The weather in Manila is getting hotter by the day. I do not know why I still suggested that we eat ramen last week. I guess, I really wanted to try out Kenji-Tei which has been receiving raves from a lot of people. I did try it out once a few weeks ago but we just ordered 2 dishes and I felt it wasn’t enough for a blog post. So I was glad that friends agreed to have our meet up at Kenji-Tei Ramen House.
Fresh and simple flavors ensure relish incomparable culinary experience true Japanese ramen – that’s the tagline of Kenji-Tei Ramen House. I can’t judge the authenticity of the ramen as I’m not Japanese. All I can say or critique is based on my personal taste, whether I felt if the dishes I tried are delicious or not. That’s just how I always describe my experiences in restaurants.
First up, I liked the interior of the restaurant. I noticed the multiple noodle-like lines all over the counter and ceiling. I believe it’s a strong statement that their ramen is their specialty. It would be such a shame if we don’t try their ramen out, right?
Next, Kenji-Tei’s service tea. I usually don’t order drinks whenever I dine at a Japanese restaurant. I guess I really like the unique taste of Japanese tea. The tea tasted like rice, so I assume that it came from rice broth but I really don’t know. Do you know what those Japanese tea are made of? I really would like to know!
Tempura and gyoza are plastered in every Japanese restaurants’ menu, Kenji Tei definitely has those dishes in theirs. I had to try them out! During my second visit, I did as we waited for our other friends to arrive.
- Yaki Gyoza (Php 188)
You know what? I think I totally forgot that I was sharing this Yaki Gyoza dish because I ate 90% of it, haha! I liked that the meat is packed in the wrapper. You know some other restaurants do have the same amount of meat but they wrapped it loosely making it hard to eat. It’s nice that Kenji Tei has wrapped them perfectly. Every lil bite that I had with gyoza was wonderful. It was pure gyoza goodness which made me want to try their cheese gyoza the next time I visit.
- Ebi Tempura (Php 248)
Breaded shrimp can be ordered 3 pieces (Php 248) or 5 pieces (Php 368). As much as I like tempura, I felt this was a bit overpriced.
- Gohan (Php 68)
I guess with the unbearable hot weather we have right now. You would just want to have rice dishes instead of ramen. If that’s the case, you can order rice with gyoza or tempura. I suggest gyoza, Kenji-Tei’s were really, really good!
Ramen Dishes
There was no stopping me from trying out Kenji-Tei’s ramen dishes. I was so curious that I had to taste two different variants before I finally write it here in HeaRty’s Haven. I ordered Mabo Tofu during my first visit and Seafood Ramen on the second. They’re incomparable because they are different but I liked both! That’s why I think Kenji-Tei is here to stay.
Oh, the spices on the table are not for display. Add some to your ramen and you will feel some difference as it gives more flavors to the dish. It enhances the taste of the ramen and you’ll enjoy it more.
You can order Kenji Tei’s ramen as is but you can also order additional toppings [2 pieces Chashu (Php 48), butter (Php 16), spinach (Php 22), moyashi/bean sprouts (Php 22), egg (Php 20), negi/leak stalks (Php 32) and ramen (Php 32)]. If you ask me, order those additional chashu 😉
The best way to choose which ramen to order is to decide which soup base you want. Kenji Tei has 3: Shōyu (soy based), the Shio (salt based) and the Miso. Once you’re decided with the soup base, you can order the ramen with the toppings of your choice.
- Chashu Miso Ramen (Regular-Php 248, Large-Php 338)
Miso-based ramen served with an array of toppings: braised pork slices, vegetables and egg. The Chashu (pork) really melts in your mouth. the meat was so tender and definitely delicious! That’s why I suggest you order additional of chashu (2 pieces at Php 48) as you surely won’t get enough of it!
- Gomoku Shio Ramen (Regular-Php 268, Large-Php 358)
Gomoku Shio Ramen is one of Kenji Tei’s bestsellers. It was shio-based ramen with mixed seafood, egg, vegetables and pork. Among all the soup base that Kenji Tei offers, I must say I love shio the most.
- Mabo Tofu Ramen (Regular-Php 248, Large-Php 338)
I ordered mabo tofu ramen because it’s unique. I super love tofu and I wondered how it would taste like with ramen.
It was soy-based ramen topped with tofu and spicy sauce. The dish might have looked heavy but I didn’t feel that way. And yes, I can conclude that mapo tofu actually works very well as a ramen dish.
While I browsed through websites reviewing Kenji Tei, I found out that it’s actually a restaurant that started in Paranque City. Apparently, their most famous dishes are cheese gyoza and chicken teriyaki. I had to try those out on my next visit 🙂
——————–
Kenji Tei Ramen House
3rd floor Greenbelt 5, Makati City, Philippines
+63-2-7543098
Sunday-Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am to 11pm
dong ho says
ramen! gyoza! this is killing me. im a fan of japanese food. i should try this once.
do they also have sashimi?
Roch says
yes they do 🙂
albert says
Oishi desu ka?
edelweiza says
the ramens look oishi! and the gyoza, too. hope I could go there soon to try the ramen as I’m a big ramen fan. 🙂
Jack says
Achi Roch, you can buy the Japanese with taste of roasted rice at any Japanese Convinience Store; just look for Iyemon brand and choose Houjicha which is a certain type of tea. Houjicha is combination of roasted tea leaves and roasted rice. It has a fragrant aroma and is good.
joekwan says
Hmm… judging from the pic, the ramen looks like the ones from shinjuko. Actually depressing. Too much soup and its quite cloudy. The only thing i like there is the tempura and the gyoza. The gyoza in particular is good value for money. I think santouka and ramen nagi is so much better.
mae says
Hi, I love their tea as well! 🙂 I believe that’s roasted rice tea, just like the makeshift coffee that old Filipinos drink. They roast the rice on a skillet, pour some boiling water over it, then drain to perfection.