If you want delicious yet extremely affordable ramen, try Tomochan Ramen Express.
Tomochan Ramen Express is a relatively new entrant in the local ramen scene
yet it is already boldly carving a name for itself in the industry. Unlike
most similar restaurants, it is positioning itself as an affordable
alternative for those who want to enjoy authentic and delicious ramen without
breaking their budget.
Tomochan Ramen Express brings authentic yet affordable ramen to Filipinos
About Tomochan Ramen Express
Tomochan Ramen Express served its first bowls of ramen in Angeles City,
Pampanga in July last year. In a span of eight months, Tomochan has grown to
five branches with locations in Ayala Fairview Terraces, Marquee Mall,
Solenad, LKG Tower, and New Point Mall.
 |
| Tomochan's branch in Ayala Fairview Terraces |
These stores can be found inside food courts, a deliberate strategy to give
more diners quick and easy access to their favorite Japanese dishes.
Tomochan is your daily Japanese ramen
 |
| Tomochan's logo |
Tomo is the shortened form of "Tomodachi," a Japanese term that means “friend”
while “Chan” is a Japanese word that is used to refer to little children,
female family members, and close friends. Tomochan is thus a name that connotes solid friendship; one that espouses love, loyalty, and dedication.
My experience at Tomochan
I had the privilege to be invited to try out some of Tomochan’s offerings together with other food bloggers from the metro. It was good that the event was held at Tomochan’s Ayala Fairview Terraces branch which was near our house.
 |
| Blogger event |
The restaurant’s menu, I found out during the briefing, is composed of shoyu
(soy-based broth) ramen and miso ramen varieties as well as rice meals.
 |
| Miso Vegee Ramen |
Tomochan's soy-based lineup is composed of Shoyu Basic, Shoyu Vegee, Spicy Shoyu
Tantan, and Shoyu Special. Meanwhile, its miso-based selections are Miso
Basic, Miso Vegee, Spicy Miso Tantan, and Miso Special. The price starts at
Php99 so that’s definitely a steal.
 |
| Shoyu Basic |
As for Japanese rice meals, Tomochan currently has three choices available on its menu. These are Chicken Karaage, Katsu, and Gyoza, all competitively-priced at P79.
For diners who would want to sample all the dishes on offer, set meals composed of rice meals and ramen are available. Even better news is that
Tomochan has a delivery service, unlike other similar ramen restaurants.
The food
My orders were served to steam hot and freshly-cooked. Most ramen
restaurants recommend sipping the broth while it is hot in order to fully
enjoy the flavors.
 |
| Katsu Rice |
I had the Miso Vegee Ramen and the Katsu Rice and I would say that the quality and authenticity of the food is impressive considering its price.
The Miso Vegee Ramen (P139) was served with half soft-boiled egg, 2 slices of pork, and fresh leeks and vegetables. I was not really expecting much at
first but after my initial sip, I knew that it can compete well with most
Japanese ramen restaurants around the metro.
The broth had a lot of flavors; the noodles are firm and good to the bite;
the pork slices are tender, and the vegetables were crisp. I would consider this a perfect bowl of ramen.
 |
| Gyoza Rice |
Tomochan has a big potential in successfully bringing authentic Japanese ramen closer to more Filipinos. No need to wait for payday to treat yourself to a nice bowl of ramen – have it any time you crave it at Tomochan.
As for the Katsu rice meal, the pork slices may look a little dry and overcooked at first but that is not so. The coating is of the right thickness and the meat inside is still tender and effortlessly succumbing to the bite.
Tomochan indeed lives up to its tagline, “Your daily Japanese
Ramen.”
Building a ramen empire
Tomochan plans to aggressively grow its branches in the next year or so to around 100 outlets. Okamoto said that they intend to build a ramen empire through organic growth as well as franchising opportunities.
 |
| Akiko Okamoto explaining Tomochan's business expansion strategy |
Currently, the franchise fee is set at P160,000 for a term of three years.
This includes rights to use Tomochan’s name, trademarks, and systems; site
evaluation and approval; exclusive classroom and hands-on training,
pre-opening and opening assistance; Tomochan’s operations manual; consistent
business support through consulting and filed visits; marketing and
promotions support; rights to use the company’s proprietary products and
services; and access to accredited and exclusive suppliers.
In terms of running their business, Okamoto said that while Tomochan’s
unique selling proposition is its affordability, they uphold discipline when
it comes to their day to day dealings as well as in safeguarding the quality
of their products.
You can tell that Okamoto and her team are serious about realizing their goal
because you can feel their passion as they discuss their plans and outlook.
Epilogue
On the whole, it was an event that I enjoyed. It was nice talking to the
owners who are eager to make a success story happen and who are generous in
sharing their insights with regard to their business.
What’s even good to know is that Tomochan is offering a novel, sort of a
guerilla concept that is not often encountered in the local ramen dining
scene.
