The Ajisen Ramen Experience

Introduction

Hello once again dear reader, I'm back for another ramen review (hooray)! It's been so long since the last one, delayed due to unexpected misadventures (work-related as always)! An unfortunate conflict of schedule with Lian means I'm going solo (for now). Anyways, on with the ramen review!

Let's start then...

Brief History

Like all the ramen joints that came before, Ajisen Ramen was conceptualized in Japan at Kumamoto Prefecture in the year 1968. The difference however was that Mr. Takaharu Shigemitsu, the founder had Hakka origins. Besides ramen, they also serve several dishes like Agemono, Donburi and Maki.

Ajisen Ramen sign with their famous mascot, Chii-chan!

News of a ramen house opening normally spreads like wildfire in the internet. Ajisen Ramen chose to lay low and quiet on the contrary, as they penetrated the Philippine ramen culture. If the translation is correct, their first Philippine branch opened way back 2000; Ajisen Ramen was here all this time! To date, they already have five branches here in the Metro. Ajisen Ramen also has branches spread all around Asia, Canada and United States as well.  

Ambiance and Accommodation

I chose the nearest branch located at Plaza 100 Building, Rufino cor. Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. In comparison to the rest of the now famous ramen joints, Ajisen Ramen has a very minimal and basic styling in their dining area. There are couch seats, uniquely shaped as mountains in different hues and textures of Red and Brown. Since I was their first customer of the day, I sat on the couch area!

They have a simple approach to the dining area, from the furniture...

...to the choice of lights used.

The staffs were nice and attentive! They offer a choice of hot or cold standard tea as refreshments. Their menu is simple and easy to follow; it also shows their recommended dishes (aka Chef's Recommendation).   

The Food

I ordered Chashu Ramen (Php 325.00) and Pork Gyoza (Php 148.00) as complementary dish; a total of Php 515.23 (inclusive of service charge). Their ramen dishes are pretty affordable; almost Php 100.00 less from the competition.

Ajisen's Chashu Ramen uses Tonkotsu broth as a base with special added ingredients (Ajisen Oil, Ajisen Powder and Okinawa natural sea salt), topped with Cabbage, Kikurage (fungus in Ajisen's terms), Leeks, Tamago Egg, Pork Chasu and Garlic Oil.  

Ajisen Ramen's Pork Chashu

To be honest, the broth has a peculiar taste. It took several sips during the start, midway and at the end of my meal to decipher the flavour. Its essence was flat overall (I wonder why) with a consistent strong hint of "fried Garlic" midway.

The remaining components of the dish such as the noodles, Kikurage and Pork Chashu have a firm consistency but still within acceptable limits. The noodles have a pasta-like texture in the mouth. The Kikurage has a nice crunchiness to it while the Pork Chashu was mildly flavoured but still delectable! Sadly, the Tamago Egg was evidently overcooked.

Pork Gyoza

The Pork Gyoza on the other hand was a-okay for me. The dish was intricately decorated; not generous though on meat quantity. That said, the Pork Gyoza was still tasty!    

Conclusion

The great mysteries of my ramen experience up to now were: (1) Kichitora of Tokyo's chewy Chashu and (2) Ajisen Ramen's odd tasting Tonkotsu broth. For me, the broth was the only let down for the Chashu Ramen dish!

I was looking forward to experience the divine taste of Pork bones, seasoned and slowly simmered for hours—not to mention the special added ingredients—a tad of flavour will do for me. I sincerely hope that the broth's batch for that day was a hapless incident. If that was the intended taste from the start, it will remain to me as an enigma.

In spite of that, I would still recommend Ajisen Ramen to all ramen lovers and foodies out there! There may be a few setbacks on my experience but all in all, I was pleased with their hearty dishes! If you want a ramen escapade on a budget, Ajisen Ramen is a good place to start!

Ajisen Ramen (Makati Branch)

Address: Plaza 100 Bldg, Rufino cor. Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:0 0pm-9:30 pm, Saturday 11:00 pm-10:30pm

Contact Number: (+63) 550-1691

Website: Ajisen Ramen PHL, Ajisen Ramen JPN (translation required)

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff of Ajisen Ramen Makati branch for their great service and for allowing me take some photos as usual!

Please look forward to my next ramen journey! Ikimashou!