quick and cheap – Jellybeans in the City

Budget ramen at KYUKYU Ramen 99, Tomas Morato

The rainy season might be over but I’m still not over my ramen phase.

There’s just something about tonkotsu ramen that is so irresistible to me…

Is it the steaming hot and creamy broth flavored with pork bone boiled for hours? Is it the way the firm freshly made pulled noodles feel against my lips as I slurp them from the bowl? Is it way the pork chashu slice seems to melt in my mouth as soon as I bite into it?

Whatever it is, my #RamenPhase is here to stay. Thankfully, there’s a place near my office where I can satisfy my cravings that’s also easy on the budget.

At the Kyukyu Ramen 99 branch in the Shopwise Crossings Supermarket along Quezon Avenue, I can get a bowl of tonkotsu ramen for only Php159. It is a nondescript stall that gives a taste of authentic ramen at affordable prices.

So rain or shine, I can find some comfort in my favorite ramen a short ride away from my office.

Kyukyu Ramen 99 is located at Ground Floor, Shopwise Crossings Supermarket, Quezon Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Other branches are located at:

Quezon City: Farmer’s Plaza, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf Balintawak,
Manila: UST Campus
Mandaluyong: Starmall EDSA-Shaw Boulevard
Marikina: Ayala Malls Marikina

Budget-friendly Rice Toppings at Hong Kong Roasting, Tomas Morato

My officemate and I were looking for somewhere to have a quick lunch so we could get on with the rest of our tasks for the day.

After scouring the lunch options at nearby M Place, we decided upon Hong Kong Roasting, attracted by the budget-friendly rice topping options and the assurance of the restaurant manager that the food will be served immediately.

We ordered:

Soy Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Cantonese Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Both are versions of the Chinese steamed chicken dish, one just features darker skin than the other due to addition of soy sauce. They were accompanied by chili and ginger sauces which we found a bit too mild.

Still, it was a quick, affordable and fuss-free lunch, and another item was added to our group’s lunch options.

This Hong Kong Roasting branch is located at M Place, Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Tower C, Sea Residences, Sunrise Corner Pearl Drive, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 8am to 12:30am)
SM Mezza Residences, Aurora Boulevard Corner Araneta Avenue, Santa Mesa, Quezon City (open daily from 10am to 9pm)