10 Good Restos For Ramen Runs in Metro Manila

When we’re looking for ramen, look no further for here are some restos that even some Japanese approve when they come to the Philippines.

Ramen is comfort food we all enjoy and have been deprived of because of the pandemic. Some places may sell frozen ramen but, some of us want it piping hot. When it comes to ramen, we know our kids just love slurping up the noodles. For those who are sick, the soup is perfect for their digestion when they can’t find the energy to chew. To make it easier, we’ve selected good ramen restos that serve piping hot soup and noodles.

1. Ramen Kuroda

Ramen Kuroda has two known branches: Eastwood and Eton Centris. Although it’s a small ramen resto, it’s always full because their ramen’s just that good. Even Japanese who go there find comfort in having their ramen. Although their ramen selections are limited, we suggest drinking the Kuro Ramen (AKA the Black Ramen). Its dark colors are because the base is made with slowly fermented and roasted black garlic, adding rich umami to the broth. Plus, garlic’s healthy and known to drop blood pressure levels fast.

2. Yummy Tokyo

Your Atenean and UP kids will recognize this brand. In the Regis building along Katipunan, Yummy Tokyo had a stall on the second floor where they sold a variety of ramen. They usually catered to the student population within the Katipunan area, watching them run back and forth between classes. However, they’ve expanded to other areas wherein you can taste their delicious Seafood Ramen or their Spicy Ramen with their Gyoza.

3. Happon Ramen

A jewel hidden among the streets of Sikatuna Village or popularly known as Maginhawa, Happon Ramen‘s known for their Karaage (fried chicken) and Ramen. They may only have four selections but they’re one of the few ramen places that sell chicken ramen instead of the typical pork. If you’re tired of the typical Tonkotsu pork bone broth, you can try their Chicken Paitan Ramen. They even have a spicy version of it.

4. Shinjuku Home of Authentic Ramen

Originally located in Makati, Shinjuku has a branch along Ortigas near the corner of the old Ash Creek and heading towards Xavier and ICA. This ramen resto gained its fame as one of the restaurants in Makati’s Little Tokyo, offering a variety of ramen. They have the famous Mabo Nasu Ramen, an approach to the Chinese dish Mapo Tofu but use eggplant instead. For those who love seafood, get their Gomoku Ramen. Oh, and don’t forget to order their Gyoza! They were well-known for that too!

5. Kureji

Located along Roces, this ramen resto took a modern and innovative spin to ramen: they made it sizzling! Normally served in a hot stone bowl, the soup is normally sizzling so we’re sure whatever’s there is cooked. Kureji also doesn’t have your typical flavors. They have their Tomato Seafood Ramen which has been a big hit with kids because of the bright colors and fish. Then, for those who want a different kind of ramen, they have Salmon Head Ramen too.

6. Oyasumi Ramen

For those living in the Greenhills area, they’ll recognize this brand. Oyasumi Ramen is a resto that focuses on making Yokohama-style ramen. They differentiate themselves by adding different ingredients and having a variety of other flavors besides the usual. They have the Tonkotsu Tan-tan Ramen which is a nutty but spicy ramen. But for more adventurous people, they even did a take on La Paz Batchoy by making the La Paz Ramen.

7. Ramen Nagi

If your kids are big eaters and you’re not comfortable with dine-in, Ramen Nagi has frozen ramen sets which you can heat at home. Inside their box, they also have a set of instructions so that you get the ultimate ramen experience. Ramen Nagi’s known to have large pieces of pork belly or shoulder in their ramen and having limited edition flavors. They have the classic ramen or the one they call the Butao King but also have the Black King Ramen which they mix squid ink in.

8. Hanamaruken

Most ramen restos serve their pork in slices. But not Hanamaruken! The Osaka-based Hanamaruken does both pork belly or spare-rib, making sure there’s enough meat to match the noodles. The best part is, the meat melts off the bone. It’s so soft that you can peel it apart with chopsticks. Their Salary Man Ramen is a tribute to the typical working man in Japan that has slow-cooked pork slices with some Negi, fishcake, and seaweed.

9. Ramen Shokudo

Available on Food Panda, Ramen Shokudo is a little shop in the Banawe area. So, if you’re waiting to get your car repaired, you can have a quick ramen bite at Ramen Shokudo. Their two most unique ramen recipes are their Brown Prawn Ramen and their Green Pesto Ramen which have a different soup base compared to the usual fare of Tonkotsu found in their Toriton ramen.

10. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Yokohama, Fukuoka — this ramen resto focuses more on Hokkaido-style ramen which has Miso in it. Although they have the typical Shio and Shoyu ramen, they’re known more for their Miso Ramen or their Karamiso which uses a spicy soybean paste instead. But if your kids want some extra meat to go with that ramen, they have ramen sets too. They have pork ramen sets for meat-eaters and salmon ramen sets for those trying to avoid the red meat.

Different ramen restos have different styles of ramen

Ramen is a versatile recipe that the different provinces in Japan have their own unique style and flavor. That’s why it’s hard to compare. It all boils down to what our preferred palate is. Some of us like thick, rich flavored soup. Others like a clear but strong-flavored broth. When choosing a ramen resto, always check if they’re nearby the house. The distance it takes to travel can ruin even the most delicate flavors of this comfort food.

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