Ramenrique, owned by Enrique De Dios, is a must-visit ramen shop in Elyu (also known as La Union) for those who love Japanese cuisine and are looking for a unique dining experience by the beach. If you’re lucky, you might even see them making the noodles, as it’s made fresh in-house weekly!
Here’s some information on what you can expect at Ramenrique:
Ramenrique is located in Elyu’s Surftown area. To get there, you can make your way from the beach side through an entrance near Monaliza Surf Resort. Look for the distinct Japanese signages and a dining area inspired by classic Japanese shop stands (yatai) that typically sell ramen bowls during festivals. The cozy atmosphere adds to the charm of this ramen spot.
Ramenrique’s Menu
Gyoza: Start your meal with the delicious gyoza, featuring a crispy exterior and a flavorful, warm filling. The traditional dipping sauce complements them perfectly.
Karaage: If you’re waiting for your main ramen orders, try the karaage (chicken nuggets). These crispy and tasty chicken bites are ideal for both adults and kids.
Bonitofu: The chilled slices of silky tofu, sesame dressing, chili powder, and bonito flakes make for a refreshing and flavorful appetizer. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Spicy Miso Ramen: This ramen option features a balance of creaminess and heat. The chashu (sliced pork) and ramen eggs are prepared in-house, adding to the authenticity of the dish.
Tantamen Ramen: Similar to the Spicy Miso Ramen, the Tantamen Ramen boasts fresh, high-quality ingredients. The savory broth with a hint of spiciness pairs perfectly with the ajitsuke tamago (marinated ramen egg).
Tsukumen Ramen: A recent addition to the menu, the Tsukumen Ramen is unique as it comes with chilled, chewy noodles served alongside a warm, flavorful broth in a separate bowl. You can dip the noodles into the broth or add the broth to the noodles for a versatile dining experience.
Quality and Craftsmanship – Quality Ramen
Ramenrique takes pride in not taking shortcuts in their preparation. It took the team six months to perfect their ramen bowls, including the creation of their noodles. They prepare everything in-house, from the noodles to the chashu and ajitsuke tamago, ensuring the highest quality.
Atmosphere
The restaurant has a small and intimate setup, allowing you to watch the team as they prepare your ramen, dumplings, and appetizers. This transparency reflects their commitment to using the best quality ingredients and careful preparation. Bonus: As you sit by the bar, prepare to be welcomed by a Japanese ramen cat meme!
History
Unknown to many, Inky’s affection for Japanese food began a long time ago. The spark for the idea of opening a ramen shop ignited when he chanced upon a ramen arena during one of his many trips to Japan. Imagine a place with over 50 ramen booths! The preliminary phase of the ramen shop in Elyu consisted of successive pop-ups, each version refining the recipe based on customer feedback.
What to expect?
Eager to share your experience with friends? The place comes with free Wi-Fi.
Coming with your furry friend? Pets are welcome.
Beach access: It’s a quick minute away from the beach!
Business hours: Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm. Sun 10am-2pm
Follow on Facebook and Instagram @ramenrique.ph
Delivery: Drop them a message on their socials!
Conclusion: Whether you’re a surfer looking for a satisfying post-surf meal or simply a ramen enthusiast, Ramenrique is a must-visit spot in Elyu. Don’t forget to finish your meal with complimentary in-house green tea for a truly memorable dining experience. Be sure to check their opening hours and consider making a reservation, as this popular ramen spot tends to get busy. Enjoy your ramen cravings at Ramenrique!
SEO description: Ramenrique: A #ramenbythebeach shop in Elyu serving meticulously crafted ramen and Japanese delights, where flavors and authenticity meet by the sea.
Looking for a place you can exclusively rent to host a game or karaoke night with friends and family? Or simply dine in, and experience La Union food- If these are your deal makers- you may want to consider Lampara Kitchen and Bar- where food, games, and karaoke collide.
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Mabini Street in Barangay Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union, this family-owned gem is a testament to the warm hospitality and culinary excellence La Union is known for.
Urban comfort in San Fernando City, La Union
You can easily spot Lampara Kitchen and Bar, because of the lined-up buffet-style clay pots in their facade. It’s an 18-minute drive if you come from Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union; and 7 minutes from Thunderbird Resorts and Casino in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union. For commuters, you can hail a tricycle in San Fernando City and ask to bring you to Lampara. Tricycle fare is at P25 minimum. The nearest landmark is the post office in barangay Catbangen.
