With the scorching summer heat easing into the cooler months, our cravings for a warm, flavorful bowl of ramen intensify. There’s something comforting about a bowl of ramen with its delicious, rich broth, noodles cooked to perfection, and tender meat. If you long for an authentic taste without splurging on plane tickets to Japan, we have some good news. Tongara Ramen has set up shop at Estancia, Capitol Commons in Pasig City, and is now serving bowls of soul-soothing goodness.

Touchdown Metro Manila

Tongara Ramen might be a newcomer to Pasig City, having opened its doors just this past June, but its legacy stretches back over a decade. The first Tongara Ramen, a culinary masterpiece born from Ramen Master Chef Makoto Okazaki’s passion, debuted in Shinjuku, Japan, in 2013.

In 2015, Tongara Ramen expanded beyond Japan, establishing its first international branch in Cebu. Two more branches followed, one in Tacloban and another in Marikina in 2018. While the Marikina branch closed in 2023, Cebu and Tacloban continue serving Tongara’s signature bowls.

Now, in 2024, Tongara Ramen has found a new home in Pasig City, marking its flagship store at 3/F Estancia East Wing.

The taste of authentic Japanese ramen

Tongara Ramen’s claim to fame is its unique and delectable signature broth, a testament to Chef Okazaki’s three years of dedicated refinement. This “tongara” broth harmoniously marries the richness of tonkotsu (pork bone stock) with the delicate essence of torigara (chicken bone stock), resulting in a remarkably balanced flavor profile.

Like all their offerings, the signature Tongara Ramen features freshly cooked noodles with the perfect al dente bite, succulent and flavorful chashu, fermented soybean for depth, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. It’s a combination that’s simply irresistible.

But what really sets Tongara Ramen apart is its unwavering commitment to bringing the flavors of Japan to the Philippines. Chef Okazaki’s craft is treated with the utmost respect, and maintaining the integrity of his creations is a priority. To make sure each guest has an exceptional dining experience, all ingredients and sauces — including the closely guarded secret recipes of broth and sauce — are imported directly from Japan. They’re delivered fresh to the Philippines, free of preservatives or natural enhancers. The authenticity guarantees that every bite, slurp, and savor is 100% genuine Japanese ramen.

More to love

Beyond Tongara Ramen’s signature ramen, the restaurant also offers a variety of equally delicious bowls one can’t help but explore. We indulged in the Tongara Ebi-Miso Ramen, which includes their signature broth flavored with shrimp and topped with chashu, ebi, and other delightful toppings. The Tsukemen, a deconstructed ramen experience, was also a memorable choice. Dipping chilled ramen noodles into the warm, slightly spicy broth offered a unique and satisfying contrast of textures and temperatures.

For those seeking a heartier meal, the Tongara Paco Ramen stands out. The usual suspects — noodles, soft-boiled egg, and vegetables — are joined by a generous serving of breaded pork chop. Fair warning: It’s so filling that you might not be able to finish it on your own.

And if you’re concerned about portion sizes, fear not! Tongara Ramen thoughtfully offers Junior Bowls in three flavors: Tongara Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, and Tongara Ebi Miso Ramen. These smaller portions allow you to savor their exceptional ramen without overindulging.

Rice bowls and sides

Tongara Ramen also offers a selection of equally delicious sides that shouldn’t be missed. You can order a plate of gyoza, Japan’s iconic dumplings, crispy Chicken Karaage, or delicate Ebi Tempura—all perfect complements to any ramen bowl.

For those seeking a rice-based alternative, Tongara Ramen offers a selection of Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowls), including Gyudon, Katsudon, Oyakudon, and Chasudon.

And to conclude your culinary journey on a sweet note, Tongara Ramen has partnered with Kurimu, a renowned purveyor of premium handcrafted ice cream inspired by classic Japanese flavors. It’s the ideal way to round off your meal with sweet indulgence.

Take the #FlightToFlavor and get transported to the ramen capital of the world with every bowl of Tongara Ramen! Visit them at 3/F Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.

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