As the rain keeps pouring and temperatures drop, nothing quite matches the comfort of a steaming bowl of ramen. This Japanese classic not only warms you up but also serves as the ultimate soul food during the chilly 'ber' months.

From classic, heartwarming bowls to creative twists, here are five ramen shops in the metro that you need to visit:

1. Ippudo

Ippudo's signature Shiromaru Classic ramen, featuring a creamy, 15-hour pork bone broth and tender wheat noodles, has become a staple for Filipino ramen lovers. Topped with all the essentials, this internationally acclaimed ramen chain consistently delivers high-quality, comforting ramen. Don’t forget to pair your bowl with their delicious pork or chicken buns for a satisfying meal.
Locations: Pasig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Muntinlupa

2. Hanamaruken Ramen

Straight from Osaka, Hanamaruken Ramen’s signature dish brings something a bit different. Instead of traditional chashu pork slices, their famed Happiness Ramen features a rich shoyu-tonkotsu broth topped with a tender, slow-braised pork rib. For those who prefer rice, they also offer a rice bowl version of this comforting dish.
Locations: Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Muntinlupa

3. Ramen Yushoken

Known as the “House of Ramen Champions,” Ramen Yushoken lives up to its name with its Tonkotsu ramen, featuring a robust, 14-hour-simmered broth. For a unique experience, try their Tsukemen, where noodles are served separately to be dipped into the rich broth. Their sister restaurant, Mendokoro Ramenba, is also worth exploring.
Locations: Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Pasig

4. Ramen Ron

A collaborative venture by Japanese master Chef Tamura-san and award-winning Filipino chef Margarita Fores, Ramen Ron offers both traditional favorites and inventive options. Try their Hiyashi Goma Ramen, served cold with a rich sesame sauce, or the exclusive Batchoy Ramen, a Japanese-Filipino fusion featuring a batchoy-inspired broth topped with chashu and crispy chicharon.
Locations: Makati, Taguig

5. Ramen Santouka

Santouka’s signature Shio Ramen is known for its light yet flavorful pork broth seasoned with salt. Adventurous diners can try the Spicy Creamy Shio Ramen or the Awase-Aji Ramen, a blend of salt, soy sauce, and soybean flavors. For something different, some branches offer premium ramen flavors such as Wagyu Roastbeef and Iberico Cabecero ramen.
Locations: San Juan, Pasay, Las Piñas, Quezon City, Taguig, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Pasig

Nothing beats a hot bowl of ramen to brighten up a cold, rainy day. With so many ramen shops to try, it’s easy to satisfy your cravings anytime, and during these colder months, it’s practically a must!