The inviting urban comfort and laid-back ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy home, provide a welcoming backdrop for your culinary adventure. During the day, it’s a bustling dining area, while at night, it transforms into a lively bar, complete with music and drinks. Weekends come in love with soulful acoustic performances by local talents.
How Lampara Kitchen and Bar started
Lampara Kitchen and Bar’s remarkable journey began as a pandemic-born concept, driven by the simple desire to share home-cooked meals with those seeking comfort and connection during challenging times.
The family behind Lampara initially started by delivering these lovingly prepared dishes to their customers, and the overwhelmingly warm and positive feedback they received was the spark that ignited a bigger dream. With no formal culinary training but an unwavering passion for food and hospitality, they decided to turn their home-based venture into a physical restaurant, bringing their beloved dishes to a wider audience.
The choice of the name “Lampara,” meaning “lamp” in English, is deeply symbolic. Inspired by the lamps used by fishermen as guiding lights in the darkness of the sea, it reflects their commitment to being a guiding light of warmth and nourishment in the lives of their patrons.
Lampara Kitchen and Bar is a heartfelt testament to the power of passion and perseverance, where family bonds, a love for cooking, and a dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences come together to light up the lives of all who enter its doors.
The GAME ROOM
Amidst the culinary brilliance, Lampara Kitchen and Bar unveils its secret weapon- a game room that sets it apart from the rest. The game room can accommodate 6-8 people at P3,000 for 3 hours. It has a smart TV connected to Netflix and HBO for movies or you can play Ps5 console instead. Besides these, there are available board games inside the room, as well as darts, and poker.
This unique space isn’t just for games; it’s a place where laughter and friendly competition thrive. Whether you’re playing darts, billiards, or cards, it’s where unforgettable stories are made, adding an extra layer of charm to Lampara’s appeal.
THE KTV ROOM
What best defines family gatherings other than karaoke? Lampara Kitchen and Bar understands the importance of family gatherings, and they’ve gone above and beyond to cater to this sentiment. They offer specially designed KTV or Karaoke rooms, good for 12-15 people. These private havens are perfect for families and friends to come together, enjoy a sumptuous meal, and then unleash their inner starts with a spirited karaoke session. Just like the game room, customers can turn it into a watching session as the TV is also connected to Netflix and HBO. It’s really a delightful fusion of great food, music, and togetherness that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Food for every craving
The family extends to many their love of food. They understand how family members differ in their cravings and often argue about which food to order. In order to resolve that, they’ve thought of offering different cuisines.
Hand-picked, and well-thought-out they formulated a menu that interestingly combined all the cuisines you and your family might love. They offer Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and of course, Filipino cuisines. Among the must-try are the Crispy Palabok, Grilled Squid Sisig, Baby back ribs, to name a few.
Taste
The taste profile at Lampara Kitchen and Bar is nothing short of delightful. The team was served with some of the best sellers in the restaurant- mostly Filipino cuisine with a twist.
Crispy Palabok
Starting with the Crispy Palabok, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors- the crispy squid toppings paired with that rich Palabok sauce create a mouthwatering experience. The Juan Republic team agreed the Crispy Palabok is one for the books and is something you will crave after you’ve tasted it.
Pusit Sisig
The Pusit sisig was literally fired up before serving. The squid was surprisingly tender, while the sisig was well-seasoned. While we missed out if there was a mushed pig’s brain in the sisig- we didn’t taste any mayonnaise. We recommend this as pulutan in your next drinking sesh.
Crispy Pata Kare-kare
Their Crispy Pata Kare-kare, a marriage of crispy pata and kare-kare, came in on a sizzling plate. A whole crispy pata with the usual kare-kare vegetable (string beans, pechay) beautifully arranged on the hot plate, was poured on with the rich peanut butter sauce. The pork skin was crackly and crunchy while the meat was tender enough to be chewed on. But it wasn’t “falling off the bone” tender. The kare-kare sauce had a slight peanut-y flavor and was seasoned well- not too sweet and not too savory. If you like your kare-kare sauce with just a mild taste, then you will like this.
Banana Rhuma
For those who are familiar with and have tried Manong Tootz FoodHouse turon, Lampara’s Banana Rhuma will hit you in the right spots. It’s a classic turon but glazed with a reduced jackfruit sauce, dusted with skimmed milk, and served with Puno’s ice cream- the best ice cream in Nueva Ecija. It surely felt like a warm hug.
