Manila’s food scene is currently brimming with new flavors and quirky concepts. One crowd favorite is ramen and you’ve probably mapped out your go-to’s and favorites but don’t end it at that just yet.
There’s a new player in the ramen game and you’d better not miss out on it!
Uma Uma Ramen’s first foray out of Japan was in Singapore, where they established themselves as a cult favorite among ramen lovers and chalked up numerous mentions on various top ramen lists.
What was once known as “Wu Maru” in 1953 was renamed in 1994 to Uma Uma, a play on the original name of the shop and pun for the word “tasty.”
After being in the ramen industry for more than 60 years, Uma Uma opened its doors in Manila. Given that the city already has its known ramen shops, Uma Uma serves the Manila dining crowd with their own brand of flavor. “Our broth is made from a rich broth of pork bones, slow cooked over high heat to achieve the distinct and robust flavour infused through hours of cooking. It’s 100 percent msg free,” says Russell Yu, director of Iki Concepts Ltd.
Not only limited to ramen, Uma Uma brings with it a bar extension; introducing local cocktail favorites spiced with Singaporean and Japanese flavors.
Affordable and Casual Japanese Dining
Though unconventional, the original Uma Uma in Japan had the Izakaya-Ramenya concept, which was a hit with the salarymen and OLs (Office Ladies). Egged on by Masahiko Teshima, president of Uma Uma Ramen Japan, Iki Concepts started their first Izakaya-Ramenya concept in Singapore, and now in Manila.
An Izakaya is not complete without Yakitori (grilled skewers over charcoal) and Kushikatsu (deep- fried breaded skewers). Uma Uma Manila features a special menu of over 11 types of Yakitori and Kushikatsu prepared a la minute and paired with homemade sauces lovingly created by Head Chef Shota Kaneko.
Extensive Selection of Unique Drinks
What is an Izakaya without drinks? The good guys from Horse’s Mouth Bar have crafted a special drinks menu for Uma Uma, featuring a mixture of classic cocktails as well as specially created drinks to celebrate their first foray into the Phillipines. Sakes, whiskeys and beers are also available so there is something for everyone.
Originating from Fukuoka, Japan, Uma Uma Ramen has more than 60 years of ramen-making experience.
Uma Uma is at Level 2, S Maison Marina Way at Mall of Asia.