Where to Go If You Want Authentic Japanese Ramen

Get a taste of Japan’s flavors in this newly opened Tongara Ramen flagship store in Pasig

Words Aly Bautista
Photos by Tongara Ramen
June 7, 2024

A spread of Tongara Ramen's bestselling food items

Rain or shine, there's nothing like the first sip of warm noodle broth that gives you a strikingly comforting feeling and makes you want to come back for more. The firm chewy goodness of the noodles layered in a rich, flavorful broth and topped with marinated chashu meat, the right runniness of the egg, and a generous sprinkle of vegetables; it really is a dining experience to savor. And with the cold weather kicking in, ‘tis the season once again where a piping hot bowl of ramen might just be what you need. 

But look no further, with their #FlightToFlavor, you don’t have to go overseas because a taste of Japan’s finest flavors has finally found its home in the metro. Tongara Ramen opened the doors to their new flagship store at Estancia Mall, Pasig last June 6, definitely putting an end to your search for the most authentic-tasting Japanese noodle dish.

Tongara Ramen Estancia Mall

Its roots

First established in Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan in 2013, Tongara Ramen was the brainchild of ramen master Makoto Okazaki, an architect who’s love and passion for food really stood out. 

L-R_ Tongara Ramen Ribbon Cutting_ Ricky Nicolas (Tongara Ramen Managing Partner), Dodot Jaworski (Pasig City Vice Mayor), Vinch Cuevas (Tongara Ramen Managing Partner), Architect Mark Sevilla (Mall Operations) 2.

But before Tongara Ramen got to where it is now, Chef Makoto has religiously spent over a decade honing his culinary skills, and another 3 years of perfecting just the broth, of which he ultimately takes pride in.

“I started my ramen shop because I simply like ramen. I eat ramen everyday up to these days because of my love for ramen.”

Outside Japan, Tongara has landed their first branch in Cebu, followed by branches in Tel Aviv, Tacloban, and at last making its way to their first shop in Pasig. 

But what makes Tongara Ramen a step ahead in this thriving ramen culture in the Philippines? 

Elements of a really good ramen

A good ramen is art. It should be handmade with strong and passionate feelings involved, at least according to Chef Makoto. He strongly believes in working on the ramen by hand, giving his heart and soul into every bowl of ramen he serves.

His signature broth is a mixture of pork (Tonkotsu bone stock) and chicken (Torigara bone stock) that is carefully labored for hours for a well-balanced flavor. Their organic secret sauce is also made straight from a Japanese village and is achieved through traditional techniques, making your every slurp of noodles bursting with umami taste.

This fusion of tonkotsu and torigara makes for an interesting flavor, and the chef’s special spin to this ramen dish is exclusive to him and him alone.

It's both savory and sweet, very much familiar to the Filipino palate, with the broth being just at the right side of thickness. The pork is tender and not too fatty, and the noodles are cooked evenly so that it would be filling but not too heavy on the stomach.

Complementing this rich soup spices, Tongara ramen is said to be best paired with their karaage and spicy chicken oozing with juiciness in the soft meat, while their gyoza is served hot and steamy.

Besides being a standalone dish, their crispy ebi tempura served over any ramen and rice bowl also makes for a fried to perfection combination.

If you’re not feeling very ramen-tic, you can always go for their popular donburi recipes which are also a hit. For the rice lovers, you can either choose between their gyudon, katsudon, chashudon, or oyakudon, an all-around complete and filling dish. Plus their junior ramen bowls for those who just want to have a bit of the fun.

Staying true to the theme of authenticity, even their desserts are surprisingly handmade as well. They serve Japanese ice cream flavors from black sesame to matcha, and others such as vanilla and chocolate. 

You really get what you pay for and even more because of their large and generous serving that’s really worth the price. 

Giving a more modern touch to the traditional Japanese interior of wood elements, this shop really transports you to Japan with their open bar and kitchen area at the side, accommodating alone diners, and large group settings alike.

Tongara Ramen Estancia Mall 1

It's too good to be true, and yet it is! It’s too bad that they are taking it slow with branching out, but for now you can find Tongara Ramen at 3F East Wing of Estancia Mall. We’re looking forward to this promising restaurant taking over the ramen world and who knows, maybe the next one will open near you!