Go-En Ramen: Japanese Ramen House In Sgt. Esguerra
We’ve been living in Quezon City for almost three years now but never had the chance to explore restaurants along Sgt. Esguerra. We usually go at Tomas Morato for coffee shops like Figaro and Starbucks, restaurants like Racks and Shakey’s. Sometime last year though, I had the chance to visit one of the restaurants in Esguerra, Livestock Restaurant. They are known for their crackling pork belly and Crispy Pata. Just about two weeks ago, SeatsForTwo went back to the same compound to dine in a Japanese Ramen House known as Go-En Ramen.
Go-En Ramen Shoppe is located inside Jardin de Zenaida compound, the same place where Livestock restaurant is located. You might not easily locate the shoppe unless you pass by Livestock. It has a small entrance, you might notice it but it’s worth the visit. They’ve been in the business for more than two years now. The restaurant can accommodate around 30 guests.
It was dinner time, weekday when we visited. We’re glad it’s not too crowded. Upon entering we were greeted by friendly staff.
Aside from ramen, Go-En Ramen Shoppe offers Japanese Kendama. We were told they are one of the few restaurants that features Japanese Kendama. While waiting for the ramen, the staff taught us tips and tricks in playing Kendama.
How To Play Japanese Kendama
Hold the Kendama with the ball hanging down and pull the Ken up so the ball flicks into the air. Catch the ball on the big and small cup.
Aside from Kendama, there’s a shelf of Japanese magazines for the kids to enjoy.
Back to the food. We started with Tonkatsu, deep fried breaded pork cutlet with side of tangy sauce. It comes with potato salad and shredded cabbage but you may order plain rice served with smiling nori eyes and mouth. 🙂
I’m a fan of Japanese pizza/pancake or Okonomiyaki. Go-En Ramen’s Okonomiyaki has chopped cabbage, egg, octopus, sakura ebi, pork, katsuboshi in special sauce. It was soft, the sauce was good.
Now for the star of the night. We started with Shoyu Ramen, a dark soy sauce based soup with hosomen, nori, menma, boiled egg, naganegi, chasu and naruto. It was flavorful, the noodle was cooked just the way we wanted.
Karamiso Ramen, creamy miso based soup with a spicy kick. A Hokkaido specialty. It has the same ingredients like Shoyu Ramen with added corn, butter and naganegi.
Tantanmen is a bit spicy sesame broth with ground pork, boiled egg, chingensai, bean sprout and naganegi.
Among the three, our favorites are the Cheese Ramen and Shoyu Ramen. Cheese ramen is miso based soup that has moyashi, corn, akitsuke tamago and topped with minced pork and cheese. It’s creamy and surprisingly not salty even if topped with cheese. Having corn, boiled egg and bean sprout it’s too filling.
We had one dessert from the menu, the handmade mochi with ice cream. The mochi ice cream was such a delight to the mouth – soft mochi and not too sweet vanilla ice cream. We learned that they only make limited number of mochi a day so better come early and try this mochi ice cream.
Jardin de Zenaida, Unit B1
#34 Sgt. Esguerra Ave.
Brgy. South Triangle
Quezon City
Philippines 1103
(02)-441-GOEN (4636)
(02)-376-5761
Open for Lunch from 12pm-5pm
Dinner 5pm to 11pm
Weekends 5pm to 12am
Budget: around P200+/ ramen
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