Affordable, Awesome Ramen at MURAMEN UBELT

MURAMEN UBelt, an affordable ramen place, it's instagrammable too!

News spread like wildfire that our boy Nash Aguas and his friend Carl Barrameda had put up a new ramen place over at the University belt area. We couldn't wait to actually see it for ourselves so we did the next best thing and review this joint on our own time. My neighbors Rai and Stanley were game too so right after a whole morning of shopping in the nearby Recto district, we went on our way to MURAMEN UBelt at 1174 Sh Loyola, Sampaloc, Manila. 

Here's the map!

The place is right at the intersection of Tolentino and Loyola streets, so if you're taking public transportation just go down at Tolentino street in Espana, then walk a block to get there. You will spot the shop right across the street. See the sign?

The place is pretty small. It's not your run of the mill restaurant but more of a place where students can dine, definitely not intimidating. It's apt for the audience they're trying to attract as they literally sit right beside schools like UST, FEU, UE and a couple of other colleges. This isn't fine dining, but it's clean and tidy. It also needs a little upkeep but we've seen people assist with eagerness. That's a sign that they love what they are doing.

This is downstairs, where they house their front of house, the kitchen and their comfort room. This is where the action usually occurs because before you go up, you must order here. First off, I would like to congratulate these young entrepreneurs for keeping the price friendly. They must have spent a lot in the interior but didn't get that in the way of putting all the expense in the food. That's a good thing. Rai ordered right away!

This is the second floor. The place can probably sit around 32 people, more if you're willing to budge on some of the seats since they also have a private room for that. It's not Tatami but it's comfy to hang out with friends or family. This place is also air conditioned but they have electric fans just in case you have places that couldn't be reached by it. Again, it was comfortable by my standards.

This is the private room that I mentioned earlier. I would have figured this would have been a single room if this place was an apartment.

If I were in a group of 5 people or more I'd probably sit here. We went to the wooden table though because we were already tired walking the whole day. We couldn't wait to taste the ramen we ordered!

The Food

MURAMEN serves ramen with a bone broth base. It's also called Tonkotsu in Japanese which is milky white in consistency. It's made of pork, chicken or beef marrow bones, tons of fat, spices and even dried fish sometimes. It's either cooked an hour, or for several hours depending on the Chef's preference.

They have the original MURAMEN pegged at Php 120.00 while they also have a JR. MURAMEN (smaller serving) for only Php 80.00. They have the SPICY MURAMEN and JR. SPICY MURAMEN priced the same too, so see how affordable it is? Now if you want your MURAMEN to be a little special, they have the toppings and extras that can be ordered separately. The Bacon Chasu costs Php 29.00, the Lechon Kawali is Php 39.00, the Tamago/Egg at Php 15.00 and Fresh Gyoza at Php 49.00. You can have them all put on top of your bowl so just ask for it. They also have extra rice and extra noodles, so order more if you feel like it.

I ordered the MURAMEN (original) and asked to add Bacon Chasu on it. The serving is actually good for the price, and the taste is quite light unlike other ramen shops in malls.

I'd suggest they improve one thing though, if it's possible to actually cook the bacon to order (or heat it up when people order) because the one on top of my ramen was already cold when it arrived. But aside from that, this was a good deal. I would pay a good amount of money for good ramen, but since they've catered to students, this isn't just a great deal, THIS IS AN AWESOME deal. Imagine a bowl of it for Php 120? While other shops would have priced this at around Php 400, so really, you can't complain.

This is the SPICY MURAMEN. If you're going to order something good, make it this one. Stanley ordered this one and added the Lechon Kawali topping just for fun. The spice level comes from this bean paste you see on this shot, imho it's better than the original one and please try it even if you don't like spicy stuff. It makes the broth more alive, tasty and make your trip to Manila (if you're from QC like us) all worth it.

This is the PORK TONKATSU which is part of their Rice Bowls line. It's freshly cooked, a bit overcooked perhaps in the photo but for the price, how can we complain no? They have other things like the Chicken Karaage, Beef Bowl and Chicken Katsu. I would like to suggest you order this or the Beef Bowl because I find them more appealing. All their rice bowls though are Php 99 only, so if you're a rice loving person, this is it. You can also order the Calamansi or Dalandan Juice which they make in huge bottles for sharing. It's quite healthy, super worth the price if you ask me. 

Itadakimasu!

So if you're around the university belt or Espana area, please make sure you take the trip to MURAMEN UBelt at the corner of Tolentino and Loyola streets in Sampaloc, Manila. You don't have to reserve, there are lines sometimes, but really, it's worth all the trouble going there. Oh and yes, Nash and Carl often are in the shop during their free time so if you are fans of the two, you know where to go!

