tempura pieces were soft, adequately seasoned, and not overly covered with batter. There were some battered vegetables included though. I narrowly escaped biting into a battered onion slice. I don't eat onions so if that had happened, I would have been mortified. :D
Tendon (regular size) - P145
The California roll, unfortunately, was such a let-down. To date, it was the worst California roll I've had. The rice used was still raw. Whatever deliciousness the rolls contained was destroyed by the half-cooked rice.
California Roll (4pcs) - P79
The shoyu ramen was another disappointment. When it was served, I took a sip of the broth. I found the taste plain, but I did not comment on it so as not to dampen my partner's enjoyment (the ramen was his order). When he began eating, I asked him what he thought of the ramen. He was disappointed with it as well. According to him, it was as if he was just eating Lucky Me instant mami with toppings added. I almost felt guilty for bringing him to Moshi Moshi since he was clearly unhappy with his food. For a guy who is delighted with the humble pares sold in the streets, that is quite something.
The bowl made things worse in my opinion. I may be speaking out of my ass here but I think the use of a plastic green bowl fitted the resto's color scheme but had a negative psychological effect -- making the ramen look cheap, tacky, and unappetizing.
Shoyu Ramen - P155
I was pleasantly surprised with the cheesecake. It was a lot better than others I'd tried. Usually, when eating cheesecake, my attention is on something else as I chewed, but Moshi Moshi's cheesecake caught my attention. It is tasty and chilled just right. By the way, the slice in the picture is missing its tip not because the cake was served that way, but because I began eating before I remembered to take a picture (yeah, that still happens to me sometimes).
Cheesecake - P98
Lemon Iced Tea and Apple Iced Tea - P43 each
Affordability
One thing that is nice about Moshi Moshi is the affordability of the food. The different kinds of donburi (rice bowl dishes), for example, cost P105-P145 for the regular size, P135-P195 for the bigger ones. Some of the items such as the California maki roll, ebi (shrimp) tempura, gyoza, and takoyaki are likewise available in different-sized sets. So if you're just curious to try these items or want to try a little bit of each, you can just order the small sets (3 or 4 pieces) instead of having to settle with a big one.
Interiors
Moshi Moshi has a very cute interior, really pretty. The resto labels itself as a fast food restaurant yet looks a lot more upscale than typical fast food joints.
The place has a hip and youthful vibe, perfect for its demographics consisting of students and yuppies. The green and white color scheme (hmm this resto should have been near DLSU instead of Ateneo) makes the place look cool and relaxing. I am no spring chicken but I still found the resto squeal-worthy.
Our visit was in early February. Since Valentine's Day was around the corner then, there were stuffed toys and heart- and rose-shaped knickknacks for sale. There was also a shelf where various Japanese sweets were displayed.
Near the entrance is the counter. Here, Moshi Moshi's food offerings are displayed. Customers have to order here then the food is served to their tables when ready.
On the left side of the counter are replicas of the different donburi dishes. If you want to order a rice bowl dish but find the names of all those -don dishes confusing, these food replicas will be of help.
On the right side of the counter is a nice-looking dining section. The ambiance is intimate and those cushioned seats really look comfortable. The modern lamps are a great touch. If you're coming to Moshi Moshi by yourself and are intimidated by crowds, this spot is perfect for you. Also great if you're with a friend or two and you guys just want to have drinks, desserts or snacks instead of full meals.
At the back of the counter is a bigger dining area. The different shades of green really look good against white and brown. Modern Japanese pop music plays softly in the background.
Check out the cool balimbing-looking hanging lamps!
Cleanliness
The restaurant is clean and orderly. The is no comfort room inside Moshi Moshi (the CR is outside, shared by the different businesses) but there is a wash area at the farther end of the resto.
Service
We experienced good service. The guy who served our food was courteous and the food did not take long to arrive. The only time service was slow was when I asked for chopsticks, because they forgot my request.
Moshi Moshi
2nd floor Regis Center
#327 Katipunan Avenue, Barangay Loyola Heights
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel No. (02) 990-2272
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