Batchoy Ramen, a Mother's Day special collaboration
Head to Ramen Ron and be your own judge
On the occasion of Mother’s Day week, it's no coincidence that Ramen Ron chef Hiroyuki Tamura and restaurateur Amado Fores would choose chef Margarita Fores as their collaborator — and yes, Margarita is Amado’s mom.
With a nod to her Illongo roots, Chef Gaita worked with Chef Hiroyuki and came up with two new menu items - a Batchoy Ramen, and a Ramen Ron Soft Shell Crab Bun - available for a limited period, and part of a Mother’s Day promotion.
When introducing Chef Hiroyuki during the media event, Gaita was effusive about how thankful she was that he had allowed her into his kitchen and gave the green light for this culinary "cross-pollination." This is, after all, the same Chef Tamura who, in his Pasay/Arnaiz days, was famous for being such a hardcore traditionalist when it came to his eateries and how to enjoy his ramen.
The Batchoy Ramen is Ukokkei Batchoy-based broth with thin ramen noodles, topped with Chasu, Bone Marrow, Liver, Shio Tamago and Chicharon. And I loved how the Chicharon stays crunchy even when swimming in the broth. The bone marrow was a singular addition, and gave this ramen its very Batchoy flavor.
As for the RR Soft Shell Crab Bun, this was my personal favorite among the two new items. We’re talking crispy fried soft shell crab, with Taba ng Talangka (TNT) mayo, and atchara-inspired Japanese pickles made of carrots, papaya, daikon radish and onions. It’s a messy bun, but one you’ll enjoy having indulged in.
As I understand it, the two items will be offered within a set menu concept of P890. Only 20 sets will be made each day, to give the items the exclusivity they deserve.
There are some out there who’ll question this kind of "fusion" of cuisines. And these are likely the same people who’ll wonder whether a typical Ramen Ron client would even show up and seek something with strong Filipino flavor.
I don’t dismiss what those two opinions represent; but having tried the two dishes, I can say I was myself surprised with how "painless" the fusion was, and that the Batchoy flavors did lend themselves to a ramen interpretation. The RR Crab Bun was fun; and so ultimately, I’d say if these two were both good to eat, who cares about fusion or expectations - delicious is delicious!
Head to Ramen Ron and be your own judge. If enough people say yes, I’m hoping these two become regulars of the Ramen Ron menu. Happy Mother’s Day, Margarita!