Kitchen

Rainy Day Eats: 8 Ramen Shops for the Discerning Ramentic

by Diane Go
May 30, 2024

Ramen is a comfort food dish best served hot. And with rainy days upon us, a bowl is in order. Here’s a list of ramen shops for your cravings.

Rainy days call for comforting and warm eats and the soupier, the better. Enter ramen—a delicious Japanese noodle dish that consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles (chukamen) served in a meat-based broth (usually flavored with soy sauce or miso), topped with sliced pork (chashu), dried seaweed (nori), and scallions.

Although the quintessential ramen has its roots in Chinese noodle dishes, nearly every region in Japan has its own variation. Take for example the pork bone broth ramen (tonkotsu) from Kyushu or perhaps the miso ramen from Hokkaido.

Just like the many Japanese dishes that have grown in popularity here in the Philippines, ramen joins the ranks as a hearty comfort food favorite. In fact, the ramen shops here come in just as many varieties—from creative fusion twists to a replica of the classic ramen you’d find in Japan.

Hungry? We list 8 ramen shops where you can get your ramen fix.

8 ramen shops to keep you warm this rainy season

Harakiri Ramen — Photo from *@harakiri.taft*

8. Harakiri (IG: @harakiri.taft)

Ramen is at its best when served freshly cooked and piping hot. But for those who don’t want to brave the insane Metro Manila traffic, you can still get your ramen fix through Harakiri.

A Taft-based restaurant on wheels, Harakiri is the “first decent and applicable yet empirical ramen shop near you” that offers two kinds of ramen: the Classic Tonkotsu, which features a deeply flavored and rich meat broth, and Tantanmen—ramen that’s known for its sweet and spicy broth. Plus, they now offer gyoza (Japanese dumplings) on their menu!

7. Yummy Tokyo (IG: @yummytokyoofficial)

Ramen cravings can hit any time of the day and sadly, 24-hour ramen shops don’t exist yet here in the Philippines. The solution? Ready-to-cook ramen!

Affordable and just as good as restaurant-quality ramen, Yummy Tokyo’s selection of frozen ramen includes classics like Tonkotsu, Miso, Shoyu, and Spicy Miso. On the other hand, it also includes adventurous options like Curry, Black Garlic, Seafood, and even my favorite: Cold Ramen, which features noodles, shredded chicken, and soy sauce-based cold broth.

Aside from ramen, the shop offers frozen Gyoza dumplings and oils that you can use to flavor your ramen.

6. Sigekiya Ramen (IG: @sigekiyaramenph)

Looking for authentic ramen straight from Japan? Sigekiya Ramen’s the answer.

Established in 2011 in Yokohama, Japan by Ramen Master Sugizaki, Sigekiya Ramen quickly grew in popularity among Filipinos who work and live in Yokohama. It then became a common meeting place among Filipinos who love ramen, so the owner chose to bring its authentic flavors and taste to the Philippines—specifically in Commercenter, Alabang.

To date, Sigekiya Ramen is known for its ramen and tsukemen (noodles that are eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of soup or broth). Available options include classics like the Sigekiya Ramen, Miso, Seafood, and Sigekiya Ramen light in small, regular, and medium sizes—depending on how hungry you are. As for the tsukemen options, they even offer a curry variant for those who like spicy food!

5. Oyasumi Ramen (IG: @oyasumiramen)

Ramen connoisseurs come in many forms—some purists look for authentic, Japanese ramen, while there are adventurous ones who enjoy variety in their noodle dishes. And by variety, we mean fusion elements that you wouldn’t expect in ramen.

If you’re part of the latter faction, you can get all that from San Juan-based restaurant Oyasumi Ramen. A homegrown local brand that prides itself on making everything from scratch, this ramen shop also adds trendy elements to its ramen. Case in point: a Pinoy take on ramen—the La Paz Batchoy, which features traditional ramen, topped with crunchy chicharon bits and garlic.

Likewise, you can indulge in this ramen shop’s Truffle Ramen—a coming together of Japanese and Italian flavors in the form of earthy truffle essence, a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and some spinach with a classic ramen base. But if you want old-school classics, the Black Pepper Ramen and Kara Miso will keep you nicely filled.

