Tongara Ramen is a blend of two different types of ramen. For starters, “Tonkotsu” means “pig bone” in Japanese. Tonkotsu Ramen is created by boiling pork meat and bones together to create the signature meaty flavor of its soup.
On the other hand, “Torigara” is Japanese for “chicken bones” — the distinct taste of Torigara ramen then, is yes, the result of boiling these bones.
Ramen Master Makoto Okazaki is the creator of Tongara Ramen, which is a combination of TONkotsu and ToriGARA. The fusion of chicken and pork for its base sets his creation apart from other ramen bowls.
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History of Tongara Ramen
Makoto Okazaki is a chef from Japan who dedicated over a decade to culinary art and is also the mastermind behind Tongara Ramen. His techniques are well-known because they are no longer being practiced in Japan.
Tongara Ramen was first established in Shinjuku in 2013. It is the product of Okazaki’s 3-year diligence in perfecting its broth.
The dish was brought to Cebu only after chefs had mastered Okazaki’s methods of preparing it. Tongara Ramen also has locations in Marikina and Tacloban.
Most of the ingredients are imported from Japan to preserve the authenticity of the meals’ taste.
Branches of Tongara Ramen
Tongara Ramen Marikina
The branch in Marikina is located in Lamp Quarters. It is home to eight different restaurants serving different types of cuisine: Italian, French, Japanese, Filipino, and Bulgarian.
This specific area is known not only for these restaurants but for its design: U-shaped with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard, visitors can eat out, have dates, hold mini-concerts and there are even painting sessions from time to time.
Tongara Ramen Tacloban
Tongara Ramen Tacloban was so popular in the area, it had to create another room to cater to its patrons. It celebrates its anniversary ever October 29 (it was established in 2021).
Tongara Ramen Cebu
Escario Central Mall
Light site Park in Banilad
The branch at Light Site Park opened in July 2021.
Tongara Ramen Menu
Tongara Ramen’s Best Sellers
The photos below are the best sellers of Tongara Ramen: Tantanramen and Shoyu Ramen. We also also gave their signature dishes a try: Tongara Ramen, Paco Ramen, and Ebi Miso Ramen.
Tantanramen (P585) 
Shoyu Ramen (Seafood based) (P490)
Tongara Ramen (P390) 
Tongara Paco Ramen (P495) 
Tongara Ebi Miso Ramen (P495)
Tongara Ramen’s Take-Out Kits
These kits are great because they allow you to enjoy your ramen at home or at work.
Tongara Ramen (P390) 
Tongara Paco Ramen (P495) 
Tongara Ebi Miso Ramen (P495)
Tongara Ramen Cebu Food Reviews
Staff Review
Khrizza: I love seafood so I chose to eat Tongara Ebi Miso Ramen. All I can say is perfection! I also tasted the other ramen that we ordered. They are equally rich, flavorful, and savory. Your every penny is worth it!
They are not too stingy with their toppings! Also, I am very particular when it comes to noodles and I do not like them if they are too thick. Their noodles are just right for my taste!
For me, they have the best ramen out there in Cebu City!
Taste Comparison with a Japanese native
Instagram Review of Tongara Ramen
Ordered a bowl of their best ramen: tantanmen, plus whatever sides they have left: karaage, spicy chicken, and a bowl of fried rice. Im not sure if it’s the hunger but the moment I took the first bite out of the chicken, it made me realize that we had just made one of the best food-related decisons so far. I’ve never had chicken this tender yet crispy and juicy at the same time. I could feel the flavors burst in my mouth with every bite. It was fireworks and I didnt want it to end. Their tantanmen ramen was also superb. The broth was thick and full of life. We loved the kick of spice in it, makes it a perfect pair with the chicken.
Who knew a tiny, empty ramen shop in this often overlooked commercial arcade could offer a meal this amazing. I still have dreams about the karaage until now and I’m excited to go back! Im just glad we stopped by there and discovered another comfort food place in Cebu.
Facebook Review of Tongara Ramen
Google Reviews of Tongara Ramen
Tongara Ramen Escario Branch Details
| Address: 13, Escario Central, N Escario St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu | |
| Phone Number: (032) 254-6374 | |
| Opening Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm (Monday – Thursday) Last Call: 7:50pm 11:00am – 9:00pm (Friday – Sunday) Last Call: 8:50pm | |
| Credit card: Accepted | |
| Parking: In front of the store | |
| Reservation: No reservation |
Tongara Ramen’s Social Media Pages
CSP Planet Cebu’s Ramen Series
Check out other episodes of Ramen shops in the Cebu Ramen Series:
