Monday, February 3, 2014

Hanamaruken Ramen: Happiness in a Bowl

A rich flavorful broth with fresh noodles topped with tender, slow-braised pork rib...happiness in a bowl.


And for over thirty years, Hanamaruken Ramen has been serving their iconic dish reflecting the perfect marriage of pork and ramen. Established by a family of butchers behind Arakawa Pork Company in 1982, Hanamaruken Ramen specializes in pork based ramen unique to Osaka.  And its now here...


With over forty branches in Osaka, Hanamaruken Ramen opens its very first branch outside Japan in Manila, bringing its signature Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen with tender, slow-braised pork rib, the "Happiness" Ramen, to a growing number of local ramen fans.


Inside Hanamaruken Ramen, light wooden tables and chairs add a homey and rustic feel, yet there is a modern contemporary vibe. Start your meal with a soothing hot cup of Hanamaruken Ramen House Tea, or a cool and refreshing Iced Green Tea (P 80).


Gyoza (P 150), pan-fried dumplings served with the traditional dipping sauce and a spicy chili oil sauce, a perfect side to go with your ramen. Soft, chewy with a subtle crispness on the outside, complemented by a savory pork filling, a preview of more good things to come.


Hanamaruken Ramen's Signature Happiness Ramen (P 480), Tonkotsu Shoyu-based ramen with slow-cooked pork rib. A lot of love goes into each bowl of Hanamaruken Ramen's Signature Happiness Ramen. You can pick the pork ribs apart by simply using your chopsticks, a result of over twenty hours of slow cooking for tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs. Top it with Aji Tamago, marinated soft-boiled eggs, for another layer of rich flavors to complete the dish.


The broth is packed with rich flavor, with an almost creamy texture that plays well with the firm and chewy noodles. Take a piece of the tender rib along with some noodles and broth for a medley of flavors. The combination of the broth, noodles and the signature pork rib makes this dish unique and distinct, and all the elements combine for a perfect bowl of comforting ramen. A bestseller, only a limited number of Hanamaruken Ramen's Signature Happiness Ramen is served everyday. No need to worry, Hanamaruken Ramen also has other signature ramen variants to satisfy your ramen craving...


...like the Pot Belly Ramen (P 380), topped with tender roasted pork belly. Another bowl with yet another representation of the perfect marriage between ramen and pork. The soft and tender pork belly deliver delicate yet rich favors, with each slice yielding just the right balance of meat and fat.


The flavors of the Pot Belly Ramen are milder compared to the Signature Happiness Ramen with its slow-braised pork rib, but rich and flavorful as well. Each ramen is distinct, highlighted by the pork cut's flavors and textures. Hard to pick a favorite, as both are guaranteed winners. Hanamaruken Ramen also offers other ramen variants including the Curry Tan Tan Mien (P 320), the Spicy Tobanjan Ramen (P 300), the Salary Man Ramen with sliced pork shoulder (P 280), and the familiar Chasyu Ramen (P 280).


Hanamaruken Ramen also offers a variety of rice bowls. The Drunk Man Rice Bowl (P 240), tender braised pork (Kakuni) with two fried eggs on rice, a hearty meal and surefire cure for for any appetite, even a hangover. A meal in itself, the braised pork has a sweet glaze that blends well with the rice and eggs. Hanamaruken Ramen celebrates the rich flavors of pork in all its dishes, in each ramen and rice bowl. Pure pork bliss.


With the growing popularity of ramen, Hanamaruken Ramen offers a unique and distinct style that sets it  apart from the others. The Signature Happiness Ramen with its slow-braised pork ribs is a delicious point of differentiation, and a perfect marriage of pork and ramen. Happiness? Absolutely.

Special thanks to Oya Olalia, Hanamaruken Ramen's PR Manager, for an awesome ramen experience.

Hanamaruken Ramen is located at the 2nd Level of Trinoma's Garden Restaurants, North Avenue, corner Edsa, Quezon City or call 720-9283 for inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the Facebook page for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar. 

4 comments:

  1. Uy, not bad ha! Super layo nga lang from Las Pinas. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hey Kath, the Signature Happiness Ramen is definitely worth the drive!

      Delete
  2. This all looks so good, you've made me hungry!

    ReplyDelete

Got something to share? I'd love to hear from you...