Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Lately, I am all about finding the best ramen in town. I didn't know ramen tastes so much better until I've tried the likes of Ukkokei and Mitsuyado Sei-men.

A few days ago, we've decided to give Hokkaido Ramen Santouka a road test at the new Glorietta Mall. It's a new player in the ramen-obssessed metropolis. I must say that it's not bad. 

 I should have come with an empty stomach so I would enjoy the serving more. Truth be told, I have already stuffed myself with noodles at an office celebration. Nonetheless, I ate with gusto. 

Santouka Set Meal (P480)

The set meal was served with salad and kimchi. A bit odd. But it complemented well with the overall flavor. 

Soft tofu.

Chicken gyoza (P180)

So far, the gyoza is the best I've ever tasted. It doesn't have the oiliness that comes with the other fried versions.

Hot tea

When it comes to Japanese teas, I prefer it hot than the cold one. 

Am not a fan of cold teas; didn't know what got into me when I ordered this.

 Serving-wise, Santouka is on the small side but it's packed with all-yum goodness.

Miso Ramen

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
G/F Glorietta 4 (across SM/Forever 21)
Ayala Center, Ayala Ave., 
Makati

XX

Sheng

Ramen Night at Ukokkei Ramen Ron

Lately, am having this fixation with ramen. Whenever I have the chance to dine out, my first option is to go to a ramen house. I think I'd be filling this page with all things ramen in the next few weeks. 

The next stop on my ramen quest is Ukokkei Ramen Ron. I must say that this house is just one of the many Japanese restaurants that line the length of Arnaiz Avenue in San Lorenzo Village in Makati. It's easy to miss. It's very nondescript. 

But there's nothing forgettable about the food, I must say. My girlfriends and I went there armed with the knowledge that its bowls are not for sharing. And it closes early in the night (9pm). 

Looking at the menu, you'd have to (almost) order by faith. There's no English translation except for the name of the dish. 

Seated at the bar, we took turns giving our orders. Josette went for Tantanmen. 

Tantanmen is moderately spicy (P390)

I had Ukokkei Miso Chasu. I love the richness of its soup. It has the right mix of saltiness and creaminess. The ramen is not soggy which is what I like. Plus, it comes in a large bowl. The pork that comes with it is thinly sliced that adds flavor to the already rich ramen. So far, this is my best. 
 

Ukkokei Miso Chasu (P380)

 

Lunch Set: Ramen, Rice, Salad (P380)

If you're looking for your next ramen stop, you may check out Ukokkei Ramen Ron. It's located at Paseo Tesoro. Please, please don't make the same we made. We went to the Tesoro's building towards EDSA. Both building are on the same side but Ukkokei Ramen Ron is towards Don Bosco. 

Ramen should be perfect for the rainy season, don't you think? 

XX

Sheng 

Wrong Ramen

I've heard about the fuss and hype about Wrong Ramen about a month ago. We tried going there once but we were turned away; long queue. We can't wait as our tummies are grumbling already. 

Sunday night, Tyrone and I braved the long walk from High Street to Burgos Circle. Lo and behold, the place is on a steady pace. We got our table in less than 10 minutes. 

Wrong Ramen serves homemade Hakata-style (thin and firm) noodles in a huge bowl of hot soup.

Tyrone ordered The Communist. He loved it. According to him, it has the right amount of kick, spicy as it is.

Inspired by Chinese hotpots: Seven Asian spices in a fiery red pork broth topped with sliced chashu and burnt garlic oil (P395)

I, on the other hand, had this. I have to admit, I didn't like it much. So-so for me. I think what undid it for me is the milky taste. I have a slight derision for cream-based dishes. I compensated by adding a lot of pepper. But then again, even in my own cooking, pepper is a fixture.

If you're sensitive to pork fat: a lighter version of their classic tonkotsu. Served with shredded chashu. (P290)

We shared this yummy rice wrappers! Dipping them in the sauce is a delight. It tastes really good. I'd recommend this anytime to go with any of the Ramen.

Shredded chashu rolled in rice wrappers. Served with ponzu sauce. (P140)

We also had tofu. But there's nothing special about it. And I forgot to take a picture. Ha ha.

What I love about this restaurant is it's cosmopolitan feel. Anyone who walks in would feel comfortable right away. In fact, there were a lot of solo diners that evening. So, it gets my vote. No squirmy feeling there. 

It also is very cheeky. There's a framed origami-like text that says YOLO (you only live once) in one corner. On the landing of the second floor stairs are a set of clocks. Underneath it has this text: International Branches (We wish) Tokyo, New York, etc 

Good humor, eh? And optimistic. 

Service is really fast. And the wait staff are polite and not annoying, at all. 

Wrong Ramen is located at: 

Forbes Town Center

Burgos Circle

Bonifacio Global City

Go ahead, check it out for yourself. It's a pleasant experience. By the way, they don't accept reservations. I think it's part of the experience they'd want to foster. That feeling where you can just duck in anytime, at your favorite neighborhood Ramen house.

XX

Sheng