Get A Taste Of Japan In These Metro Manila Ramen Shops

Whenever the weather gets cold or rainy, most of us crave for food that can make us feel warm and cozy and for years, a steaming hot bowl of soup with noodles can do the trick. Filipinos are fond of sabaw (soup) and ever since Chinese immigrants introduced noodles to us, we’ve learned to tweak it according to our own preference. Hence, we now have different versions of pancit and noodles.

Recently, ramen has been one of the top choices when it comes to soup and noodles and this growing trend also dominated the Philippine market as we now have hundreds of ramen restaurants popping up nationwide.

This popular Japanese dish will surprise you with the variety of flavors it can offer since the original Japanese ramen differs per region. A typical ramen has toppings such as ajitsuke tamago eggs, chashu (pork slices) or ground pork, nori seaweed, and hand-pulled noodles for a complete meal. They only vary depending on the type of soup base you prefer since it can be made from shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu, and miso (dashi).

Whatever your type is, eating ramen gives you a satisfying feeling and since there are several restaurants in the metro, here are some ramen restaurants that’s worth a try.

True to its tagline “Make real ramen a part of your everyday,” Ramen Kuroda’s affordable pricing can make you do just that. Customers who have tried their ramen continuously vouched on its umami-filled meals while being inexpensive. Aside from ramen, they also offer gyozas and Japanese rice bowls.

Ramen Kuroda uses chef-selected ingredients to create the best noodles according to our current climate or season. The secret behind their rich soup base is the extraction process wherein they carefully get the umami from the pork bone.

Address: Several branches in Metro Manila. See full list here.

Contact Information: Varies per branch. See full list here.

Socials: Separate Facebook accounts per branch. See full list here.

Store Hours: Varies per branch. See full list here.

Previously known as Ukkokei Ramen Ron, this beloved ramen restaurant is famous for their tantanmen and during the pandemic, passionate chef Tamura teamed up with esteemed Filipina chef Margarita Forés and her son Amado to revamp Ukkokei Ramen Ron without losing its soul and classic favorites.

Ramen Ron now introduced new dishes and improved those from their old menu such as karaage and pork bun. If you haven’t tried dining in their new location, you can now enjoy their ready-to-eat or frozen DIY ramen kits at the comforts of your home.

Address: GF, RS-103, Edades Tower, Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell Center Makati.

Contact Information: (+63) 917 628 7245

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Store Hours: 12 nn to 6 pm

This isn’t your ordinary ramen restaurant. Tucked in the streets of San Juan, this shop has adapted the way locals in Yokohama cook their ramen and most of the dishes’ broth are chicken and pork-based. Oyasumi Ramen also modifies its recipes and even produced La Paz ramen inspired by the Filipino comfort food La Paz Batchoy. The patrons’ go-to order here is the Tonkotsu Tantan ramen. Tonkotsu Tantan is their own version of the traditional tantanmen and they’ve incorporated a hint of spiciness, nutty, and sweet flavors in one bowl.

Like Ramen Ron, Oyasumi Ramen is also available for deliveries and pickup.

Address: Unit 3, 308 P. Guevarra Street., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan, 1504 Metro Manila

Contact Information: (+632) 8275 0309; (+63) 927 498 2183

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Store Hours: 11 am to 9 pm

Sigekiya Ramen’s first and original shop was opened in Yokohama by Japanese ramen chef Mamori Sugizaki. This quaint shop in Japan became a popular hangout spot among Filipinos based and working in Yokohama because of Sugizaki’s hospitality and delectable food.

Because of his loyal Filipino customers, the once 10-seater joint expanded and became successful in his homeland. As a way to show gratitude to his Filipino regulars back in Yokohama, chef Sugizaki branched out in the Philippines back in 2016. One of their best-sellers is their signature Sigekiya ramen with spices imported straight from Japan.

Address: Ground Floor, Commercenter, 1780 Commerce Corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City

Contact Information: (+63) 917 677 8701

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

This ramen shop brought by Nippon Hasha Inc. is worth checking out in the South. Since its opening in 2012, people are falling in line just to try their mouthwatering ramen and gyoza but when the pandemic struck the world, Ramen Yushoken also started offering deliveries and take home kits are also available. Their shoyu and tantanmen are crowd-favorites.

Address: Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa

Contact Information: (+632) 808 7424

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Also from the same company that brought Ramen Yushoken in the country, Mendokoro Ramenba has gained traction since its opening and getting a seat can still be a challenge when visiting their shops. Their tantanmen and shoyu ramen are one of the go-to orders when in Mendokoro Ramenba.

They also offer take home kits and can now deliver right in front of your doorsteps.

Address: Branches at Alabang, BGC, Makati, and CebuSee full list here.

Contact Information:

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Finally, Ippudo has already reached the Philippines and has been serving thousands of local customers with savory and steaming hot bowls of ramen. One of their must-try dishes is Tokusei Tantanmen topped with torched chashu. Vegetarians can also try Ippudo’s mushroom ramen — with the noodles soaked in a mushroom broth, it also comes with delicious tofu slices.

Address: Check out the full list of branches here.

Contact Information: Varies per branch. See more details here.

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

This ramen shop instantly brings you back to Japan’s authentic ramen setup — simple and unassuming yet heart-filling. Ramen Keisuke has also branched out in Japan and Singapore and Filipinos can now get a taste of the famous Ramen Keisuke Tori King with rich creamy broth and roasted chicken.

Address: G/F Tower 1, Corporate Plaza,High Street South, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Contact Information: 0917 160 8879

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Store Hours: 07:00 pm to 5:00 am

Also from the brains and masters of ramen that brought Mendokoro Ramenba, Marudori also serves rich, creamy, and savory broth that is chicken-based with other chicken-based side dishes. Winner, winer, chicken dinner, right?

Address: See full list of branches here.

Contact Information and Store Hours per branch here.

Socials: Facebook and Instagram