It wasn’t long ago when ramen became one of the most favorite Japanese food in the Philippines. Just a few years back, all these ramen places started popping everywhere in the Metro.
I have loved that warm bowl of rich, savory soup and noodles since I first tasted it but not as much as I loved it now. My boyfriend is also a “ramen lover” (if you’d like to call it that), and most of our dates are over this huge bowl of sumptuousness and over the course of a year, we’ve tried a couple of ramen places near our office.
Below is a list of my top 5 favorites:
Ajisen Ramen
This is one that’s very dear to our hearts not only because their ramen is very rich in taste, but also because this place is where we’ve spent our first ever lunch date together.
They have different varieties of ramen and my personal favorite is their Chashu Ramen! If you’re craving for authentic but budget-friendly ramen, this is the place to visit.
Click here for the list of branches in the Philippines.
Kenji Tei
Next on my list is this Japanese restaurant where we spent our first lunch date as a couple. This place offers not only that warm bowl we all came to love, but also cold ramen. I haven’t tried it yet, but for those who are adventurous enough to try new dishes, this is the place for you.
My favorite ramen in Kenji Tei is their Spicy Negi which is also one of their bestsellers. Aside from their ramen, I also personally loved their sushi which are freshly made.
Kenji Tei has three branches:
3/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City
LG/F Cinema & Entertainment Complex, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
2/F, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila
Ramen Nagi
One of the most famous ramen house in the country is Ramen Nagi with its very Japanese vibe and delicious-tasting ramen, it made its way to the hearts of many Filipinos instantly. So far, my favorite is their Black King ramen which, I think, would go best with their spicy chicken karaage. My boyfriend and I recently tried their chicken karaage and it was so good! We have yet to try their matcha-flavored chicken karaage.
Click here for the list of branches in the Philippines.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Another ramen place that we’ve tried is Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Though their regular-sized ramen bowls are smaller than most of the ramen places around the Metro, I can say that I enjoyed the rich taste of their Kara-Miso Ramen. The spiciness and thickness of the soup will surely satisfy your ramen cravings.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is located at Glorietta 4, Hotel Dr, Ayala Center, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila, Philippines.
Ippudo
And lastly, Ippudo. I think Ippudo doesn’t have as much choices when it comes to their ramen menu, but I did enjoy their Yokhama Iekei ramen. I liked that their meat are deliciously tasty and is a perfect match for the soup.
Ippudo is located at 3/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
What’s your favorite ramen place? What do you like to pair your ramen with? Tell me in the comments!
For my Filipino readers, do you know of any other ramen places around Makati? I’d definitely love to give them a try some time.