Kanto Street Ramen — Restaurant in Cebu City

This restaurant comes highly recommended by my friend due to its affordability and convenient location. It opens at 5 PM, which is reasonable; it reminds me of ramen stalls in Japan that spend the day preparing broth, suggesting they might offer high-quality options.

We visited on Thursday, the 13th. You can't miss the place from 100 meters away because of the bright lights, which really enhances the atmosphere. The open setup, lacking walls, adds to the vibe, and the light traffic nearby means less pollution. When we arrived around 7:30 PM, the place was already crowded, but I had my eye on a table inspired by Japanese ramen stalls, complete with noren banners and Chōchin lanterns. The staff were very accommodating and responsive to my questions, which I appreciated as someone new to ramen and Japanese culture.

Both my friend and I ordered the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen for 159, opting for the spicy red noodles, along with a very affordable chicken karaage for 69 and soft drinks for 20 each. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable everything was, which likely explains the crowd.

We received a ticket number, and our orders arrived in about 10 to 20 minutes, which was quite quick considering the restaurant was packed. Watching the staff prepare meals right in front of us made the wait feel worthwhile. The food was presented nicely; the karaage came a bit later, but the staff kindly let us know it would be arriving soon, and serving the ramen first while it was hot was definitely a plus.

As for the ramen, it tasted nice, but the soup was only decent. It didn’t feel special; I had expected a rich, creamy, and savory flavor with deep umami from the pork bone broth, enhanced by the salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes of soy sauce. According to the staff, Tonkotsu is based on pork, while Shoyu should have a soy sauce flavor, but we barely experienced any of that. Having visited other ramen places before, I can confidently say I've had better soup elsewhere. Here, the broth felt rather ordinary, almost like I was just sipping MSG.

The chicken karaage, however, was one of the best pieces of meat I’ve had recently. The texture was soft and easy to chew, almost like it didn’t need much chewing at all. The accompanying mayo sauce perfectly complemented the dish without being overpowering; it was sweet rather than sour. I'm still craving it days later!

Overall, I would tentatively recommend this ramen place. The food quality is decent, and considering the price, it remains one of the more affordable options in the area. I would typically rate it around three stars, primarily due to the food not being particularly outstanding, though the karaage truly elevates the experience.

The service was quite good, with accommodating staff who were attentive to our needs and responsive to our questions, which did enhance our experience. The atmosphere is also appealing, creating a relaxed environment that’s suitable for casual dining.

While I wouldn’t classify this as a must-visit spot, it could be worth checking out if you're in the area and seeking a satisfying meal without spending too much. If you're interested in trying their other dishes, you might discover something you enjoy. I can see myself returning in the future, as I’m curious to explore more of their side dishes and other items...

Kanto Street Ramen is undeniably popular. Every time I visit, whether on a weekday or weekend, it’s always full. Expect a short wait before being seated, and if you’re in a group, it may take longer since tables are limited. Sometimes, you even have to share tables with strangers due to the high volume of customers. The setup is completely open-air and located by the roadside, so there’s no proper cover. If it rains, some tables and chairs can get wet, and since it’s outdoors, it’s normal to encounter bugs or even the occasional cockroach on the floor. Electric fans are installed, but they aren’t strong enough to keep the area cool, especially on humid nights. Bringing your own handy fan is a good idea.

The ordering system is straightforward: you pay at the counter, get an order number, find a seat, and wait for your number to be called to claim your food at the stall. Self-service is expected due to the limited crew. On our visit, there was a Kuya assigned to handle the seating queue and clean the tables, which helped maintain some order despite the busy environment.

In terms of food, the ramen is decent for its price. The broth is flavorful enough and the serving size is just right for budget ramen. Toppings are minimal, but acceptable given the cost. However, not everything hit the mark. The gyoza was a letdown as the bottom was more burned than the usual while the top and filling were still cold, which affected the overall taste.

Overall, Kanto Street Ramen offers an affordable ramen fix for those who don’t mind the street-style dining experience, the crowds, and a bit of discomfort. If you’re after ambiance or consistent food quality, this might not be for you but if you’re looking for budget-friendly ramen and are willing to compromise on comfort, it’s...

In the ever-evolving Cebu food scene, where new restaurants constantly vie for attention, Kanto Ramen Cebu has quietly— and deservedly— earned a loyal following. It may not boast sleek interiors or high-end presentation, but what it offers is something far more memorable: flavorful, soulful ramen that hits the spot without breaking the bank.

Kanto Ramen is a sidewalk-style ramen joint that embraces its unpretentious charm. Humble, no-frills, and comfortingly local in its setting, it’s the kind of place you find yourself returning to not just for the food, but for the familiarity and warmth it brings. Among all its offerings, the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen stands out as a personal favorite— and in my opinion, one of the best in Cebu within its price range. The broth is rich and deeply savory, with a well-balanced shoyu base that complements the creamy depth of the tonkotsu. It’s a bowl that feels carefully made, without the fanfare.

Every slurp feels indulgent, yet never heavy. The noodles are firm, the chashu tender, and the soft-boiled egg is done just right. It’s the kind of ramen that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is— affordable, honest, and deeply satisfying.

Kanto Ramen Cebu has carved out a snug little place in my heart. It has become my go-to whenever I crave something hearty, familiar, and affordable. In a city where prices continue to rise and quality sometimes falls short, Kanto Ramen remains refreshingly consistent. It may not come with the bells and whistles of upscale ramen houses, but for what it is—and at the price it comes— it’s simply unbeatable.

Whether you’re a student on a budget, a late-night wanderer, or a ramen lover who values flavor over flair, Kanto Ramen Cebu is one place that absolutely deserves a spot...