Ramen, a comforting Japanese dish of slowly-simmered tasty broth with springy thick noodles and various toppings, can fill the belly and hit the spot like no other. Our city has an insatiable appetite for this Japanese staple, and we can see why. Here’s the definitive list of where to go when you’re in search of the perfect bowl of ramen — whether it’s traditional, Filipino-inspired or vegan.
1. For vegetarian and vegan options: Wabi Sabi Noodle House
This cozy little spot on Malugay Street in Makati does ramen a little differently. Wabi Sabi Noodle House provides a space for vegetarians and vegans to take part in the ramen craze as offered here are three types of meat-free variants: shoyu ramen (PHP130), miso ramen (PHP140), and tantanramen (PHP180). The soup bases are delicious but are, to carnivorous palates, little lighter in flavor as they contain no animal products like meat, dairy, or egg. On the side, order more veggie-filled sides such as pan-fried pot stickers (PHP65-85). The Collective, 7274 Malugay Street, Makati; +63 2 5193950. Mon-Thur 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm.
2. For world-famous tonkotsu-based stock: Ippudo
This world-famous ramen shop with a global presence is known for its Hakata-style or tonkotsu-based ramen. Despite being founded in 1985, the shop only made it to our shores in 2014. The signature order here is the Shiromaru Motoaji (PHP385), made with a creamy stock of slowly-simmered pork bones topped with tender slices of pork loin, thin wheat noodles, bean sprouts, kikurage, and spring onions — it’s a classic! For something more robust with punchier flavors, order the Karaka-Men (PHP400) which also includes tonkotsu broth, slices of pork loin, kikurage, and spring onions, but is served with wavy noodles, spicy miso, ground pork and garlic oil. Their menu has expanded to include more than just Japanese noodle soup; there’s steamed stuffed buns, rice dishes, gyoza, salads, and dessert to be had too. 3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 4701837, www.ippudoph.com. Daily 10am-10pm.
3. For Filipino-inspired ramen: Oyasumi Ramen
Home-grown San Juan City ramen shop Oyasumi Ramen does serve up traditional noodle soup dishes, but their most interesting order is the La Paz (PHP370). This Pinoy spin on ramen includes the usual mix of ramen noodles and stock but with a touch of pig’s blood and bits of crunchy chicharon. There are no shortcuts here — all of their noodles are made in-house on the daily. If you’ve got some leftover soup at the end of it all, have the kitchen turn your stock into a cheesy risotto which, filling as it is, is more like a rice porridge with cheese. Wash it all down with Japanese beers (PHP130-150) like Sapporo, Kirin, and Asahi. 308 P. Guevarra cor Seaview Sts, San Juan; +63 2 2750309. Daily 11am-10:30pm.
4. For healthier ramen: Butamaru
Traditional ramen, riddled with pork and salt, isn’t always the healthiest option when dining out. Alabang’s Butamaru, however, offers cold ramen topped with salad. Like the rest of the noodles offered here, the noodles in this dish are made with the help of Japanese noodle master Sugimura-san from Oita. Go for the standard ramen salad (PHP280) and you’ll get a variety of chopped veggies served on a bed of cold al dente ramen coated in a black sesame dressing. For something a little richer, opt for the kani version (PHP300) which comes with shredded crab sticks and a creamy mentaiko dressing. If you’re still a fan of the usual ramen served with soup, theirs is built around a 16-hour tonkotsu broth served with round, buttery slices of pork. Westgate Center, CE405 Commerce Avenue, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa; +63 2 2469069. Daily 11:30am-10pm.
5. For the most delicious tsukemen: Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Tsukemen, or ramen dipped into a bowl of thick soup before eating, is the specialty at this Jupiter Street eatery. Their thick, springy noodles are almost udon-like and go perfectly with their thick, flavorsome dipping sauces. One option is to order up the Cheese Curry Tsukemen (PHP360 for regular; PHP400 for large) which comes with a bowl of aromatic curry and a bowl of creamy cheese. For something lighter, try the yuzu tsukemen (PHP270 for regular; PHP310 for large) which comes with a clear tonkotsu broth flavored with the aromatic Japanese citrus fruit. If that’s not enough, add extra toppings like sweet char-siu (PHP140), Japanese-style egg (PHP40), and nori (PHP40). 22 Jupiter St, Makati; +63 2 5111390. Daily 11am-11pm.
6. For non-traditional ramen: Ramen Nagi
Opened 10 years ago in Fukuoka by Ikuta Satoshi, Ramen Nagi has made a name for itself by serving not-your-run-off-the-mill bowls of ramen. Satoshi’s rise to success can be credited to his boundless creativity as he became known for serving a different ramen each day — 365 days a year. Here in the Philippines, order the Green King (PHP410) made with fresh basil leaves, freshly-grated Parmesan, and olive oil in a tonkotsu broth with thinly sliced and well-marbled pork. Also look out for their seasonal specials, such as ramen with freshly-shaved black truffle and lettuce. 5/F SM Aura Premier, C5 Road corner 26th St, Taguig; +63 2 2469069, www.ramennagi.com.ph. Daily 10am-10pm.