Congratulations Nashie! You're doing good in the business, and you're helping a lot of students in Manila. Imagine a ramen bowl for Php 120? It's so MURAMEN!

Ramen Discovery: GO-EN - The Japanese Ramen Shoppe

Found a comfy place in Sgt. Esguerra at the Jardin de Zenaida compound which Livestock Restaurant is also in. It's very near ABSCBN and GMA so it pretty much has these two's lunch crowd and also nearby offices. It's a Ramen specialty store called "GO-EN" The Japanese Ramen Shoppe. Go-en actually connotes the Japanese 5 Yen coin, a sign of GOOD LUCK for friends and relationships. It's usually given as a gift and this time, it's the perfect name for the store.

The Interiors

The place looks like a genuine Ramen shop in Tokyo, Japan. It can fit around 50 people in one go and has a few seating options for a group, bunk chairs and about 4 people outside. The wooden walls and chairs are accented by Japanese art, tons of Anime books (of which your favorites are included!) and a shrine for an old school wooden toy game called Kendama. They let you actually play it right inside the store and the concept is pretty simple. You just have to place the ball tied on the handle inside little slots on the toy. I must warn you, there are professionals that actually do this on a regular basis. There are also tournaments designed for that, so just imagine if you picked up this hobby. Check out these shots!

The Food

Now you have to trust me on this, I think what they're serving is real authentic food. They're not a regional Ramen place (of which I have a thing for) but more so a Ramen restaurant that does Ramen right. Does that make sense?

Tantanmen - Soy based broth with Sesame oil, ground pork, firm springy ramen and perfectly boiled tamago. It's spicy and perfect for those hangovers if you've been into a little binge drinking. This is by far, my favorite on their menu.

Cheese Ramen - This would be nice for the more adventurous foodie. They made your favorite cheese into a bowl of hot ramen. It's miso based broth, with corn, minced pork and tamago. It's not too salty as I thought it would be and the trick is to take little bits of cheese on that mound plus the noodles. The broth was good too, it'll make you warm and fuzzy.

Karamiso - a Miso based ramen soup filled with a slight spicy kick. It's got all the things you love, plus sliced pork and my favorite Naruto. This is basic and they've done it quite good.

Tonkatsu - For those who love meat, this breaded pork cutlet will make you happy. You can order a bowl of rice but I prefer it just with the side of potato salad and cabbage slaw. I liked this a lot too.

Ramune - this is something that you can only find here in GO-EN. It's very limited too because they can only source this in Japan during festivals. It's available in Grapes, Strawberry and Peach flavors. It's quite nice with everything on their menu so when in GO-EN, don't forget to order one of these!

Kara-age - It's fried chicken done the Japanese way. It's small bites, paired with super creamy Japanese mayo and a slice of lemon meant to be drizzled on top. I prefer it without the lemon though, it's already lovely.

Okonomiyaki - This is a Japanese pancake. It's egg, cabbage, aonori, mayo and special sauce on top. It's savory but not my favorite thing. It's good but I suggest you get the more filling items on the menu as this probably would pass on as sides.

Mochi Ice Cream - It's soft rice based soft cover that's handmade. It's something delightfully sinful but they only make a few of these per day. They also limit it so they could serve a few handful people per day. If you can, please order one of these for me. Love this!

This place remains not so crowded and for those who want comfort food like ramen, this might be the easiest place to go when in Quezon City. I must admit, they're a little pricey but most of their ingredients are imported from Japan. If you think about it, you don't have to travel there to get something so good. Visit them in Sgt. Esguerra, here's the map CLICK HERE. They're at the back of Livestock so you can't miss it. Play Kendama too if you're there, it's one of the finest things you can do when in GO-EN. Tell me what you think about their ramen too please! For me, it's definitely worthy to try. If you're looking for a new place, this might be it.

For more information about their artists:

GOEN The Japanese Ramen Shoppe

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.goenramen.com/

Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House Opens Newest Branch in SM Light Mall

We're back once again in one of my favorite ramen places in the metro, this is Taisho Ramen and Teppanyaki House. They just set up shop at the new Light Mall in Mandaluyong City which sits right across the Boni MRT station along EDSA. I loved Taisho even when they only had one place at the SM Sky Garden because of their authentic Hakata regional recipes. I also learned they really were passed on to them by Japanese chefs, all authentic from that prefecture. 

