Ramen Houses: The Pop Talk Review

Want a warm treat during rainy days? Check out “Pop Talk’s” review of three ramen houses in the metro.

Aside from cooler nights, gloomy skies and unexpected cloudbursts, the rainy season also ushers in a craving for hot and tasty bowls of  ramen. This popular comfort food is usually made of firm noodles soaked in a bowl of hot soup and topped with seaweed, vegetables, eggs, seafood, and slices of meat. Though mostly known as a staple food in Japan, ramen actually traces its roots to China. Ramen restaurants are now highly popular not only in these two countries but also in other places like the Philippines.

With a panel composed of Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, half-Japanese half-Filipino Atomo Charles Tanaka, and actress Bela Padilla, “Pop Talk” took a taste test in three ramen shops in the metro. Find out which among the shops got the reviewers’ approval.

Ajisen Ramen
43 W. Square, Tirad Pass St. cor Sto. Domingo St., Quezon, City
Price: A bowl of Ajisen ramen costs as low as P235



The specialties of Ajisen Ramen are the Beef Teppanyaki Ramen and the Ajisen Ramen. Aside from the noodle treats, this ramen house also offers Japanese salads, deep-fried dishes, seafood rolls, rice dishes, and hot pots.

Ajisen Ramen owner Cynthia Ng revealed the secret behind the restaurant’s dishes: “All of our ingredients are from Japan,” she said.

“Very authentic-tasting,” Chef Waya said about the food in Ajisen Ramen. Meanwhile, Bela Padilla loved Ajisen’s Crazy Roll, a tempura made of crabstick, salmon, cucumber, and eggs: “Naiiyak ako sa sarap... Favorite ko na ‘to.”

The Kapuso actress also loved the restaurant's atmosphere. “Pagpasok mo pa lang medyo authentic na yung feel niya. Very clean sa Ajisen kaya sarap balikan,” she said.

Final verdict: 7 pop points

Tamagoya Noodle House
2 Soliven Avenue Mayamot, Antipolo City
Price: Tamagoya ramen dishes cost less than P200



According to host Tonipet Gaba, Tamagoya Noodle House is considered as one of the “best-kept secrets” of Antipolo and Marikina. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with wooden seats and bars, giving it a cozy atmosphere. However, the reviewers thought that the place could have better lighting.

Seafood and veggie enthusiasts could try the restaurant’s Gomoku Ramen, while those who prefer a hotter noodle experience could challenge themselves with the spicy Stamina Ramen.

In addition to this, Tamagoya also has chilled Hiyashi Chuka Noodles, Miso Ramen, and a selection of rice bowls and dumplings.

The food that stood out the most among the reviewers is the Stamina Ramen. Tonipet described its taste by saying, “Parang matamis siya, bigla siyang aanghang.” Atomo also praised this dish: “Sa tingin ko, ito talaga ‘yung close sa pagiging authentic sa lahat ng nalasahan ko.”

Final verdict: 7 pop points

Ramen Oh
2nd Flr. J&R Concon Center 91 Rosa Alvero St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Price: Ramen Oh servings that are good for two people are available for P199. Meals that are good for three or more people are available for P350.



Affordable and delicious ramen - that’s what the people behind Ramen Oh want to offer when they opened their restaurant in January 2013. Because of this, their menu offers big bowls of ramen that can be shared by two to three people.

Ramen Oh’s ramen selection includes the Gyu Yakiniku Ramen, which has beef, eggs, vegetables, and shoyu soup; the Sapporo Ramen, which has pork, corn, and vegetables for toppings; and the Tantanmen Ramen, which has spicy soup, pork, egg, and vegetables.

Ramen Oh’s dishes were different from authentic Japanese ramen, but the reviewers still liked it.

“It doesn’t taste Japanese to me,” shared Bela after tasting the ramen dishes. “It tastes like a modern, more Pinoy version.”

Chef Waya thought the same: “Masarap. Hindi siya ganun ka-authentic, mas modern ‘yung take nila. Mas binagay nila sa panlasang Pilipino.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

— Lara Gonzales/CM, GMA News