Would you go as far as Subic to search for the best ramen bowl?
We all know that the hot and humid weather here in Manila didn’t stop people from jumping on the ramen bandwagon, that’s why various ramen places are sprouting at almost every corner of the metro. Whether it’s at an upscale mall or in a shady (and sometimes scary) neighbourhood, some hard core ramen enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new restaurants in search for that holy bowl.
So now we’re on the 3rd of our 4-part Ramen Series for the month of February, and the search for under the radar ramen places is what this list is all about. You don’t and probably won’t see them as much as Ramen Nagi or Ippudo on social media, but they’re quite the hits to its local neighborhood dwellers. PS: They’re all quite affordable too!
Part 1: Top 10 Ramen in Metro Manila
Part 2: 10 Unique Ramen Bowls in Manila
Part 4: 10 of the World’s Strangest Ramen that’s not in Manila
Erra’s Ramen Cart – Malate
Erra’s has been around for quite some time now and is a popular choice among late night diners in the area. Their 100-peso and under ramen selections include classics like tantanmen, shio, miso, and shoyu. They serve beer and other bar chows too if you want more than just ramen. Also read: 14 Restaurant Gems in Malate
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
1755 Adriatico St., cor. J. Nakpil St., Malate, Manila
+63 2 354-9509
Happon Ramen House – Marikina
Happon Ramen House is a 10-12 seater ramen joint that serves authentic ramen bowls under P200. It offers 8 types of ramen bowls, all using rich flavorful Chicken Paitan soup base, which is said to be a ‘healthier’ alternative to your average everyday ramen. Gyoza and chicken karaage are also available.
Reservations are accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
70 Cepeda St cor Colonel Divino St,Concepcion I, Marikina
+63 922 803-7460
Mensakaba Geishu – BF Homes
This quaint ramen place along Aguirre is run by an old couple named Alyn and Hiro. Hiro is a Japanese national who does not claim to be an expert at what he does, while his wife, Alyn, is the humble front liner of their humble 12-seater restaurant. Mensakaba serves light broth ramen bowls including Chashu-Men (which has SEVEN slices of roasted pork fillet), Ebi Wantanmen (shrimp wanton ramen) and Kantonmen (vegetable and seafood).
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
Southland Apartments, Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque
+63 2 546-9302
Ohsama Ramen – Makati
Skip the queue at Little Tokyo and visit Ohsama Ramen for unique ramen flavors such as the Asari Butter Syouyu Ramen, Karaage (fried chicken) Ramen, and Karubi (beef) Ramen. Despite its prime location in Makati, ramen bowls are priced affordably between 200-300 pesos only; moreover, you can add gyoza and chahan for an additional 100 pesos only.
Reservations are accepted
800 A. Arnaiz Ave, San Lorenzo, Makati
+63 2 729-2516
Ramen Ichiban-Kan – Malate
Before the ramen invasion in Manila even happened, there was Ramen Ichiban-Kan along Mabini, Malate. This place is open until late and Japanese nationals are the usual suspects dining in the restaurant. Unique to their menu is the Kimchi ramen, which is also one of their bestsellers.
No reservations accepted
2101 A Mabini St, Malate, Manila
+63 2 524-4779
Takashi Japanese Cuisine – Pioneer
Hiding inside the Pioneer Center in Mandaluyong is Chef Takashi Kawasaki’s Japanese hole-in-the-wall. Primarily catering to its neighborhood locals and working citizens, Takashi offers bang-for-buck authentic Japanese cuisine from sushi, rice bowls, ramen and yes, fun panda sushi kawaii. Customers love their Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen and Hokkaido Miso Ramen.
Photo from @cheflaudico[/caption]
Reservations are accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
Pioneer Center, 8006 Pioneer St. cor. United & Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig
+63 905 510-9554
Ramen-Ya – BF Homes
Ramen-Ya is a discreet ramen place along Aguirre. What sets it apart from its neighbors is the price, nothing over 200 pesos for a bowl of ramen here. Their black garlic ramen is one of their specialties. The Japanese owner/chef makes the broth himself and keeps the recipe top secret.
No reservations accepted
Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque, Metro Manila
+63 915 699-4715
Ramen Kagetsu Arashi – Makati
Established in 1992, Ramen Kagetsu Arashi is one of the largest ramen chains in Japan and has more than 290 outlets worldwide. Their ramen bowls come in junior and regular bowls, don’t leave without trying their signature Arashi Genkotsu. This is its first outlet in Manila, a 2nd branch in BGC is opening on Feb. 19.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
Paseo Center, 8757 Paseo de Roxas Ave., Makati
+63 2 836-5856
Tamagoya Noodle House – Antipolo
A popular Japanese noodle house in Antipolo known for its bowls of ramen, rice bowls and gyoza that are homegrown from Hokkaido. Everyone who has visited has nothing but good words for their Stamina Ramen (ramen with chili miso paste base soup) and Beef Yakisoba. Their karaage is also a popular choice.
No reservations accepted
#2 Soliven Avenue, Mayamot, Antipolo, Rizal
+63 2 861-8631
Yoshida Seimen Yokohama Ramen – Legaspi Village
Yoshida Seimen Yokohama Raman serves only ramen set meals that come with 5 side dishes–salad, 2 small appetizers and coffee jelly dessert. The Wafu and Noukou sets are the top choices and they’re both just P350/set.
No reservations accepted
RG4 Makati Creekside Bldg Amorsolo cor Herrera, Legazpi Village, Makati
+63 2 887-2352
Ramen Sora – Subic (BONUS)
This is a wild card entry for this list since its branches can only be found in Pampanga, Cebu, and Subic. Ramen Sora means ‘noodle soup’ and ‘sky’; the restaurant’s first branch opened in Las Vegas, USA. Owners Chef Tomio Takada and Chef Yoshimari Ichise partnered with Gerry Apolinario (of Gerry’s Grill) to bring the franchise to the Philippines. Ramen Sora is known for its bestselling Sapporo-style Miso Ramen.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
Court Meridian Hotel, Waterfront Road, Olongapo City
+63 47 250-3278
We hope this list just made your day a little better than it was a few digital calories ago. If you still haven’t, sign up to Booky Prime free trial so you can start booking tables at over 200 partner restaurants and get up to P500 off your table bill. P.S. You may even get a surprise free dessert before your meal ends.
