I am not that of an expert in terms of taste and other features of a Ramen dish but based on my previous experiences during my trips at various Ramen restos in Manila and Cebu, I seemed to have developed a set of standards. It is sort of my preferred taste and comparing it to the ones I’ve tasted at restos like Ramenagi and Ippudo. That is why with the news of the opening of the latest Ramen shop in Iloilo City, Akamon Ramen Bar, I decided to experience it firsthand.
Akamon Ramen Bar is located on the ground floor of SM Strata, just across SM City and they announced to open last Friday, January 31, 2020, at 5:00 pm. I understand that people were getting hyped to taste their Ramen and Don dishes and so I went there with Dolly and Mel John right after our office that afternoon.
We arrived at around 5:35 pm and the place is already full and stacked with people lining outside. I listed our name to the reservation list provided with our contact number wherein they can message us if there is already a table available. While we waited we decided to check on the supermarket nearby to spend the time.
After about an hour, there is a long waiting line outside so I decided to check on their list if which number was currently accommodated. There were still about 6 reservations ahead of us so we decided to just have a drinking session first at Muenchen Brewery at Plazuela 2. We came back at around 9:30 in the evening and saw that there were lesser people outside and after a while, we were then given a place to dine inside the resto.
I initially checked their menu published online at their Facebook page so I knew what to order. I ordered one Premium Miso Tonkotsu Ramen while Dolly had one bowl of the Premium Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen. We didn’t order any side dishes as we felt full already because of the beers that we drank earlier.
Each premium bowls cost only P250 and the Pepsi drink was P25. The total amount paid: P525. It was pretty cheap as compared to those Ramens in well-known restos in Manila but the taste and texture were very much satisfying.
Here below is my rating for each of their Ramen component:
Broth: 4.5/5
Noodles 4.5/5
Pork Chasyu: 5/5
Aji-Tama: 4/5
Overall I can say that this is the best Ramen I have tasted here in Iloilo City. They have really lived up the hype.
I might try their other items on the menu, particularly their Don Rice Bowl toppings, Karaagea and Gyoza dumplings. I might come back again next week with my buddies. I’d suggest visiting them around past 9:00 pm as it is usually fully packed during its opening hours at 5:00 pm. Also, you can contact them for reservations and to secure your dining spot ahead.
You can check their complete menu and also their updates and latest happening at their Facebook page.