Got leftover ramen broth? For an additional fee, Oyasumi Ramen can turn it into a hearty risotto! In it, you’ll get the same rich taste of pork broth, paired with some cheese, and bits of chashu meat. That way, nothing goes to waste and you get another meal to enjoy.

4. Ramen Nagi (IG: @ramennagimanila)

Chain store ramen shops may be all over, but for good reason, as these mainstream brands have amassed a cult following that put them on the country’s radar. Take for example Ramen Nagi—a Japanese chain that’s gotten big here in the Philippines, since they offer both classic and adventurous flavors to suit any ramen fan.

Mainstays like the classic Butao Ramen are a must for purists, while Italian-inspired ramen Green King, or Squid ink-based Black King, are flavors that adventurous foodies will enjoy. But what really propelled Ramen Nagi to fame is their monthly limited-edition ramen bowls—flavors exclusive only to the Philippines.

3. Mendokoro Ramenba (IG: @mendokoro_ramenba)

A local ramen spot that won the hearts (and stomachs) of many, this local ramen concept was borne from the minds of great Filipinos who teamed up with ramen experts, including “Ramen God” Kazuo Yamagishi.

By marrying the concept of a bar with the comforting taste of ramen, Mendokoro Ramenba was established in 2014 with its first branch in Salcedo Village, Makati City. A unique concept that intends to showcase a product-first approach, this ramen bar concept lets you see your ramen being prepared firsthand in undistracted solace. What’s more, the attention to detail and the use of only premium ingredients is what made them popular, with people coming in droves to dine, even up to this day.

Must-haves from Mendokoro include classic tonkotsu-based choices like Miso, Shiyo, Shoyu, and Miso. But if you like your ramen extra meaty, the not-so-secret off-menu item Super Chashu ramen is definitely a treat! Why? You get a thick slab of torched, almost sweet but very savory pork atop a rich pork-based broth, paired with soft noodles, and scallions. Just the way good ramen ought to taste!

But that’s not all. Indulge in sides like the Gyoza or if you want a different take on ramen, the shop also offers Tsukemen and a creamy but spicy Tantanmen.

2. Marudori (IG: @ramen_marudori)

Ramen typically comes with a pork broth known as tonkotsu. But those who don’t consume pork or want something different can indulge in a chicken-based alternative called tori paitan.

Located in Rockwell Mall, Makati, Marudori Ramen is a new concept by the team behind Mendokoro Ramenba and Yushoken. Instead of pork, it highlights chicken in its menu offerings, with diverse choices beyond ramen, like chicken gyoza, glazed chicken thighs, and tsukemen.

Flavorful and just as meaty, but more delicate than pork-based ramen, Marudori’s ramen takes inspiration from the authentic flavors of Japanese ramen. In fact, this ramen shop’s offerings feature a chicken broth with noodles and the usual ramen fixings.

But instead of pork chashu, you get chicken meat or even seafood, should you opt for the Shoyu Paitan Ramen—delicate ramen with a rich and creamy tori paitan broth that’s infused with soy sauce, topped with slices of grilled chicken that’s tender, smoky, and a touch sweet.

Bonus: their meaty gyoza is a must-have that pairs best with your ramen!

1. Ramen Ron (IG: @ramenron.ph)

Before ramen became the in-thing here in the Philippines, there was Ukokkei Ramen Ron. Set in Makati City, this ramen shop was ruled by Chef Tamura, the stern head of the house who had his own rules and strict standards for ramen. This made the restaurant a pilgrimage among fans, though sadly, the shop closed its lone store branch in 2020 and began offering DIY kits you could prepare at home.

But now, the shop is back and business is booming as ever. Taking on a new identity as Ramen Ron, this ramen shop is still run by Chef Tamura, but this time, he partnered up with Chef Margarita Fores and her son Amado. To date, Ramen Ron has found its new home in Rockwell’s Edades, where it serves up a wide variety of ramen (both fresh and DIY kits), sides, and desserts.

Bestsellers include the Ukokkei Miso Chashu Ramen, Tantanmen, and Karamiso Ramen for those who like it spicy. As for those who want a meatless option, Ramen Ron offers a Vegetarian Hiyashi Goma Ramen, which features cold sesame sauce and ramen noodles, topped with pork chashu cubes, wakame, cucumber, sesame seeds, pickled ginger, and leeks.