Agara Ramen Baguio: An Honest Review

Have you ever fallen in love with good, unpopular music? Loved it so much you refused to share the title or even the band? Well that is something I felt when I first tried the ramen from Agara Ramen in Baguio City. The food was so overwhelming I wanted to keep it for myself!

However, as time passed I realized how much of a douche I am for not telling the whole world about it. So, along with my apology for trying to hide it. Here is an honest review of Agara Ramen.

Agara Ramen Experience

Now, Agara Ramen has been on my radar ever since it first debuted in Baguio. It’s a small hole in the wall type location. Following the same theme as ramen shops in Japan, the kitchen where they prepare the ramen is laid bare for customers to see. 

You’ll be seated in a table directly where they can drop off the ramen from their prep table to yours. Maybe there is a name for that kind of table. But I’m just going to say you should go there and see for yourself.

I honestly enjoyed the greetings that the cashier/ waitress, as well as, the cooks shout when you enter their shop. A ringing “Irashaimasen” to my ears sure enough hypes me up for the meal that is yet to be ordered.

At the entrance you’ll see a large screen projecting the menu items, this is where you place your order, as well as, pay. I find this strategy very efficient since you go there, pay, then eat to your heart’s content and just simply leave afterwards. 

The place is small. They can seat about 14 people at best. Nevertheless, the shop ensures that the tables are not cramped so that you don’t Muay Thai elbow your random seatmate when you are going for a big slurp.

I also love how they put just as much effort on their customers as they do with their ramen. Because of this, there are times when you have to wait in line outside, but the staff there works like clockwork able to serve amazing ramen at record speeds so you wouldn’t wait long. Also would like to add that if there is a queue outside of the shop, you can order in advance.

My one and only problem with this shop is the lack of restrooms. I’m sure they are aware of this problem already and are working for solutions for their beloved customers, but if you are planning to go there, relieve yourself first. Because once you go there and feel the urge to do business, you’ll be 100(seriously, I counted) steps from the nearest cafe that can accommodate you, that’s IF you buy from them or if you’re really good at persuading or drama. I really don’t know, it’s different from person to person. My wife was able to use their toilet for free while I didn’t.

Overall, the place will definitely make you feel like you are in a ramen shop in Japan from the first screams of welcome to the grateful bow and thank you when you leave. 

Food

I don’t know how to say this, but this may be another reason why I chickened out on writing a blog for this sooner. This blog compels me to be honest with the food and to my readers. With that said, it’s with a heavy heart that I have to admit. I really don’t know what the hell is on those bowls. All I know are the noodles and the magic. That’s it.

I know, I know, it’s a travesty not being able to single out ingredients when you are a “food blogger” but that’s just ramen for you. At this point I really do not know what else to talk about but I would like you guys to hear me out.

I fell in love with the shop’s Ramen master, not because of how he sexily prepares the ramens, but because of his passion that permeates through whatever he serves from that kitchen. It’s so rare nowadays to get to see a chef so intimate with his food.

Not putting the other cooks under the bus, they are just as amazing for being able to keep up with their boss. But, seriously, the dude IS the secret ingredient. 

Seeing him in the kitchen is art. How he cooks the noodles, takes a ladle-full of broth and graciously pours it back to the yukihira saucepan to check consistency (i guess?). How he plates the dishes and how he carefully puts every single component is a sight to behold.

I would have been standing there rolling my eyes to the back of my head in bliss if not for my wife keeping me in check.  I really do admire people who put their all in whatever they do. And the Ramen master at Agara Ramen does that. 

Guys, seriously, there are so many factors, processes, as well as, ingredients sourced from Japan that makes the ramen. Which is why I wouldn’t even bother to try and dissect it. There are just some foods that will leave you speechless. This ramen shop has them.

Recommendations

Oh my, where to begin?

OK, how about I take the lazy way out?

TRY THEM ALL.

I have been there and back again. I have tried everything they have to offer from their chuka soba to their drinks. (Even tried tasting the hot towel too.)

Everything there is just to die for! Take my word for it.

Better yet I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and pay whatever dish you didn’t like from Agara Ramen straight from my Adsense account which has a balance of $0 on it because I’m definitely sure you will enjoy every ramen and side dishes they offer. 

Ramen

Side Dishes

Drinks

New Limited Edition Ramen

And great news! Agara Ramen is offering two new limited edition Ramen starting December 20, 2019! And since it’s limited edition, you better go check it out soon.

Tokusei Tsukemen (Omori “Sutairu” Style)

Rich Tonkotsu Gyokai served with extra noodles, 3 pcs Chasu, Shoyu Tamago, and a slice of lemon to balance out the umami flavor

If you are looking for something that will fill you up to the brim or just simply looking to share, then this might be the best choice for you. The rich broth as well as the abundant supply of noodles, pork and egg topped off with a slice of lemon to really bring the flavors together. This menu item might be an amazing introduction to a real tsukemen experience.

Tokusei Tsukemen (Omori “Sutairu” Style) – Spicy

Rich Tonkotsu Gyokai infused with 4 kinds of chilis served with extra noodles, 3 pcs Chasu, Shoyu Tamago, and a slice of lemon to balance out umami flavor

Now, if you are looking for something a little bit on the playful side, then you can have it spicy as well. The difference between the non-spicy and the spicy is generally the spices that will be added throughout the cooking and plating process of the broth. The 4 kinds of chilis combine in a rich, spicy yet playfully mild delight. If you have that spicy itch, then there is no doubt, this, is something you should put on your food bucket list.

Limited menu launch date: December 20, 2019

New Side Dish!

Japanese “wienar” Weiner

Premium serviced with Japanese kewpie mayo and mustard

So, you’ve tried all the side dishes available at Agara Ramen, you’ve let yourself go with chicken karaage and melted in pleasure with their wagyu cubes. Well, this might be another favorite for me. The weiner is a smokey amazing Japanese take on sausages. Matched with kewpie mayo as well as mustard, you will get amazing flavorful bombs with every bite.

This new side dish is already available for ordering. However, you won’t find it on the menu! It’s a part of their secret menu. Shhhh.

Holiday Specials: Japanese Cocktails

If you’re into drinking, the following Japanese cocktails are included in Agara Ramen’s menu for the holiday.

Mogicha Soju

Lemon Sour

Overall

Agara Ramen is a small hole-in-the-wall location that you should try when you are in Baguio. The menu is small and they do not have a restroom but they provide the best quality of food and care there is. They also have a rockstar ramen sauce boss who listens to every feedback and is a treat to watch! Food is astonishing, ambiance is just as you’d expect it – amazing! Staff is as accomodating and you surely leave satisfied but craving for more!

Agara Ramen is one of my most adored treasures here in Baguio. And it’s time I pass the map on to you. I hope you enjoy it. I know I did. :3

Agara Ramen Details

Location: G/F Rancho Guillermo Building (beside Maybank), North Drive Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City

Store Hours:

• 11AM to 12MN (Sundays to Thursday)
• 11AM to 2AM (Fridays to Saturday)

Contact:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgaraRamen/
• Facebook Group: fb.com/groups/AgaraRamenHeads
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/agararamen/
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AgaraRamen
• Email: agararamen@gmail.com

Have you tried Agara Ramen yet? What do you think of the ramen? Let us know in the comments below.