Michelin-selected Ramen Ron elevates menu with ‘Paiko Tantanmen’ return

Ramen enthusiasts in Manila have something new to look forward to as Ramen Ron unveils the Paiko Tantanmen, a specialty bowl that blends the restaurant’s hallmark flavors with a bold, textural flourish. Once offered as a limited-edition item, the dish now joins the permanent menu following overwhelming demand from diners.

At first glance, the Paiko Tantanmen immediately distinguishes itself with its generous slab of crispy fried pork cutlet set on top of a vibrant bowl of ramen. The broth is a medley of sesame, chili, miso and ground pork, simmered to achieve the depth and warmth that Ramen Ron’s Tantanmen is known for. Paired with springy noodles and finished with bok choy, aji tamago and spring onions, the dish balances richness, spice and comfort in a way that feels both familiar and surprisingly new.

The story behind the bowl began far from Manila’s bustling dining scene. During a culinary trip to Japan, AF Hospitality founder Amado Forés encountered a version of Paiko Tantanmen that sparked his interest. He returned home inspired and enlisted head chef Hiroyuki Tamura to craft a rendition that would reflect Ramen Ron’s identity. The result pays homage to the restaurant’s roots while offering regulars a fresh experience.

Forés recalls how Tantanmen has always been central to the restaurant’s legacy. When the brand operated as Ukkokei, only 10 bowls of Tantanmen were served daily, which created a near-mythic reputation among early devotees. This sense of craft, heritage and exclusivity continues to inform Ramen Ron’s approach.

“Led by Tamura-san, we developed Ramen Ron’s version of the Paiko Tantanmen for our guests to enjoy. It honors the brand’s most loved dish and its early years as the neighborhood’s go-to ramen spot, while offering something new,” Forés shares.

Ramen Ron, a culinary gem in Manila’s dining scene, holds a special place in the city’s gastronomic history. Recognized as a Michelin Guide Selected restaurant in the 2026 Manila Guide, Ramen Ron stands as a beacon of high-quality, authentic Japanese ramen.

Established in 2007, it quickly became one of the city’s pioneering ramen-ya, captivating customers with its unwavering commitment to technique and authenticity. Throughout the years, Ramen Ron has garnered a devoted following, its spirit unbroken even during the pandemic. When AF Hospitality stepped in, they collaborated with the original team to preserve the brand’s roots while embracing the arrival of a new generation of ramen enthusiasts.

With the addition of the Paiko Tantanmen, Ramen Ron continues to celebrate the balance of tradition and innovation that has defined it for nearly two decades. The dish will be served in limited quantities of 20 bowls per day at each participating branch. Guests can enjoy it exclusively at Ramen Ron Bonifacio Global City in Central Square Mall and Ramen Ron Rockwell in Edades Tower.