Yamazaki in Little Tokyo: A Ramen House and Grocery Store in One
Updated as of December 5, 2023
If you are a fan of all things Japanese, Yamazaki Ramen House and Grocery is definitely the place for you!
For 25 years, this humble establishment in Little Tokyo houses a Japanese grocery as well as a ramen and bento place, where you can enjoy your favorite Japanese food after grocery shopping. Yamazaki may seem quite simple and homey compared to other Japanese restaurants around the area, but that is really where its charm is!
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Upon entering, you will see the grocery on your right side, wherein aisles after aisles of Japanese products are on display. Although Japanese nationals are the main consumers, there are also Filipinos and other tourists who frequent Yamazaki to buy grocery items that are not available in regular supermarkets.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Yamazaki almost has everything, from Japanese treats like candies, snacks, and instant noodles to condiments and personal care items.
What’s more, this Japanese grocery store proves that you don’t have to fly to Japan to buy your favorite Japanese products as they have it all here. They even have Japanese frozen food, ensuring their goods are fresh for when you recreate your Japanese homecooked meals in your personal kitchen!
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Meanwhile, their in-house restaurant serves affordable dishes that come in hearty servings. Although they have so many offerings, their specialties are the ramen and bento sets.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Steaming bowls of ramen are definitely on top of everyone’s cravings so better try Yamazaki’s special Shoyu Ramen featuring freshly-cooked noodles as well as toppings of flavorful pork, nori, and vegetables. Surely it’s one of the most affordable ramen bowls out there, but the taste is top-notch.
Shoyu Ramen
If you are down for a hearty meal, order the Makuonochi Bento Set which comes with a bowl of miso soup. Everything you want is literally in here: fish, beef, chicken, vegetable, and fruits.
Makuonochi Bento Set
A crowd favorite in Yamazaki is their sets or teishoku, with the most recommended Karaage Teishoku, Shake Teishoku, and Saikoro Set. The sets also come with sides like rice, miso soup, and tofu.
Karaage Teishoku / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
And what’s a Japanese restaurant experience without trying the classic Beef Curry Rice? The perfectly-cooked beef, potatoes, and carrots doused with thick and rich curry sauce will make you want another serving of rice.
Beef Curry Rice / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Don’t forget to save some room for dessert! You can always head back to the grocery after eating to buy ice cream for that sweet treat after a hearty meal. We assure you, the ice cream sandwiches are divine!
So if you are looking for a one-stop shop for your favorite Japanese treats and eats, look no further than Yamazaki Ramen House and Grocery!
How to get here
- By car: If you are coming from Greenbelt 1, drive along Paseo de Roxas then make a right turn onto Arnaiz Avenue. Make another right turn onto Chino Roces Avenue.
- Little Tokyo Makati is along Chino Roces Avenue, beside Makati Central Square. It is situated between Arnaiz Avenue and Herrera Street.
- Landmarks are Plaza Fair, Carmen, Jem’s, Herald Suites, Avon, Prudential Bank, Triplex, Saga, JTKC Center, and Metrobank.
