Manila's Ukokkei Ramen Ron for Shio Tan Tan Men

A bowl of golden goodness. Shio Tan Tan Men plain...

...and with  orange-yolked eggs

I spent hours one Friday night looking for the Mabini Branch of Ukokkei Ramen Ron. I've read reams of praise online and in print extolling the offerings of the so-called Ramen Nazi, particularly the Tan Tan men, and I wanted to know first-hand if this was well-deserved. I've seen many a girly bar and the facade of Pan Pacific Hotel, but not the ramen house, and so I called it a night, making an oath not to trust GPS again.

Two days later the stars aligned. I had a couple of hours to kill before gym class, and out-of-the-blue I decided to give my search another go. From Faura I took the jeep going to Dakota and alighted at Quirino, where I walked a few blocks towards Roxas until I reached the corner of Mabini. Ukkokei is located at the building after Caltex and just before Sogo.

The restaurant starts serving the Tan Tan Men at 6 pm, and only in limited quantities. I arrived around 5:30 pm. Seeing how dejected I was, the waitress whispered to me to try the salt-based Shio Tan Tan Men, which was almost as good as the bestseller. Spicy, creamy, nutty--very flavorful. The balance of flavors made my gluttony heart sing. I was quite full that afternoon, but I finished the bowl clean. Next time I'm gunning for the Tan Tan Men.

By the way, you could do away with the egg if it's not to your liking. Other than the vivid hue, it's nothing special.

Ukokkei Ramen Ron
2126 A Mabini St., Malate, Manila
(+63) 02 516-5511