[Review] Hakata Ramen Bar, Jaro Iloilo City - A Hidden Gem for Ramen Afficionados

Negi and Rayu ramen at Hakata Ramen Bar Iloilo. Photo via Flickr/Jep

Hakata Ramen Bar is a hidden gem located on the ground floor of the JDi Building, right in front of Spring Palace Chinese Restaurant and Metrobank Jaro branch (the one beside the Toyota dealership), and beside Thai Boran Massage at McArthur Highway, Jaro Iloilo City. It's very easy to miss since it is just a small location in the corner and oftentimes the shutters of the windows are closed (presumably to reduce the glare of the sun in the afternoons). Though it doesn't look too fancy from the outside, this hole-in-a-wall type of feel is part of its charm.

Ambiance and Atmosphere  

The interior is cozy, with just a few tables and a counter adjacent to the kitchen, reminiscent of roadside ramen stalls in Japan. While the seating inside is limited, they also offer outside seating but be warned that depending on the time of day, Iloilo temperatures can be uncomfortably warm outside. This intimate setup contributes to a relaxed and unpretentious dining experience and of course, the fact that it is air-conditioned helps a lot.

Service

Hakata Ramen Bar's friendly staff is one of its standout features. We encountered around three staff members, including the cashier and the cook, who thoroughly explained each item on the menu. Their attentiveness and eagerness to explain each item on the menu made for an excellent dining experience and made us feel welcome.

Location and Accessibility

Although it's a bit out of the way from the city center (not to mention the horrendous traffic situation at Tabuc Suba during rush hours), the Hakata Ramen Bar menu offers a compelling enough reason to visit. This out-of-the-way location adds to the appeal, making it a must-visit spot for ramen aficionados. There is ample parking space, so that's one thing less to worry about. 

Food Quality  

We tried the Negi and the Rayu ramen, and they were truly delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful, with a good depth of flavor. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the portion sizes were generous. We even decided to order extra onsen eggs, and yes, they were just that delicious. However, some of the menu items were unavailable during our visit. We're definitely planning to return and are excited to try their gyoza, yakisoba, and karaage.

Conclusion  

Despite being a bit out of the way, Hakata Ramen Bar is worth the trip. With its unpretentious charm, cozy ambiance, friendly service, and, most importantly, delicious ramen, it’s a must-visit for any ramen aficionado.

Food: 9/10

Location: 7/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value for money: 9/10

Service: 9/10

Overall: 8.4/10