Just as there are many ramen shops around the world, there are also many techniques and add-on options for this Japanese noodle soup. Some come with a rich and meaty broth; while others are light, fluid, and delicately seasoned. There are thick noodles, thin noodles, lean pieces of meat, and even fatty ones. Toppings can vary from bowl to bowl, and so does the level of spiciness— if there is some heat involved, anyway.
Now that a lot of ramen restaurants have opened up in the Philippines, we’re pretty sure that the choices can be overwhelming. Not to worry— we’ve made things easier by sampling a few and making a comparative review of each one (wow, so technical!).
I tried 6 different kinds of Ramen— here’s what I think of them
Disclaimer: These ramen dishes all come in DIY kits. Therefore, some components (such as the firmness of the noodles) may vary depending on how you prepare it.
6. Tantanmen from Ohayo Maki and Ramen Bar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohayomakiandramenbar
Instagram: @ohayomakiandramenbar
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_rGDR0nlSf/
The Tantanmen of Ohayo Maki and Ramen Bar has a very rich broth made of a spicy mix of slow-cooked pork with some heat to it. There is also a nutty flavor that lingers, melding over the broth’s delicate spiciness. The egg noodles are thick, too, but they soften after sitting in the soup for a long time. Meanwhile, the usual indulgent piece of Chasu pork is replaced with ground pork, which is also somewhat fatty. Overall, the heat level is manageable, though it’s admittedly very rich and flavorful. Don’t worry— you can always dilute it while cooking.
Price: Php370
Broth: Very Rich
Noodle Hardness: Moderately Soft
Noodle Thickness: Moderately Thick
Spicy Level: Moderately Spicy
5. Tori King from Ramen Keisuke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeisukePH
Instagram: @ramenkeisukeph
Instead of the classic rich pork broth base that most shops use, Ramen Keisuke’s Ramen is made of a lighter chicken base. Don’t underestimate the soup yet, though— it’s just as rich and flavorful as other ramen variants. Basic components of the Tori King feature thin and straight noodles, mushrooms, and spring onions. The noodles have a springy mouthfeel, and they surprisingly maintain their form even after sitting in the broth for a long time. The real showstopper, however, is the meaty chicken leg and thigh. Now this is something you don’t see everyday!
Price: Php412
Broth: Rich
Noodle Hardness: Normal
Noodle Thickness: Thin
Spicy Level: N/A
4. Spicy Ramen from Uma Uma Ramen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UmaUmaPH
Instagram: @umaumaph
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqd_z5gFeWc/
Uma Uma’s Spicy Ramen is made up of rich pork broth with chili oil mixed in, paired with thin and straight noodles. To finish things off, spicy marinated slices of Chashu pork can be found on top along with egg, leeks, and onions. The heat in this dish does not leave a stinging sensation, either— rather, it’s a mild heat that gradually builds up and gradually ebbs away. Pair this with the creaminess of the broth— an MSG-free one at that!— and it’s one bowl that you’ll finish until the last drop.
Price: Php390
Broth: Balanced
Noodle Hardness: Normal
Noodle Thickness: Thin
Spicy Level: Spicy
3. Curry Ramen from Yummy Tokyo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yummytokyoofficial
Instagram: @yummytokyoofficial
Yummy Tokyo’s Ramen— both the dine-in and DIY versions – remain as affordable and as authentic as can be. The Curry Ramen, for example, features a pork-based broth with miso, and creamy notes of curry mixed in. The handmade wavy noodles are thin and springy, and gradually soften as they sit in the soup yet still maintain their form. Meanwhile, the accompanying components of Aji Tamago egg and thin slice Chashu tie everything together, although the pork is more on the fatty side. For the price, it has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Price: Php169
Broth: Balanced
Noodle Hardness: Moderately Soft
Noodle Thickness: Thin
Spicy Level: N/A
2. Super Chashu of Mendokoro Ramenba
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mendokororamen
Instagram: @mendokoro_ramenba
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3a5M0HdAv/
A not-so-secret menu item from Mendokoro Ramenba, the Super Chashu, is a smokier version of the restaurant’s Shoyu Ramen. The pork-based broth is thick and quite rich, and can be quite filling when paired with their thick noodles. However, the definite showstopper is the large, lean piece of Chashu. Slow-cooked until tender, this slice of pork is smoky, umami, and slightly sweet. While tasty and very meaty, this ramen can be heavy. Make sure you work up a huge appetite before digging in!
Price: Php560
Broth: Rich
Noodle Hardness: Moderately Soft
Noodle Thickness: Moderately Thick
Spicy Level: N/A
1. Karakamen from Ippudo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ippudoPH
Instagram: @ippudoph
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8iImS1g2cw/
The Karakamen is a spicy variant from Ippudo that comes with thin, wavy noodles, slices of Chashu pork belly, and a blend of spicy ground pork in miso— all swimming in a flavorful pork broth. The spiciness gives a mild tickle in the throat— barely there, which allows the delicate pork flavors to shine in the ramen. The slice of pork may be thin, but it is lean at the very least. As for the aromatics, some finely chopped spring onion gives a refreshing contrast to the overall meaty flavors of this dish.
Price: Php405
Broth: Balanced
Noodle Hardness: Balanced
Noodle Thickness: Thin
Spicy Level: Mild
What’s your favorite DIY ramen? Have you tried any yet?
(Cover Photo from Ohayo Maki and Ramen Bar)
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