Japanese Valentine x 2 (Hoka Ben and Ukkokei)

Hoka Ben

We were not really the types to plan for Valentines Day. Perhaps its practicality or a realization that opportunistic capitalists are out to get our money! Plan or not though, we still make it a point to celebrate the day of Hearts.

After a long day of meetings and traffic, we decided to have our late Valentine dinner at BF Paranaque so that it would be nearer our home, and we would not be stuck with the Valentine rush in the other restaurants in Makati.

This is not our first time at Hoka Ben. (You can check out my previous post here). What made us decide to come back is the coziness and solitude of the place. Aside from that, it was very affordable.

When we went there, there was only one other table filled so we practically had the privacy we quiet time we wanted.

I ordered the hiyashisoba, which is cold noodles. The bowl of garnishings beside it also contain the semi-sweet sauce that I liked with cold noodles.


Their gyoza was crispy on one side and steamed on the other. 5 pieces cost just about P120 I think.

Complimentary jelly and ice cream since it was Valentines Day.

P.S. Hoka Ben also have their unlimited tempura for just P450. Must try that some time.

Ukkokei Ramen Ron

February 15 was a continuation of the celebration. We decided to try out the other place that my friend Ronnie talked about. So off we went to try out Ukkokei Ramen Ron along Pasay Road in Makati.

Ukkokei is a ramen house and very casual, I guess, because the people who we saw at the place were mostly in shorts and in jeans.

The menu is mostly a choice between shoyu, shio and miso ramen. Okay, I don’t really know the difference between the 3. Sorry!

I chose Shio Butter Corn since I am fond of corns in soup. Jie on the other hand ordered the Hiyashi Ramen Goma, which is actually cold noodles. In the middle of our dinner, we exchanged bowls as I am more of the cold noodles person than he is.

The paper placemat at Ukkokei. I have NO idea what it says

Shio Butter Corn costs Php350 a bowl.

Hiyashi Ramen Goma which costs Php360.

Happy Valentines everyone!