PH-Based Restaurants that are as Good as Tickets and Visas to Japan

You don't need to fly to indulge in great food!
by 8List | April 12, 2016

4. Ramen Yushoken

Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
(02) 808 7424 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11am to 11pm
Budget for two – PHP800

For all ramen-lovers, Yushoken is a huge name. It’s known as one of (if not) the best ramen in the country, which gets even northerners to travel all the way to Alabang for a slurp. That’s no surprise as their ramen recipes come from the son of Japan’s Ramen God. Yes, there’s such a thing. Ramen Yushoken aims to have the most authentic ramen house in Manila, so you know that you’re getting very close to the real deal.

Their short menu focuses on ramen, but they also offer delicious sides to complement their star dish. Make your ramen experience complete with aji tamago and gyoza.

3. Dohtonbori

Cullinan Prime Building, 8 Missouri Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
(02) 570 2765 | Facebook | Website
Open everyday from 11am to 10pm
Budget for two – PHP1,000

Dohtonbori’s arrival in the Philippines finally puts the spotlight on Japan’s soul food–okonomiyaki. For first-timers, okonomiyaki is like a savory Japanese pancake that’s filled with various ingredients like octopus, pork, shredded cabbage, and others of your choice. It’s grilled then topped with sweet-salty okonomiyaki sauce, seaweed flakes, bonito flakes and Japanese mayonnaise.

Enjoy this comfort food that tastes even better after cooking it yourself. Dohtonbori isn’t limited to okonomiyaki, though. You can also enjoy great ramen, yakisoba, sukiyaki, and many other Japanese favorites here.

2. Inagiku

Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Corner Makati Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City
(02) 813 8888 | Website
Open everyday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm then 6:30 pm to 10:30pm
Budget for two – PHP2,500

Take the nearest special occasion as the perfect opportunity to indulge on Inagiku’s world-class Japanese cuisine. Treat yourself to the expertise of Japanese Chef Wataru Hikawa, best experienced through the Utage Buffet. You’ll go crazy over unlimited servings of top quality Japanese food. How does eat-all-you-can uni sound? There’s also a teppanyaki station, where you can watch and drool over your food being freshly prepared.

1. Ichiba: Japanese Market

2F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City
0917 732 2176 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11am to 11pm
Budget for two – PHP800

You’ll feel like you’ve entered Japan’s streets as you step inside Ichiba. This is the Philippines’ first Japanese Market that’s inspired by Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba and Japan’s other distinct gastronomic corners. You can look forward to 10 exciting food stalls to satisfy all your cravings for Japanese comfort food. Ichiba also features a live aquarium display where you can pick the freshest seafood to be expertly cooked from scratch.

Any other restaurants as good as tickets and visas to Japan? Sound off with your favorites below!