May 15, 2024

Hakata Ikkousha in Alabang: A Happy Place for Ramen Lovers

With the plentitude of ramen shops around Metro Manila, it gets more and more challenging for Japanese food lovers to choose the most worthwhile place to satisfy their ramen cravings.

Fortunately, Hakata Ikkousha is one ramen place you will surely be delighted to visit when you are in the South. As they make it their dedication to make people happy through their offerings, where else would we want to be?

Special Tonkotsu Ramen / IMAGE from Hakata Ikkousha

Kousuke Yoshimura first opened Hakata Ikkousha in Japan in 2004 with a goal to make everyone happy, one bowl of Hakata ramen at a time. It is reflected in the restaurant’s name which literally translates to “one happy place.”

Hakata Ikkousha Founder Kousuke Yoshimura / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Not only will you be uplifted with the rich flavors of Japan, but you will also get a taste of award-winning ramen that won the Ultimate Ramen Champion in Singapore for two consecutive years in 2011 and 2012. The quality of their ramen has been recognized and well-received all over the world.

To date, Hakata Ikkousha has 16 branches in Japan, and more in different parts of Asia, Australia, USA, and Brazil. Its first branch in the Philippines opened in Cebu City in 2016, while the second branch at Festival Mall Alabang opened on March 3, 2018.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

They take pride in their Hakata ramen made with 100% tonkotsu soup. This soup is made using the yobimodoshi method wherein the stockpot is filled with layers of simmering stock every single day. The resulting soup is rich, thick, and creamy, with a strong aroma that would instantly make you drool.

Ajitama Tonkotsu Ramen / IMAGE from Hakata Ikkousha

Getting a sip of it once it finally arrives on your table is indeed very fulfilling.

For first-timers, a highly recommended dish is the Tonkotsu Ramen, the original Hakata style, full-bodied, and collagen-rich ramen. If you want to enjoy more ingredients in your bowl, you may opt for the Special Tonkotsu ramen, which has four pieces of char siu and two pieces of ajitama or Japanese-style flavored egg.

Another kind of ramen that’s famous in Hakata is the black or Kuro Tonkotsu Ramen, also known as kogashi. It is made black by homemade burnt garlic oil and burnt miso flavor, which contributes to the strong, rich taste of the soup.

Kuro Tonkotsu Ramen / IMAGE from Hakata Ikkousha

If you’re still hooked on the fire noodle challenge, Hakata Ikkousha offers a Japanese version with their God Fire Ramen, which has four levels of spiciness.

God Fire Ramen / IMAGE from Hakata Ikkousha

For sides to go with your ramen, you can choose from the Hakata Specialty One-Bite Gyoza or Special Fried Chicken Karaage to complete your cravings.

Gyoza / IMAGE from Hakata Ikkousha

When ordering your ramen at Hakata Ikkousha, you need to fill out a form for each order of ramen so that you can conveniently specify the kind of ramen that you want—the noodle texture, the saltiness, the toppings, and more.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Also read: Oden House in Pasay: A Tale of Good, Authentic Japanese Food

While there are plenty of ramen restaurants to visit, remember that there is one place that exists for your happiness. Visit Hakata Ikkousha in Alabang and have a taste of passionately made ramen that embodies the heart of Hakata culture.

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