Choco Lave with Ice Cream
Another dessert we have tried was the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream- from Puno’s again- and sprinkled with gold leaves or sheets. It’s a combination of warm and cold- warm cake and cold ice cream. When you scoop or cut a serving, a rich chocolate filling will ooze from the center. This one’s on the sugary and rich side, so if you have a sweet tooth, you will love this.
Ratings:
Customer Service
Lampara’s staff embodies the warmth and hospitality that La Union is known for. From the moment you’re welcomed at the door to the attentive service throughout the meal, their genuine passion for sharing their culinary heritage shines through.
Price
Food prices range from 200 (starters) to 1,900.
The menu and experience at Lampara Kitchen and Bar covers a spectrum of prices, starting as low as 120 pesos and going up to 1,900 pesos. Locals, who are mostly minimum wage earners (P372 to P400/day), will probably need to save up a little for a special dining experience in Lampara Kitchen and Bar.
Here’s the deal: the food is seriously good, and the customer service is top-notch. While we understand we need to pay more for a superb dining experience, we still pray the price tags could be a little lower so more Ilokano can afford it. But when we say the food’s delish- we mean it.
Other services
Lampara is open to hosting events. Or you can rent out the meeting room, for intimate gatherings in a packaged deal.
Parking space
They have a limited parking space within the premises that can fit 3-5 cars. But street parking is also allowed.
Restrooms
They have two, one for females, and one for males. Both are clean, well-maintained, and smell good. Also, they’re Instagrammable.
Food delivery
Available at Food Panda, FoodEarly, and other local food delivery services.
Pet-friendly
You can bring your fur babies to Lampara. They also have their adopted in-house cats you can play or cuddle with.
Business hours
Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Fridays to Saturdays: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Contact number
09173348262
Lampara Kitchen and Bar isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination where moments are created, laughter is shared, and memories are etched into the hearts of its patrons. With its diverse cuisine, game, and karaoke rooms, Lampara has seamlessly woven together elements of fun, family, and fantastic food. The warmth of their service, reasonable pricing, and willingness to cater to various needs make it a hidden gem in the heart of San Fernando City, La Union.
Whether you seek a gastronomic adventure, a thrilling game night, or a harmonious karaoke session, Lampara Kitchen and Bar invites you to experience it all under one welcoming roof. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the inviting atmosphere, and indulge in a delightful collision of flavors, entertainment, and togetherness at Lampara Kitchen and Bar.
If you run out of restaurants to try in La Union, or you’re searching for a serene hangout spot or your next staycation destination, Manna Kitchen is the place to go. It gives you the two most essential things you need when unwinding – great food and exceptional ambiance.
Their carefully curated menu caters to diverse tastes – whether you’re a sweet tooth, coffeeholic, or pasta lover. Manna Kitchen stays true to its word origin – nourishment.
Discover Culinary Delights at Manna Kitchen
Located in Ili Sur, San Juan La Union, Manna Kitchen is a tranquil retreat 300 meters from the nearest beach and a convenient 2-kilometer drive to the vibrant surf town community of Urbiztondo.
This hidden but not-so-secret restaurant is part of Aginanas Villa. It is the culinary gem that seamlessly integrates with the spirit of Aginana and complements this haven of repose. Much like the villa, Manna Kitchen is a refuge for the senses, where carefully curated flavors and warm hospitality intertwine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
One of the best things about Manna Kitchen is its various arrangements and menu offerings. You can enjoy their Dive and Dine, which combines two enjoyable activities – eating and swimming. With Dive and Dine, you can occupy their poolside tables to give you easy access to their swimming pool.
For 350 pesos per person, we enjoyed swimming plus one free drink and made the right choice. Their mango and grape shakes were very refreshing without being overwhelmingly sweet while the lemonade had the right amount of zest coupled with the cool essence of mint. At first glance, 350 might seem like a hefty price for swimming, but it was a good deal for us considering that their refreshers were priced at around 150 pesos each.
They also have a dedicated coffee bar, albeit with a small space; it’s perfect for freelancers like me who want a change of scenery. We all know how working from home can get a bit lonely sometimes. The compact area is also a benefit since it gives me a cozy feeling while working, especially since it’s airconditioned.
I go here almost every week because this place just ticks all the boxes for me as someone who works remotely. I can do three essential things in my routine: work out, eat out, and be productive. This trifecta of offerings makes Manna Kitchen my go-to destination, providing the perfect balance for my work and leisure needs.
