Project Minami Episode 1: Ramen Yushoken Experience

Introduction

There's no place like home! That's why I'm answering the call...of the South! I present to you Project Minami: a new segment that's all about South of the Metro!

Let's start off to the ramen house envisioned by gods and champions from the rising sun—one of the best the South has to offer! Joining me once more in this review is my good friend Lian who also lives down South!

Here we go...

Brief History

Ever since it was conceived, the humble ramen has been interpreted many times by Japanese chefs. It was just a matter of time when someone will take the title of Ramen God!

Besides his skill in preparing which is considered to be the best ramen in Japan, Kazuo Yamagishi (aka Ramen God) was widely known for inventing Tsukumen (dipping noodles) on the year 1995. One of his apprentice, Koji Tashiro (aka son of the Ramen God) eventually continued Yamagishi-san's legacy.

There's even a documentary film aired on the year 2013 that talks about
the life of Yamagishi-san and his restaurant East Ikebukuro Taishoken.
ramen-eiga.jp (translation required)

Ramen Yushoken was later conceived by Ryan Cruz and Elbert Cuenca in partnership with Tashiro-san (and a nod with the Ramen God himself, I suppose) for the Philippine market. Tashiro-san trained the staff in ramen preparation while Hideaki Aoyama (the reigning Tamago champion of Japan) was assigned to check the restaurant from time to time.

Ramen Yushoken main entrance

The only branch is located at Unit 20, Cluster 3, Molito Lifestyle Building, Zapote Road corner Madrigal Avenue, Muntinlupa City. Yushoken Ramen is currently one of the popular restaurant destinations in the South!

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Ambiance and Accommodation

Yushoken chose a basic and simple approach in the dining area; no intricate decors or radical-looking furniture, whatsoever. There are wooden chairs facing the kitchen area and couch seats that can accommodate up to four people.

Half of Yushoken's high ceiling is used for storage (Left)
which is accessed via foldable ceiling stairs.

Disposable chopsticks in-a-box, table napkins and basic condiments are provided in every seat for easy access. I like how Yushoken cleverly used its disposable placemat to present their short history, menu (of course), (Yushoken) Ramen 101 and house rules!

Dining area, shot several minutes after its opening.

Same area shot about after an hour (we're already done eating). This was already
the second batch of  diners...the third batch was already at bay!

Diners are greeted by all the kitchen and dining staff in Japanese (by now, I really never bother to ask what it means anymore). They were nice and reasonably attentive despite the number of customers at that time...well, most of the time I think. Guests are served with cold water before orders are taken.

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The Food

Moving on with the review, Lian and I both tried Miso Ramen (Php 380.00) and Gyoza (Php 150.00) as a side dish.

Yushoken uses Tonkotsu broth and thick wavy noodles in their ramen. One may select their ramen dish by base sauce: Shio (Salt), Shoyu (Soy Sauce), Tantanmen (Sesame paste and Chili) and Miso (Soy Bean paste). Shoyu Ramen was my first choice but Lian's diligent reading influenced me to order Miso Ramen too!

Shoyu Ramen was a-okay. Further reading however will entice you to
order Miso Ramen since the broth is "more rich, complex and flavorful".
Never mind the long preparation time...I'll order Miso Ramen too!

Yushoken's Gyoza was by far the best that we've ever tasted! It was very flavoursome—no need for Soy Sauce. Serving size was also generous; about 1.25 times larger. A small amount of sauce oozing at the first bite was a welcome addition to the tasty experience!

Yushoken's Gyoza

Yushoken's Miso Ramen is topped with Chasu Pork cut in cubes, Ground Pork (I think), Bean Sprouts, Bamboo Shoots (Shinachiku) and Scallions.    

The Miso Ramen has a delectable Tonkotsu aroma with hints of Ginger in the end. In comparison to Tonkotsu-based ramen that we've encountered before, the broth was a tad thicker in consistency and has a darker shade of Brown (instead of the Milky White colour).

Yushoken"s Miso Ramen is predominantly in shades of Brown.
The only thing that breaks the monotony is the Scallions. We can also
see their unique Renge Spoon where it easily rests at the bowl.   

  

Taste-wise, the broth was very delicious! The Miso and oil both complements the already rich and tasty Tonkotsu broth. They say that a ramen bowl must be eaten quickly, but there's no need to rush. You might miss the Collagen that naturally forms as the dish cools down. The only downside that we could think of was the slippery lips!

Lian said that Yushoken's noodles resemble Lucky Me's noodle, but thicker. I forgot to tell her that I ate Lucky Me's Pancit Canton variant for breakfast (lol)! Anyways, the noodles was al dente...it also absorbs some of the broth!

Eating with chopsticks was manageable (you have no choice—spoon and fork is a no-no for Yushoken) even though the noodles were obviously slippery, thanks to the ramen's tasty oil. I think the rough texture of the disposable chopsticks helps to hold (or tame) the noodles!

The Chasu Pork was very flavoursome and oh so pleasurably tender! Lian likes the way it was served in chucks, adding that the Chasu Pork was way easier to pick up and eat. The rest of the toppings really worked together to make the ramen dish complete!

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Conclusion

There's no denying that Ramen Yushoken serves one of the best ramen here in the Metro! Serving size and the array of familiar yet complex flavours that one may experience is top notch! The overall experience was almost at par with Ramen Nagi except for Ramen Yushoken's plain dining area. Don't be fooled though! If the dining area doesn't impress you, the first sip of Yushoken's ramen will!

Ramen Yushoken
Address: Unit 20, Cluster 3, Molito Lifestyle Building, Zapote Road corner Madrigal Avenue, Muntinlupa City
Operating Time: Monday-Sunday 11:00 am-11:00 pm
Contact No.: (+63) 808-7424
Facebook Page: Ramen Yushoken


Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the staff for the great service and for allowing me to take some pictures...without their consent (lol)! I would also like to thank my very good friend Lian for joining me in this ramen review on short notice!

Please look forward for the next Project Minami episode wherein we'll review the habit-forming heartbreak! Ikimashou!