Sapporo's RAMEN SORA Opens its second branch in Cebu

The Ramen Sora,  (Japan's best tasting noodle) , that we used to love in Waterfront Subic has its second branch opening on March 26, 2015 at AS Fortuna in Cebu. Cebuanos should rejoice because the best tasting legit ramen has come to conquer their tastebuds.

Ramen Sora (Sora meaning “sky”) is from Sapporo in Hokkaido, the go-to district for those who want to indulge in the best of Japanese food.

Chef Yoshi Ishise the man behind the restaurant’s best-tasting ramen explains: “Ramen is one of Japan’s staple dishes just like rice to Filipinos. We could not live without ramen. At Ramen Sora we put our heart and soul into preparing dishes because we want to make our customers happy. Isn’t happiness life’s ultimate goal?”

Chefs Yoshi, Ishise, Tomio Hakada and Nori Suzuki, have partnered with Gerry’s Grill founder Gerry Apolinario for Ramen Sora. Its first branch in the Philippines opened in Subic last December.

Born in Hokkaido in 2003, Ramen Sora Subic is only the second branch overseas after Las Vegas, Nevada USA; which hogged a 5-star rating at travel website tripadvisory.com

Taking no shortcuts, Ramen Sora uses traditional methods of preparing ramen. Its Miso base goes with only the best and the freshest ingredients. “We offer everything authentic!” adds Chef Yoshi, who is also a sushi chef and the owner-operator of Sushi Twister in Las Vegas.

Chef Yoshi along with his team of Filipino chefs and partners from Prime Pacific Grill, Inc. (PPGI), operator of Gerry’s guarantee that they will ‘transport’ Pinoys to Sapporo to enjoy the best ramen they will ever taste from Ramen Sora!

Meantime, Ramen Sora’s fitting companion Yakitori Binchotan which will soon open beside Ramen Sora enjoins guests to taste their scrumptious servings of Yakitori.

Yakitori Binchotan’s recipes were passed on to Chef Nori by his grandfather who used to prepare them for his family during special occasions.

Chef Nori opened Yakitori Binchotan in Hokkaido, where he grew up, serving dishes using his grandfather’s secret sauce, and grilled using Binchotan, a special kind of charcoal found only in Japan that brings out the taste of the skewered delight, usually chicken.

“Binchotan packs so much heat and does not emit smoke, which allows the full flavor of the food to come out. The high heat from Binchotan helps to properly sear the meat keeping it juicy on the inside,” says Apolinario.

Yakitori isn’t as simple as putting meat or vegetable on a stick and grilling them. “There is so much discipline required in preparing this dish. The smell, the aroma of skewered dishes, and ultimately the taste makes all the difference,” adds Chef Nori.

Soon to open its maiden branch along AS Fortuna in Cebu Yakitori Binchotan is set to bring life to diners’ tables with original dishes enjoyed in Hokkaido, the heart of Japan’s culinary center.

Gerry’s other brother brands are Gerry’s Grill Plus, Kusina ng Gerry's and Thai restaurant Sweet Chili. Gerry’s has recently celebrated its 18th anniversary and is soon to open in more locations this year including Aseana in Paranaque and Megamall in Pasig City.

Ramen Sora: No Ramen No Life!

Ramen Sora opens at the Waterfront Avenue in Subic

My comfort food consists of hot steaming bowl of mami, congee and then ramen. When ramen becomes a rage in Manila last year. I checked out the first ramen house that was available together with a friend. I first ate out at Fukkouka Makati and the rest was history.  At first glance, ramen has a resemblance to mami but the difference lies in the soup and ingredients. It is mostly creamy based on the soup.  Ramen (ラーメン) is a noodle soup dish that was originally imported from China and has become one of the most popular dishes in Japan in decades.  Ramen restaurants, or ramen-ya, can be found in virtually every corner in Japan and produce countless regional variations of this common noodle dish. Ramen is the most affordable dish in China and or Hongkong, but here in Manila, you have to scowl php400 for a decent bowl. I have been to 5 Ramen restos in Manila and I should say, Im still exploring other ramen houses as well, as I am a fan of legit spicy ramen, the spicier the better.

From L-R; Chef Nori, Chef Yoshi, Chef Tommy and Gerry Apolinario

Last December 20, 2014 I was invited to check out the new ramen restaurant Ramen Sora at Waterfront Avenue in Subic. Gerry Apolinario of the famous Gerrys chain of restaurants decided to bring Ramen Sora here in the Phils from Las Vegas, USA. upon seeing that Ramen Sora holds a new promise in the food business, The men behind the Ramen Sora Nori, Yoshi and Tommy were excited for the first store in Subic  and claimed that they are on the process of putting up their second branch in Cebu.

Corn Butter Ramen

Shio deluxe Ramen

Menma Ramen

Miso Ramen

When I checked their menu, the ramen that intrigued me is the one with corn and  butter, so I ordered for that with the shoyu (soy)  soup as base as I am not a fan of the salt. The taste was fine with tomago and chasu. I feasted on their noodles. They were on their dry run that day, its okay to spice it up a little bit, if you prefer it with chilis. Noodles are freshly delicious, its not soft or hard, its the way I like it cooked. The interior has a homely feel to it as if youre eating in Japan with the legit ramen.

Born in Hokkaido Sapporo in 2003. Ramen Sora Subic is only the second branch overseas after Las Vegas, Nevada USA., which has a 5-star rating at travel website tripadvisory.,com

Considered Japan's culinary center, Sapporo is often the go-to district for those who want to indulge in the best of Japanese food like Ramen Sora.

Chef Yoshi Ishise, the man behind the restaurant's best tasting ramen, explains: "Ramen is one of Japan's staple dishes just like the rice to filipinos. We could not live without ramen. At Ramen Sora we put our heart and soul into preparing dishes because we want to make our customers happy. Isnt happiness life's ultimate goal?"

Chef Yoshi along with his team of Filipino chefs and partners from Prime Pacific Grill, Inc (PPGI) guarantee that they will transport Pinoys to Sapporo to enjoy the best ramen they will ever taste from Ramen Sora.

PPGI is also the operator of Filipino favorite Gerry's Grill, Kusina ng Gerry's, Aresi (Italian American restaurant) and Sweet Chili (Thai restaurant).

If you happen to drop by at Waterfront Subic, dont forget to check out Ramen Sora, Aresi and Gerrys as well. Then tell me what is your favorite ramen flavor.

Sweet Chili is Now Open at Fisher Mall

Craving for a Thai food? Choose the authentic and affordable Sweet Chili. The local restaurant chain Gerry’s has expanded its portfolio of brands with the opening of
Sweet Chili, Thai Fisha and Noodles House located at the upper ground level of Fisher Mall on along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Sweet Chili Pic Early Faves - Bagoong Rice, Chicken Pandan and Pad Thai with Egg

The restaurant’s affordable menu offers include Soups (Sea Food Tom Yum, Noodles in Clear Soup), Chicken (Chicken Pandani, Stir Fried Spicy Chicken in Basil Leaves), Pork (Grilled Liempo), Dry Noodles (Pad Thai Plain or with Egg), Seafoods (King Fish with Mango Salad, King Fish in Five Kinds of Herbs or in Red Sauce), Rice (Bagoong or Plain) and Desserts; are prepared by a well-trained team headed by Thai Chef Phairat B. Phonbon.

Gerry’s other brand is Kusina ng Gerry’s, a fast-casual, do-it-yourself restaurant which opened in March 2012.