Tomochan Ramen Express Branches
Tomochan has branches in the following locations. You can call the indicated telephone numbers if you want to make inquiries:
Ayala Fairview Terraces
Food Choices, Second Floor, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Maligaya Road Corner
Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
LKG Tower
Food Odyssey, 11th Floor, LKG Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati
City
SM Cherry Shaw
Foodarama, Upper Ground Floor, SM Cherry Shaw, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong
City
Ali Mall
Food Gallery, Third Floor, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
Food Court, Fourth Floor, W Mall, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Mall of Asia
Complex (MOA), Pasay City
Telephone number: +639957557275
Eden Food Hall - BGC
Eden Food Hall, Second Floor, 32nd and Fifth Building, 32nd Street Corner
5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Telephone number: +639567680321
SM City Valenzuela
Food Court, Third Floor, SM City Valenzuela, MacArthur Highway, Karuhatan,
Valenzuela City
Filinvest city
OYO Amore Hotel Manila, Alabang Interchange, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City
Ortigas Center
Sixth Floor, One Corporate Centre, Julia Vargas corner Meralco Avenue,
Ortigas, Pasig City
Trinoma Mall
The Landmark, Trinoma Mall, Ground Floor, Food Court, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon
City
Starmall Alabang
Commune Hall, Lower Ground Floor, Starmall Alabang, South Superhighway,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
SM City Sucat
Food Court, Second Floor, Mall A, SM City Sucat, San Dionisio, Parañaque
City
Sampaloc
2nd Floor, The ONE Torre De Santo Tomas, España Boulevard 1015 Sampaloc,
Manila
Franchising inquiries
For franchising opportunities, you may inquire through the following:
Contact numbers: (045) 304-4353, 09770635706, 0915-4826019
Email: franchisetomochan@gmail.com
Social media: Facebook and Instagram via @tomochanph
PIN THIS POST
Also read:
Ramen Nagi: A Delicious Indulgence
This post may contain affiliate links, including those from Amazon Associates, which means that if you book or purchase anything through one of those links, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. All opinions are ours and we only promote products that we use.
Download a free copy of my Churches of Nueva Ecija eBook HERE!
As someone who recently tried ramen for the first time, I love hearing about it from people who know more about it than I do! In your opinion, what goes into the perfect bowl of ramen?
ReplyDeleteThank you. Great noodles of course plus a broth that is packed with flavor. That, I think, is the base for any perfect ramen. The rest of the ingredients are just for enhancing flavor.
DeleteI'm not really into ramen. My children on the other hand are, thanks to Naruto, a Japanese animation.
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Naruto is also popular here in the Philippines.
DeleteGood to know that Ms. Akiko Okamoto, expanding this chain of Ramen Express and she is taking care of every-ones pocket. This is must for Ramen lovers. I would love to try this. Coming this may...:)
ReplyDeleteI love ramen noodles and the problem is once I start eating them I just want more. They are so good.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, yum. This looks like a great place to eat. I just love ramen. I've always wanted to go to a place like this.
ReplyDeleteRamen is life for most Asian like me-- I miss my homeland . Aside from the beautiful beaches there and breathtaking scenery the food is always the best. I feel like I want to make a trip any time soon. I would love to visit this Ramen Express once I get there.
ReplyDeleteYes, for most people who are in foreign land, it's food that they miss the most. I'm sure you miss a lot of food and would definitely indulge on these when you get home. I hope you get to visit your home soon.
DeleteI have never had the pleasure to try Filipino cousine but will have to find a place that sell Filipino food here and try it out.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks great. Less is more. Also, the price of the franchise fee for 3 years appears to be incredible. So glad you got a chance to enjoy authentic ramen
ReplyDeleteI love Ramen, I think it's one of my favourite dishes! This place looks really great, I'd love to visit that venue with my friends. I bet that all of these dishes are really yummy! :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to tell my brother about this place! I LOVE ramen and we have a nice restaurant by where we live and its so delicious! The dishes you pictured look so tasty! I would love to visit this place someday!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post on Tomochan Ramen Express! I think that franchise fee is a great deal!
ReplyDeleteCan't go wrong with a good ramen! These bowls look delicious.
ReplyDeleteRamen is one of our favorites to try different things with and these look so delicious. I would love to give these a go!
ReplyDeleteYum!! I love ramen and am eager to try some new flavors now that it is becoming more popular at restaurants in the States!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this restaurant but the ramen looks amazing! The pork slices also look delicious.
ReplyDeleteThese are great food choices I did not know until now. Thank you for the useful information.
ReplyDeleteThis looks soooooo delish ! I wish this restaurant was around where I live
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to try ramen, but I've been on the fence about trying it. This post suddenly has me craving it! Everything looks so delicious!
ReplyDeleteYumm this ramen looks good. I am also so glad to see that there are more options than just broth based soup since I'm vegan I need these miso and soy options. IDK if I'll visit the Philipines any time soon but it's always nice to know I have these food options.
ReplyDeleteXO Andie Sparkles
http://Andiesparkles.com
I've never had ramen before but seems it's such a great meal to the Asian community. So it's nice that Tomochan can offer ramen and you actually had the chance to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI love the name meaning and the ramen looks simply great! I'm hungry!
ReplyDelete