Anything but Nomama's Ramen

Nomama Artisanal Ramen has made its mark early in the ramen craze due to its introduction of its P1 ramen bowls (where you can enjoy your second bowl of ramen for only P1). This crazy value-for-money promotion was successful in continuously driving in crowds of hungry diners into its QC branch,back when it was still operational.

However, apart from the insane price cut you get from its ramen, there seems to be nothing noteworthy about it anymore. I'm not a fan of its noodles; its broth doesn't feel tasty enough, and the experience of eating its ramen variants just feels flat for me. I've tried their Tantanmen, Prawn Ramen, and even their house specialty and restarant namesake, the Nomama Ramen, but none has satisfied me.

NOMAMA MEZEMEN (P320)

Only one noodle variant has passed my standards, and that would be the Nomama Mezemen. A ramen-version of a Hiyashi Chuka dish (cold soba noodles); which features the marriage of the delectably refreshing light soy-vinegar sauce, handcut ramen, pickled mushrooms, and the ajitame (soft-boiled egg).

Clearly, I'm not a fan of Nomama Artisanal Ramen's ramen; however I admit that I have continuously gone back to the restaurant because of its other food offerings.

MUSHROOM GYOZA (P165)

One particular item I did enjoy (and came back for) would be its Mushroom Gyoza. These delicately wrapped potstickers feature silky thin wrappers which enveloped delicious mixtures of chopped shiitake, oyster, button, and shimeji mushrooms. Each bite oozes with flavor; and is accompanied by a bit of a crunch courtesy of the slightly crisp bottom of the gyoza.

MUSHROOM TEPPANYAKI (P275)

Another dish that put these mushroom varieties to good use would be the Mushroom Teppanyaki. These lovely fresh mushroom variants are lightly tossed in a tasty blend of sweet soy sauce and mirin, making this a delightful and healthy dish to devour.

KITAYAMA FLANK STEAK (P750)

My favorite dish from Nomama would have to be this dish. I love how each bite of the steak bursts with so much flavor. Fried in miso butter, this meat wonder has a slightly creamy taste which blends perfectly with its natural savory taste. This dish has always been my staple order in Nomama; however, I still can't seem to grow fond of the fried tofu bars that it comes with. These are fried wonderfully, but are painfully bland. A little bit of seasoning would give life to this boring side dish. Fortunately, the steak's tasty enough to forgive the mediocre tofu side.

Although it is advantageous for a ramen restaurant to have strong alternative main dishes; it should primarily focus on the quality of its featured dishes. After all, its name alone screams RAMEN. Perhaps, Chef Him can find a way to make his 'artisanal' ramen creations more competitive and creative to be able to actually live up to the restaurants name. For now though, I'd stick to the non-ramen offerings that the restaurant has.

Nomama Artisanal Ramen

Previously located at: GF FSS Bldg., Scout Tuason, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City

Now located at: Capital Commons, Meralco Ave cr Shaw Blvd., Ortigas

Droolworthy Dishes: Mushroom Teppanyaki, Mushroom Gyoza, Kitayama Flank Steak

Date of Visit: May 18, 2014 with Lily Chua, Jem Chua, and Jared Chua