Ramen Kuroda has become so synonymous with affordable ramen that there’s really no need for an introduction. With a bowl going for around half the price of big hitters like Mendokoro and Nagi, it’s easily the best place to have delicious ramen without ruining your budget. Here’s how our latest visit went.
It was very fortunate for me and Mama to arrive in front of the restaurant without finding a single person in line. We had previously stayed away because of the very long queue which you could see from far away. It always seemed that the consensus here is that the food was worth the wait.
I also noticed that while the lines in another favorite restaurant, Marugame Udon, had dwindled down after the initial hype, Kuroda’s queue was still going strong. What is it that makes people keep going back?
All this and more, apparently.
I’m not new to Ramen Kuroda’s menu. My go-to order has always been their Bari Kara ramen. This extra spicy bowl always guarantees a Kaedama (extra serving of noodles). In my peak days, I could finish three Kaedama on a single bowl.
The broth was one of a kind, a tonkotsu base with some chili oil and other spices. The result is a red-orange soup packed with flavor and heat that made my eyes water. It was absolutely painful and delicious.
But my days of eating until bursting are over. This time, I ordered something I’ve never tried before, their Tantanmen.
This is a staple flavor for authentic ramen but I’ve always stuck with Tonkotsu or Shoyu-based broth. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I hungrily waited for it.
Finally, it arrived. The minced pork was like an island in the middle of a sea of broth.
Following proper ramen-eating procedure, I dipped my spoon to taste the broth. Tantanmen is oftentimes advertised as spicy, but compared to the Bari Kara, this was a slight tickle.
I liked the new flavors that emerged. There was a nutty flavor which I believe cushioned the hit of the spice. I couldn’t get enough. The runny egg enhanced the flavor even more when I mixed it in.
My favorite part about ramen is slurping the noodles and soup together. The blend of Kuroda’s firm and chewy noodles plus the aerated soup made a symphony of flavor and texture in my mouth. In no time, I managed to finish half the bowl.
The minced pork added some texture and while I still prefer chashu slices over it, it was still a pleasant component of the dish. I just couldn’t stop digging in.
Meanwhile, Mama always went with her favorite; the Shiro Chashumen. This was their base Tonkotsu broth, characterized by its milky white color and served with extra slices of Pork Chashu.
I tasted a spoonful of her broth and it was savory and aromatic. There’s no skimping on the flavor despite the price. I also had a slice of Chashu which was very soft and melted in my mouth. A delicious bowl if not a bit plain for my taste.
For the sides, we had their Chicken Karaage and Gyoza.
It’s hard to mess up Chicken Karaage if you’re a Japanese restaurant. I find that most Karaage taste the same no matter where I order it and what the price point is: delicious.
This was simply very good fried chicken served with a lettuce salad and Kewpie mayo mix. (Everywhere I eat, they also always put too little mayo compared to the chicken grrr).
As for the Gyoza, they tasted like a mix of pork and vegetables. Again, nothing outstanding and they were a little small for the price, but for a side dish, nothing to complain about. I always sip some of the sauce directly because that stuff is so good.
I’m happy to report that Ramen Kuroda still maintains a good experience when it comes to affordable ramen. Just like every instance in the past, Mama and I had a tasty and filling meal here.
We will surely be back whenever there’s not a lot of people in line. It’s one of our favorite places and despite the menu never changing, we can’t get enough of our usuals.
Ramen Kuroda
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M-Th 10AM – 9PM, F-Su 10AM-10PM
Ground Floor, SM City Marikina,
Marikina-Infanta Hwy, Calumpang,
Marikina City
I’m always happy to get a bowl of ramen at any price-point, but it doesn’t hurt if it’s delicious AND cheap. Thankfully, there is another budget option in SM Marikina in case the line of Kuroda is too long. Kyu Ramen Express is just a few escalators away.
Thank you, Japan, for Ramen.
Thanks for reading and keep slurping loudly!
-jgzn
Jai Online 