Ahh… Ramen… Who wouldn’t love to take a sip of that hot, flavorful broth and slurp into that noodles after a long rainy workday? Whether you’re a ramen junkie or a casual diner, you can never go wrong with a bowl to lighten up your mood.
Finding the Best Ramen Shops in Town
Lucky for us, ramen shops have sprouted all over Metro Manila and we are only left with the good problem of choosing the best among the rest. But here in Everything MNL, we’ve narrowed down the list to make your life even easier. So hop on, we’ll take you to our grand savory journey of the 7 best ramen shops in town!
#7: Ramen Yushoken
Location: Molito Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa
Try: Tokusei Tsukumen; Miso Ramen
Photo courtesy of Ramen Yushuken’s Official Facebook Page
If you happen to be visiting down south of the metro, then stopping by at Ramen Yushoken is an activity you should never miss on your itinerary. This ramen resto, located at the heart of Alabang, is claimed to be the best in the south by some enthusiasts. You can try a lot of specials, but for starters, you can opt for their best selling Tokusei Tsukumen — a ramen dish with the noodles being served separately and dipped in the thick soup or broth.
#6: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Location: Multiple Locations (Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive cor Estrella St, Makati; Shangri-La Plaza Mall EDSA; Century City Mall Makati; SM Aura Premier, Taguig; Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa)
Try: Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen; Tantan Tonkotsu
Restaurant facade courtesy of Ikkoryu.ph
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is a concept resto by Yamagoya — a global ramen chain established in 1970 with roots originating at the heart of Fukuoka, Japan. You can find a number of locations across the metro from Makati to Muntinlupa. They are famous for their Black Garlic Tonkotsu — a strong tasting ramen served with roasted garlic oil. But for my personal pick, I’d go with the Tantan Tonkotsu for its spicy, playful taste.
#5: Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Location: Multiple Locations (Blue Bay Walk, Pasay; Ayala Malls The 30th, Pasig; 22 Jupiter, Makati)
Try: Double Cheese Tsukemen
Photo courtesy of Mitsuyado Sei-men PH’s official Facebook page.
This might be my top pick for the nicest ramen place in town. There are two things Mitsuyado Sei-Men is famous at: Best Tsukemen (Dipping Noodle Ramen) in town and the classic Japanese street-market vibe. A walk inside their Jupiter branch will take you to the streets of old Japan. For the specialty, clearly the Double Cheese Tsukemen takes the crown. This dipping noodle ramen fusion served with parmesan and cheese sauce will surely make any cheese lover’s mouth water. Go give Mitsuyado Sei-men a try if you want an all-around authentic Japanese ramen experience from food to vibe.
#4: Hokkaido Ramen Santuoka
Location: Multiple Locations (Glorietta 4, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Greenhills, Eastwood Mall, Alabang Town Center)
Try: Shio Ramen; Kara Miso Ramen
Photo courtesy of Hokkaido Ramen Santuoka’s official facebook page.
One of my personal favorites in this list, Hokkaido Ramen Santuoka has come a long way from its early beginnings in Hokkaido, Japan. This now huge ramen chain offers straightforward, but irresistibly great Japanese choices. The most notable option is the touted Shio Ramen which uses only salt as its primary flavoring. But fret not, as this might have been the best Shio-based ramen you’ll taste in a long while!
#3: Ramen Kuroda
Location: Multiple Locations (Paseo Center, Makati; SM North, SM Marikina, Eton Centris, DD Meridian, Pasay; SM Fairview, TV5, Mandaluyong; SM Manila, Eastwood, Lucky Chinatown, Binondo; Aseana II, Pasay; RCBC Plaza, Makati; BF Homes, Paranaque)
Try: Shiro Ramen, Aka Ramen
Photo courtesy of Ramen Kuroda’s official site.
Flavorful, budget-friendly and timely — this is the mantra of Ramen Kuroda, a ramen shop committed to making REAL ramen a part of your everyday. Standing at number three on our list, this is our pick for the best-valued ramen noodles. Be aware though, that while they offer affordable and within-reach ramen, Ramen Kuroda still stands at the forefront in terms of flavor and authenticity.
For starters, the basic Shiro Ramen might be the way to go. But if you’ll ask my ever spicy-loving pallet, I’d recommend the Aka Ramen.
#2: Ramen Nagi
Location: Multiple Locations (Robinsons Galleria, Greenbelt Makati, SM Aura, Taguig; Valero, Makati; SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia)
Try: Butao King; Red King; Green King; Black King
facebook.com/RamenNagiManila/
Photo courtesy of Ramen Nagi Manila’s official Facebook page.
There’s a reason why almost every online ramen recommendation list lists this ramen joint as one of the top 3 best ramen shops in the country: The hype is real — Ramen Nagi is indeed a blessing sent from heavens above and straight into the Ramen enthusiasts’ stomachs.
Have a sip of their Butao King’s broth and you’ll understand what I mean when I say ‘heavenly’. If you want something that is naughty and bites back, try the spicy miso-based Red King. You also have some exotic fusions through the Black King (Butao with Ink Squid) and Green King (Jap-Italian fusion).
#1: Ippudo
Location: Multiple Locations (Uptown Mall, BGC; SM Megamall; SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood Ave, QC; Vertis North, QC; Powerplant Mall, Makati)
Try: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen
Photo courtesy of IppudoPH’s official Facebook page.
One word — Perfection.
Ippudo, while being regarded as the last great ramen chain to jump into the Philippine ramen craze, has proven that late doesn’t always mean last. Believe me when I say that Ippudo’s classic Shirumaru Motoaji is the best-tasting ramen I’ve ever tasted. The perfectly crafted combination of the world-famous milky tonkotsu broth, springy noodles, and skillfully cut pork loin will take you to a trip to Japan in its earlier days.
Ugh, definitely one for the books. You’ll surely enjoy your bowl of Ippudo from the first sip to the last slurp.
Join the Ramen Craze
They say there’s no bad day for a bowl of ramen. So go, grab some. Give in to that savory bowl of soul that’ll surely warm your stomach, uplift your spirit, and energize your body. We have plenty of best options in town, so slurp a good one!