Manna Kitchen’s Menu
The menu options of Manna Kitchen add to its appeal. No matter what kind of sudden cravings you get, they’re ready to serve dishes, snacks, and beverages that will satisfy you fully.
We had our team get-together here last December 2023. Our afternoon hangout was made perfect by their Strawberry balsamic grilled cheese, black truffle cream pasta, & 4-in-1 pizza. These sumptuous snacks were paired with mango and grape shakes and lemonade.
The Food at Manna Kitchen
Basket of Paper Thin Potatoes
Who doesn’t love potatoes? And as big fans of potato snacks, we unanimously agreed on this for our appetizer. True to their description, it really was paper-thin but they fried to the perfect crispiness. We were impressed because it was the perfect golden color and had no burnt parts.
But what sealed the deal was their whole-grain aioli dip. The whole-grain aioli presented a multi-dimensional taste profile. Its rich and creamy emulsion base provided a velvety texture that clung to the delicate potato slices. The use of whole-grain mustard in the aioli brought a delightful crunch and a burst of earthy flavors, intertwining with the creaminess to create a harmonious balance.
Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese
For a sandwich that is everything but ordinary, their strawberry balsamic grilled cheese takes you on a flavorful trip. Their buttered sourdough was crispy outside but fluffy inside. The combination of chedarella and parmesan, creamy boursin, and strawberry preserve gave you that endless surprise bite after bite.
To top it all off, a drizzle of balsamic reduction turns this grilled cheese into a masterpiece of sweet, tangy, and downright delicious flavors. It’s a gourmet experience that made us rethink everything we know about grilled cheese.
Black Truffle Cream Pasta
Truffle can be an acquired taste, especially because of its smell. But Manna Kitchen makes magic happen with their black truffle cream pasta. The linguini was perfectly cooked. The shiitake mushrooms, tender and earthy, added a delightful chewiness, further boosted by black truffle salsa with its distinct taste and aroma.
The warm focaccia bread completed this sharp, savory dish that left us wanting more.
4-in-1 Pizza
Four pizza flavors are available – white, BBQ Chicken, Cheese P and Beef Taco. But if you’re indecisive when ordering pizza, 4-in-1 Pizza is for you. You can try all the flavors and decide which one is your favorite. White is made of four kinds of cheese, BBQ Chicken features their homemade BBQ sauce, Cheese P has double mozzarella and beef taco is the delicious Mexican taco transformed into a pizza.
No matter which flavor you choose, one thing is for sure. Your pizza will never be boring again!
How to get to Manna Kitchen
If you’re driving from Manila, it will take 4.5 to 5 hours via private car. However, if you’re traveling from Baguio or Ilocos Sur, it will take around 2.5 hours. If you prefer taking the bus, you can book your tickets online. Here’s their Google Maps location.
Good to know:
They are open for walk-ins for Manna Kitchen.
Avail of their Dive and Dine for 350/head, inclusive of one free drink of choice
Are you a freelancer who wants a new working spot? Their two wifi connections are stable and reliable.
The coffee bar can double as a workspace but is not recommended for meetings as it can get noisy sometimes
Swimming is one of the best exercises for overall health. Work + Work out here!
Business hours are Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Friday to Sunday, 8 AM to 9 PM. They are closed on Wednesdays.
La Union has long become more recognized as one of Northern Luzon’s magnetic nightlife destinations. But if you think its party scene is just a blur of cheap cocktails on the sand, think again. From well-curated beach bars to gritty live music dens and craft cocktail hideaways, Elyu’s nightlife is as layered and dynamic as its sunsets.
Here’s a serious guide for choosing your vibe and knowing exactly where to go when the sun dips below the West Philippine Sea.
If you’ve spent any time in La Union, you know it’s more than just a surf town. Beneath its laid-back beach vibe is a thriving café culture that caters not only to tourists chasing sunsets and surfing spots but also to freelancers needing solid Wi-Fi, students seeking quiet corners, and fur parents who want their pets to join the coffee run.
La Union, affectionately dubbed Elyu, has long been known as the Philippines’ surfing capital. But there’s much more to this coastal province than its waves. From heritage landmarks and emerging culinary spots to nature trails and creative hubs, La Union is evolving into a destination that appeals to both seasoned surfers and curious wanderers. Here’s a guide to seven essential experiences—and a few newer activities you shouldn’t miss.
