Ramen Bar: A Taste of the Seasonal Menu Offerings

Sunday, January 13, 2013
A few years back, Ramen Bar in Eastwood has always been a go-to noodle house for us. Even if both the beau and I were not really big fans of ramen, this modern Japanese noodle spot had successfully converted us. And although we haven't been back sooner, we've decided to pay Ramen Bar a visit just recently to check out their new offerings.
Ramen Bar Eastwood Branch

Unlike my first review for Ramen Bar, I now have Candice, my Canon EOS 550D with me to take better photos. And with that, I'm just glad that this time I get to snap a few shots of the place. The interior and overall feel of the restaurant seems unchanged though as it's exactly how it was during our last few visits. The tables are still arranged in long rows mimicking the vibe of ramen counters in Japan, while the walls are adorned in red, white and wood which successfully give off a warm, cozy and laid-back atmosphere.

Inside Ramen Bar Ramen Bar Eastwood

Upon getting seated, you'll probably notice the table top which has paper place mats doubling as the restaurant's menu sheet. And as expected for almost a year of missing out on Ramen Bar, they're now offering more items for hungry guests since our last visit.

Ramen Bar Menu
Click the menu photo to enlarge.

From our previous trips, we've already tried their Kakuni Buns, Chahan, Shoyu Ramen, my favorite Sapporo Miso Ramen, the beau's go-to order R.B.S. #1, and their only dessert item, the Tempura Ice Cream. And as much as we wanted to order the tried and tested dishes along with the newer items on the regular menu, the friendly and knowledgeable staff suggested that we sample their Seasonal Menu offerings instead.

Cheese Gyoza Ramen Bar Ramen Bar's Seasonal Menu
Click the menu photo to enlarge.
Cheese Gyoza P180

To start off our afternoon meal, we had the Cheese Gyoza (P180). Unlike the usual Japanese dumplings, these bundles of meat and veggies are infused with the goodness of sweet, salty and creamy cheese. The dumpling skin encasing them are not the common wrappers found in other Japanese restaurants too. For me, they seem to be more like pastry wrappers similar to those of savory meat pies. And while my palate found the casings a little odd, they're good treats to munch and whet the appetite with.

Shoyu 2 Ramen P280

With a good start, we're off to try our first bowl -- the Shoyu 2.0 Ramen (P280) which has chasyu (pork slices), naruto (fish cakes), tamago (egg), negi (scallions) and soft yet firm noodles in a lighter version of Ramen Bar's soy-infused chicken and pork broth. Although the beau and I love the rich, savory flavor of their regular Shoyu Ramen, this 2.0 version brings out the natural goodness of the ingredients more. With a mellow and delicate flavor, I can't deny that I found this bowl more comforting with every spoonful.

Kakuni King Ramen P380

Next up, we had the Kakuni King Ramen (P380) which has a similar light-flavored chicken and pork broth as the first bowl. The toppings are pretty much the same except that an overload of kakuni (braised pork belly) slices replaces the chasyu. Between the first two bowls, I can say this is definitely the manlier. While the soup is delicate on the palate, the kakuni pieces pack a savory flavor that makes the whole ensemble meatier.

Bikkuri Ramen P380

Our last bowl for the day was the Bikkuri Ramen (P380) which has a miso-based broth infused with chili and minced pork. While this bowl has the usual chasyu, naruto, tamago and negi in the mix similar to our first bowl, the spicy topping greets the palate with a pleasant "bikkuri" which literally translates as "surprise" in English. Since the beau isn't a big fan of spicy foods, I gladly finished off this bowl on my own. And personally, I can say that this is a great treat for spicy food lovers as it's a pretty hot and savory noodle dish.

We weren't able to sample the last item on the Seasonal Menu which is the Curry Chahan. Maybe the next time we're at Ramen Bar, we'll give it a try to complete the list.

THE VERDICT

Pretty much everything we got to try on our recent trip to Ramen Bar was good. I can't say that I've found a new favorite 'cause their Sapporo Miso Ramen still tops my list, easily followed by their new Bikkuri Ramen. However, I definitely see myself coming in again for a warm and comforting bowl the next time I'm in the area. As with generous portions, a wider selection of items to choose from, a nice ambiance and a courteous set of staff, a trip to Ramen Bar in Eastwood was, is and will always be a sure success.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Ramen Bar, Eastwood Mall
G/F Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Libis
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 570-9457
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35 comments:

  1. Heard a lot of good things about Ramen Bar but I haven't tried it yet. Will give this a visit soon! :)


    http://www.dekaphobe.com/

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    1. You should :) Can't wait to read what you think about Ramen Bar~

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  2. That Bikkuri Ramen looks really yummy. I hope they have other branches since I live too far from Eastwood.

