The most reasonably priced meal these days is the selection of Japanese noodle dishes, or ramen as they are called, as more and more restaurants offering the savory broth have sprouted all over the city. There is likely to be one such restaurant operating in any neighborhood. One of them is the new and popular noodle house in Glorietta, Makati City.
Ramen is more like the Filipino nilaga or the Chinese mami. Perhaps if we would cook ours for hours, keeping the broth boiling with bones and vegetables, we could get the same texture and flavor.
Anyway, the ramen invasion has captured the palate of the Pinoy, so we may as well enjoy a bowl! Here is one place you can go to.
Mu Noodle Bar—2/F, Glorietta 2, Makati City; tel. 5568739.
The place is one of many that offer a variety of Japanese broths and noodles; its ramen, which is made of Chinese-style wheat noodles, is served in a bowl of stock flavored by bones and vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce. It has been a popular hawker food in Japan which has now found its way to the Philippines.
Dining area—Very modern without any tables with hallowed center, where one needs to push his/her feet in. Chairs are low-backed in natural finish and black, with marble tables. There is a bar counter with high chairs. Lamps hang from the ceiling, lit even during the day, making the place bright and cheery.
Service—Fast and casual
Staff—Neat in their dark-colored uniforms. They are quick to respond to calls.
Suggested orders—The items are easy on the pocket. There is nothing in the menu that goes over P320. Each bowl of noodles can be shared by at least three diners. One can choose ramen with pork, or with beef or chicken. Whichever, the broth is intensely flavored, having been boiled for hours, needing no additional soy or calamansi.
As most diners are wont to do, orders can be augmented with 3-Cup Chicken, done perfectly soft and garnished with deep-fried basil leaves and roasted ginger.
Add an order of fried radish and a quartet of buns you make into sandwiches with thin slices of sweetish pork, and maybe some fried rice, and your meal will be very satisfying.
An interesting and rich dessert is Cua Pao Custard, rolled bread with cream filling. Tea, of course, must be your beverage.
Government and service charges are added to the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating – 2 Spoons