The Interiors

The place can sit around 50 to 60 people. It's a little big than the other branch in SM Sky Garden, SM North Edsa. They had very good floor area and has maximized the space which they felt was better compared to their first store. Owners thought it was going to be a gamble but in the few days that they have opened, they are doing quite good, even more than what they expected. The clientele is a little different. Instead of just the usual mall goers, Taisho was frequented by people who live in nearby Light Residences of which some of them actually go breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm not surprised though as I've figured that I still love Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House Karamen over other ramens that I've tasted elsewhere, and I've actually done a lot mind you.

Design wise, they've got this new open kitchen concept where you can see how they make the ramen bowls right in front of you. They also got this line of seats in the same place so if you're alone, you don't have to suffer not eating in peace with vacant seats and eat like how the Japanese actually do it. Remember, bone based Hakata broth is the name of the game and it shouldn't be an issue if you would want something comforting right? Location wise, it's also very convenient because if you're coming from the MRT station, there's an entrance which can take you to the second floor of Light Mall directly. You then just have to go down a floor and find Taisho right beside BDO which is also below Shakeys and the still in construction branch of Samsung experience stores. Trust me, I haven't tasted any ramen yet that could beat them in the bone broth department. 

The Food

There are some new things in the menu. Much to my surprise, they're going healthy these days and I super love some of the items because it looked like my Japanese favorites that has gone on a diet. Here are some of them!

This is their Kani Salad. Its got strips of Kani, mangoes, fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes and smothered with mixed creamy Japanese mayo and wasabe as dressing. It's good, filling and would be something good for lunch for those who are watching their weight. It's a tad on the creamy side and only got a hint of the wasabe, I liked it a lot.

I love Cold Soba noodles, but I didn't know that they also have something similar in the Hakata region which uses ramen instead of noodles made of buckwheat flour/green tea. This is the Hiyashi Ramen. Aside from the served cold ramen, it's got slivers of cucumber, strips of cabbage, onion leeks, tamago and chashu. It is going to be dipped in Hiyashi Soup with sesame seeds on it. You may request for the intensity or hotness of your dip as well. Of course, I asked for deadly spicy levels like what I always want for my broth and they did oblige! It was super good, super fresh. I can even see health freaks liking this because it felt more of a salad while we were eating it. Definitely something I'd go back for when in the Boni area. I loved this really.

This is my personal favorite, and I'm sure every one else that goes to Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House too. You must have this while its hot. The Karamen Ramen had the best broth, plus the intense hotness you want in a bowl of ramen realized. The thick soup, they make it fresh and do not do shortcuts as they don't use any powders/MSG in any of the food items. They also use the best ingredients, have them delivered daily, just to get you the best things on a bowl. That's dedication to the craft right there! If you're a fan of bone based broth, you won't be disappointed with this creamy version and I must say I've never seen any other Japanese restaurant who has it. They do things differently, really good. I also love the pork slices, but really it's in the broth. Thank me later!

 See this last photo above? You've got Gohan (rice), Green Tea, my favorite Karamen Ramen, side salad (with super good Sesame dressing), Teriyaki Chicken (which tastes so good and served with corn slices, potato wedges, string beans, and more side salad), Gyoza. All of these are actually bundled up for the affordable price of Php 499.00. Unbelievable! Imagine, the price of the Karamen Ramen alone is already in that region, but you've got tons of things together with it. This is definitely a steal and they won't mind giving you an extra bowl as this can probably feed two people. If you don't eat big meals it's always good to share! They've got like 8 different combinations in a separate leafed menu which I suggest you check out when you visit their branch in Boni.

 

The Ebi Tempura looks also nice too. Jeman of Orange Magazine had this. I was a little not too keen having it since I'm a little allergic to seafood. My Mom loves this on their menu together with the tartar sauce if I'm not mistaken.

Hot outside? No worries, Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House has desserts! Aside from the best selling Vanilla and Green Tea ice cream, they've got Strawberry Kakegori and the Macha Kakegori. They say this actually is the origin of our own native Halo Halo and I could see the similarities. This one was executed quite simple, no fuzz, just flavored ice and a little beans, all good. They also have this in Grape and Peach, so feel free to ask if they have it available.

If you're around Mandaluyong, Makati or nearby communities, try Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House in SM Light Mall. They have mall parking and can be accessed directly from the MRT station. There's no reason NOT to enjoy ramen and other things from the Hakata region. Just give in to real good quality comfort food from this one of a kind ramen and teppanyaki place. They just opened this May but have been in the business for years. There's a reason why people go back, I can't force you to go there but please do try the ramen. See the reason why I love it!

For more information about their restaurant:

Taisho Ramen Teppanyaki House

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://taishioramenteppanyakihouse.com