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    1. They have branches in The Hub, Greenfield District and in Robinsons Magnolia ;)

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  3. Hey, happy new year. :)

    The Bikkuri Ramen looks good. Spiciness is a nice bonus too.

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    1. Yeah :) It makes the whole dish more appetizing ;)

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  4. i like your review here sumi. trying to ask the bf if we can go there sabi nya mahal daw? but looking at your review okay sya itry :D love candice your cam! reminds me to name my DSLR too :>


    Rovie
    The Bargain Doll
    :)

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    1. Prices are not that expensive naman 'cause you can always share a bowl if you don't eat a lot ^^ Pero kahit tig-1 bowl kayo isn't that much pa rin. It's very filling din ;)

      PS: You should name your cam! haha.. It makes it more special in some ways :D

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  5. There's one Ramen Bar in Pasig. I've always wanted to go there, but am clueless as to what to order. Thanks for sharing this. Now I know better :)

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    1. Glad to be of help :) Hope you can try their ramen items out one of these days.

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  6. I am working in the area, but never got to try the place. =D

    I am curious about the Cheese Gyoza ;) I cannot say if it is reasonable or what.. How big is the serving? :) I am not really big on noodles, so I might need someone to share the bowl with :)

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    1. The serving is actually good for 2 if you're not a hefty eater ;)

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  7. The Kakuni King Ramen definitely looks yummy! I just hope that Ramen Bar would open a branch somewhere in Makati.

    BTW, nice name for your cam. Mine is a 400D and her name is Candis. :)

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    1. Oh, our cameras almost have the same name! haha :D I guess it runs in the Canon family XD

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  8. Oh Congrats on your new cam! I have tasted this seasonal menu last year when they launched a gadget in Ramen Bar Robinsons Magnolia. The noodle I tasted was good ; )

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

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    1. Thanks Mrs. Martinez, but Candice is actually almost 2 years old XD I just had to mention that I didn't have her during my first few visits to Ramen Bar to justify my bad camera/photography back then =))

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  9. I've heard good feedback about Ramen bar and still have not tried it there.
    Happy new camera! Mine is still the 500D :) Even with your older cam, you take really good pics so it's not the cam but the eye - and you have an eye for good shots! ;) keep it up!

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  10. wow!!! mouthwatering dishes! <3 I love asian cuisines :9 especially ramens!!!! :) I'll invite Mich to eat here. yay! <3

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  11. love all the dishes!! haven't tried this one yet though im hoping i go visit those restaurants you've been also before hihi xx

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  12. I haven't been to Ramen Bar because the husband isn't fond of Japanese food. But I think it's worth a shot since I've heard so much about this resto!

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  13. As per usual, great pics. :) Bikkuri Ramen looks good. Not usually a fan of miso-based ramen but I LOVE spicy meals, so I will try it out if I get the chance.

    http://tastes-intentions.com

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  14. Super nice photos, love it! Next time I go back I will try Bikkuri Ramen. :)

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  15. Your photos never fail to make me hungry Sumi. I love spicy ramen so I think I'm gonna have the Bikkuri Ramen when I have the chance.

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  16. This is what I'd like to call FOODGASM. Really, sis. They look so sumptuous! :)

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  17. Been a long time since my last visit here. :) Missed your site! Ramennn <3 As usual your food photos are great. Very mouth watering!

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  18. The ramen looks so yummy and and with the generous amount of meat, it would be a winner for everyone. Busog!

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  19. Since Ramen is such a Craze right now, been actually to a lot of Japanese restaurants lately. And actually the that are featured in Jessica Soho last time. Should try out our family's restaurant in Makati, Shinjuku Ramen House :) ♥

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  20. very cozy place! i wonder if they have an outlet at Alabang Town Center..

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  21. I'd like to try that cheese gyoza! nice! :)

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  22. now there's the best ramen in town :)

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  23. This is one of my go to place for my ramen fix. :)

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  24. Your pictures made me drool. I really love Ramens and it's good with the weather we're experiencing right now. I want to try their Shoyu 2.0 Ramen. I hope I could visit Ramen Bar soon. :)

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  25. Looks yummy. And the pictures makes me drool.

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