Sunday, February 23, 2014

Ryu Ramen and Curry at SM Jazz, Makati (updated photos)

Ramen is like the new sosy version of lechon manok. New places are sprouting up every month.

Ryu Ramen and Curry is still on soft opening at SM Jazz, at Belair Makati.
Judging from the looks of the restaurant and the full tables during one Friday lunchbreak, I'm sure this place will pack them in like the T. Morato branch.
 
They have different ramen but at first glance these noodles are expensive, almost 400 for a bowl of ramen? Their signature is the Ryu Ramen Curry P380). The other bestseller is Tantanmen.
 I'm not a big fan of curry and I just had Ukkokei's Tantanmen so I settled for something lighter - the Shoyu Ramen P 345 and I didn't keep my expectations high.



Their Shoyu Ramen uses a pork-based broth with slices of Chasyu, kamaboko, green onions, special ingredients like Menma (bamboo shoots) and Konbu (dashi for that umami flavor) When the ramen came out and I tasted it... It was ramen heaven. Delicious! The broth was very tasty, it has hints of garlic. The Chasyu was tender and delicious. Everything was perfect. It was ramen that can compete with my favorites like Santouka and way tastier than Ukkokei's version. And best of all, the bowl is big enough to be shared.

Then came my other order, Tamanegi Php 175, deep fried veggie tempura with squid and shrimps. This one is very good, too. The batter is light, its fried just right, and not oily. A must for every Tempura lover, and I love it they serve the sauce hot. Other restos don't even bother to do this, so its plus points for Ryu.

Tamanegi  P175

I got a haduken punch by Ryu. Theirs is a ramen worth lining up for. But if you're not into ramen they serve other dishes like Katsudon and more.

We came back last Saturday March 15, and tried the other stuff on the menu.
So we we had the gyoza, which was ok. Nothing special but it was done well. Still better than Ukkokei's. We also tried the Toridon and Katsudon, these also did the job and were inexpensive.
The Toridon particularly was tender and there were generous chunks of chicken breast. For the ramens, we tried the Tantanmen, which came in mild, hot and extra hot versions. Check out the red chili oil  in the soup. Their tantanmen version was earthy and flavorful and like the Shoyu Ramen had generous toppings of minced meat and soft-boiled egg. But I didn't like the Negi Butter Corn Ramen, this was too rich and the umay factor was very high. The soup had hints of peanut butter, it felt like I was eating a dessert soup. The bowl was also big and good enough to be shared. But I'll stick with the Shoyu Ramen.


Gyoza

Katsudon - Pork Cutlet

Tantanmen

Toridon - Grilled Chicken on Rice
Negi Butter Corn Ramen

Heard that Ryu is partly owned by singer/actor Ogie Alcasid. More power to Ryu, At least the high prices were justified. Their ramen is visit worthy.

Spoon Rating
4 out of 5 (first visit)
3 out of 5 (second visit)

Getting there:
Ground Floor
SM Jazz
N Garcia St (formerly Reposo)
Bel-air, Makati





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