Hanamaruken Ramen located at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City is one of the new additions to the perpetually growing list of ramen places in Manila. With over 40 branches in Osaka Japan, Hanamaruken Ramen boasts of its Tonkotsu-Shoyu based soup ramen topped with a slab of slow-braised tender pork rib. This signature dish aptly called "Happiness Ramen" is said to be the reason of Hanamaruken Ramen's fame.
For the first time in 30 years, Arakawa Pork Company, the strong force behind Hanamaruken Ramen, decided to branch out this Osaka's favorite ramen place and land at the shore of Manila. Having their first branch outside of Japan, founder Takaku Arakawa aims to spread happiness in Manila by means of their carefully crafted ramen.
Most of the ramen enthusiasts I know got excited with the coming of Hanamaruken Ramen here in the Philippines, and I could not blame them. This has been claimed to be one of Osaka's favorites therefore it holds a certain honor to it. So, while I am not the one who can go crazy over ramen, I wouldn't pass up on having my fair share of a promise of happiness in a bowl.
I was informed that Takaku Arakawa personally trained the chefs at
Hanamaruken so ensure the consistency of the taste of their ramens.
There is no point for comparison since I haven't been to any Hanamaruken
Ramen in Japan, nor am I claiming to be very knowledgeable in this
league. Yet, taste-wise, I thought that Hanamaruken's rendition of this
well-loved dish fits to my liking.
Hanamaruken Ramen's menu is kept simple and neat, which I appreciate. In contrast to the extensive menus some ramen places in Manila boasts of, Hanamaruken's is very straightforward. Six variants of ramens, five rice bowl variants, four side dishes, one signature drink, and that's it.
They say that you have not been to Hanamaruken Ramen if you have not eaten their Signature Happiness Ramen (Php480). The ramen that made them one of Osaka's favorite ramen joints. Hence, it is always a good option when dining at Hanamaruken. That is, if this bowl of happiness is available. We were told that Hanamaruken Ramen currently serves their Signature Happiness Ramen on a limited number per day, so better make a reservation and ask if they can serve you some.
As a pork lover myself, I deem that Hanamaruken's Signature Happiness Ramen is indeed a source of happiness. I could not imagine otherwise especially when faced with a big slab of tender pork rib that the presence of negi (leek) scribbled nori sheet, and narutomaki proved to be just a mere decoration. The tonkotsu-shoyu broth, I found on a lighter side of the spectrum which I deemed okay since the flavor of the pork ribs that permeates even to the smallest shred of the meat helps in elevating it. The noodle which we were told was Hakata variant was al dente.
The Pot Belly Ramen (Php380) is technically the same as the Happiness Bowl as it uses the same tonkotsu-shoyu based broth, hakata noodle, negi, nori, and narutomaki. The only difference is that it has slices of roasted pork belly instead of the epic rib.
Hanamaruken's Chasyu Ramen (Php280) on the other hand boast of the braised pork belly to top of hakata noodle in tonkotsu-shoyu broth. Aside from the nori, negi, and narutomaki, there are also black sesame seeds peppered on top. I thought Chasyu Ramen is a tad lighter in flavor as compare to the Pot Belly, nevertheless, they are both filling.
Sliced pork shoulder is the star of another ramen variant at Hanamaruken called Salary Man Ramen (Php280). It has the same broth as the previously mentioned ramen, and the same decorative toppings sans the black sesame. The fact that it was the lightest in flavor among the ramens I have tried does not mean that it was not satisfying. I guess Salary Man ramen is for those who wants lighter fare in terms of flavor.
I wouldn't lie that I tried Hanamaruken's Spicy Tobanjan (Php300) enough for me to for a detailed impression, because all honesty, I only took a sip of its spicy tonkotsu broth and never touched it again. It was just too spicy for my liking as I am not really fond of spicy food.
Surprisingly though,the Curry Tan Tan Mien (Php320) ended up as a great contender against the Happiness Ramen for my favorite ramen at Hanamaruken. It does posses the innate kick that curry is known for and yet, it was tempered ever so lightly by the other component that comprise the dish.
Not to be overshadowed are the Hanamaruken Ramen's Rice Bowls. Us Filipinos are very appreciative of rice since its a staple in every meal that is why I am one of those who are glad that Hanamaruken's rice dishes are not neglected. It was equally satisfying that some of my friends even claimed that they were blown away not just by the ramen variants but by the rice bowls as well. I do share the same thoughts.
Imagine the tender and flavorful pork rib on the Signature Happiness Ramen, chopped into bite-sized pieces and smothered on top of a heaping bowl of rice; that's the Happiness Rice Bowl (Php250). This alone, I must say, is enough reason for me to brave the long drive to north if only to experience the happiness this amazing bowl exudes.
Salaryman Chahan (Php225) on the other hand is a bowl of fried rice topped with sliced pork and some negi. The thinly sliced pork were delightful to the bite but I found the flavor too light for my liking. Maybe because there were too many flavors that tip toed in my mouth by the time I tasted this. Nevertheless, it was a good call having ordered this.
Equally delightful was the Pot Belly Rice Bowl (Php225). Another dish which I easily tagged as one of my favorites. This bowl of steamed rice boasts of generous kakuni (cubed braised pork) with onions and bean sprouts. More than anything I love the flavor of the braised pork in contrast with the rice.
The same generous serving of kakuni on top of steamed rice was taken a notch higher with the dish called Drunk Man Rice Bowl (Php240). This is basically the same as Pot Belly Rice Bowl, only it has chili and fried egg thrown in to the mix. Equally impressive, but I guess this may sit well with anyone who has an affinity for spicy punch on their food.
Hanamaruken Ramen serves sodas, teas, and juice but one should not missed their signature beverage, Iced Green Tea (Php80). If you are like me, who is crazy about matcha drink but can tolerate a tone down flavor, then this one may be for you. I personally like this drink with its creamy flavor that goes perfectly well in cutting through the rich flavor of the dishes I tried.
Despite the fact that I am not really crazy about ramen, I must say that I enjoyed Hanamaruken Ramen. I've tried several ramen joints in Manila and I have only written about few of them because like what I have said before, I only write about delicious experiences here on my blog. Hanamaruken Ramen deserve its spot because I was impressed. I appreciate that although they kept their menu choices to a minimum, the dishes are well executed and worth going back for.
Hanamaruken Ramen
2/F Garden Restaurants Area
Trinoma Mall
North Ave. cor EDSA, Quezon City
Contact No.: 720-9283 / 628-1603
Website: http://hanamaruken.ph/
Facebook: /hanamarukenph
Twitter: @hanamaruken_ph
Instagram: @hanamaruken_ph
