Ramen is the noodle dish we all know and love. Wheat noodles, meat or fish-based broth, sliced pork, dried seaweeds and green onion toppings, and sometimes an egg to compliment the flavors; ramen despite being a Japanese dish is not strange to us Filipinos.
You can basically find a good ramen place near you anytime here in the country. From high-end restaurants and small kiosks, you could always get a bowl to satisfy your cravings. One particular place we tried is the Ramen Bar in Greenfield District. They serve Japanese rice bowls and other authentic Japanese dish along with their specialty, ramen.
Ramen at Ramen Bar
For our appetizers we had their Ebi Tempura for Php380, Edamame or steamed young soybeans still in pods for Php120, and their version of fried rice or Chahan for Php120. Their tempura was nothing sort of special but it does taste really good and authentic. The steamed soybean are best eaten with salt but you can always indulge it on their own. I personally like the Chahan because it was very flavorful and the rice was not under or overly cooked. We also had their Katsu Curry for Php220. You can choose either pork or chicken and it is served with plain rice.
Chahan in Ramen Bar
We tried three of their ramen and we can say that they are definitely great. We first had their R.B.S Ramen which is one of their best-sellers for Php380. It has tonkotsu or broth made from the marrow of the pork; shoyu which means soy sauce; chasyu or pork belly which is simmered or braised; kakuni which is also braised pork; negi or spring onion; and Naruto or cured fish all working together to give a burst of flavor. We liked this one even if it was not that spicy.
We also tried another one of their best-seller which is the Bikkuri Ramen, also at Php380. This one has Miso or broth flavored with seasoning produced from fermenting soybeans, minced pork, and chili, negi, naruto, and aji tamago or marinated soft boiled eggs. I liked this one better than any of the ones we tried. For me it strikes the balance of flavors and spiciness.
The other ramen we tried is not your typical ramen, it’s Longganisa Ramen. This one is a fusion of the Filipino breakfast and the traditional Japanese ramen. It has all the basic ingredients of a ramen but instead of sliced pork, this one has longganisa in it. The taste is garlicky and eating this one feels like eating breakfast with the noodles being the rice. I recommend this one for those who are looking for a different twist on the dish. This one is at Php320.
Longganisa Ramen
You can also opt to get additional aji tamago or chasyu (4 slices) for your Ramen order. For Php50 you can get a whole aji tamago and Php120 for the additional chasyu, so you can literally overload your ramen with the toppings you like. Another great thing about Ramen Bar is their Hakata Sampler wherein you could try a sampler of all their dish to help you decide on what dish to order.
For our drinks, we had their Cucumber Lemonade for Php50/glass or Php120 for a pitcher which is very refreshing and complements well with the food. They also serve local drinks like guyabano, tamarind, calamansi, and dalandan for Php80 each. And they do serve beer or you could have their traditional Japanese liquors, Asahi and Kirin Ichiban for Php145 each.
Cucumber Drink
We were already too full for dessert so we didn’t ordered anymore but they do serve amazing desserts judging by their looks. They serve a variety of sweets like Melona, Samanco, Encho Bar, and Cookies and Cream.
Overall, our Ramen experience at the Ramen Bar was great and literally fulfilling. The place is a good find if you’re looking to get yourself a ramen fix or you just want to have a good Japanese food.
Ramen Bar
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM to 11 PM (Monday – Friday)
11:30 AM to 11 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
