My dear old aunt (阿姨) who is more of a traveler than a foodie has been raving about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka ever since her friend brought it to the Philippines.  My aunt was so convincing that almost everyone in the family has tried it except for me and then they were raving to me about it.  So when it open at SM Mall of Asia, they decided to dine there for me to try.  Yes!  I'm so lucky that my family is so sweet that they don't want me to be left out in this type of things.  Plus, it was also the perfect option for the rainy weather. 

I guess they regularly have a long waiting line because they were very systemic and organized about it.  They had a list and waiting benches both in the inside and outside of the store.  We were listed as number 6 in the waiting list.

Like most Japanese restaurants, they had a display shelf of their food models.  This is also standard for Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branches worldwide.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka was established in March 1988, in Asahikawa, Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido serving initially only Shio Ramen.  During its popularity, their specialty Tokusen Toroniku Ramen with roasted pork cheeks was born.  From its humble beginning of a 9-seater ramen shop, it now has many branches in Japan and Internationally including USA, Canada, Hongkong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

The space was quite limited and narrow.  But, the service and turnover is fast.  I really liked the black and white modern minimalist interior of the place. 

Their payment system was something new for me.  You pay at the counter after you eat and on your way out. 

Food

Original Ramen
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offers their ramen in three sizes: S (Small), R (Regular) and L (Large).  If you order S, you get only 1 slice of Char Siu and lesser portions on everything.

♥Shio Ramen S (280 php)

The Shio Ramen is a salt based ramen with Umeboshi (pickled plum), Negi (leeks), 3mm Strips of
Arage Kikurage (jelly ear mushrooms), Takenoko (bamboo shoots), Kamaboko (fish cake) and Char Shiu (pork belly).  Ordering the Shio is the best way to appreciate their special ramen broth.  Of two types of ramen in terms of heaviness: Koterri (heavy) and Asari (light), my family is generally not a fan of the former and liked the clear broth more.  I think their ramen is in between the Koterri (heavy) and Asari (light) because they serve a mild and creamy tonkotsu broth made by simmering pork bones for 20 hours and my family loves it!  The texture of their thick and wavy noodles is also excellent. 
 

Shoyu Ramen S (280 php)

The Shoyu Ramen is the soy based ramen with Umeboshi (pickled plum), Negi (leeks), Nori (seaweed), Takenoko (bamboo shoots), Kamaboko (fish cake) and Char Shiu (pork belly).  I personally prefer the Shio over this. But if you want a more savory ramen, this is for you.  Their Char Shiu is of kurobuta pork so it oh-so-good and melts in your mouth. 

♥ Char Siu Shio Ramen S (320 php)

The Char Siu Shio Ramen is basically the same as the Shio Ramen but with more Char Siu for an added cost.

Specialty Ramen

♥ Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen S (370 php)

The Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen is Shio Ramen with the same toppings except for the Char Siu being replace by their premium roasted pork cheeks. 

♥ Tokusen Toroniku Shio Ramen S (370 php)

Pork cheeks meat is very rare and only 200-300g can be taken from each pig.  It is roasted until tender which also brings out is delicious flavor.  Since it is served without the charcoal grill, you should eat this fast before it gets cold. 

Side Dish

♥ Chawan Mushi (100 php)

The Chawan Mushi is a steamed egg pudding topped with scallions and salmon roe and filled with lots of seafood and mushrooms was delicious.  It had a mellow flavor and superb smooth and silky texture.


Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Kitchitora 1 | Kitchitora 2
Kokoro Ramenya
Menya Genki Tonkotsu Ramen
Miso-Ten
Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Moshi Koshi 1 | Moshi Koshi 2
Rai-Rai Ken Ramen House
Ramen Bar
Ramen Cool
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is one of the best ramens available in the Philippines!  The only reason why I'm not declaring it as the best because I don't believe that there is a best in terms of ramen.  As in Japan, each ramen shop has it own distinct and specialized flavor.  Each one is a unique masterpiece in its own and should be appreciated without comparison.  The price is a bit steep but it's worth every peso.