Affordable food finds at Mushin Japanese Cafe in Santa Barbara, Iloilo

 This bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen is the most affordable Japanese noodle soup we've ever seen. Given that most ramens cost from PhP 180 to PhP 250 here in Iloilo to around PhP 450 in Manila. Not to mention the almost PhP 950 bowl I had in Hong Kong (missing Ichiran).

Now back at home, Mushin Japanese Cafe along Arroyo Street in Santa Barbara near the town's public market, offers this Japanese noodle soup for only PhP 130 a bowl with add-ons ranging from PhP 10 to PhP 55.

This hole in the wall cafe offers two kinds of ramen - Tonkotsu and Syoyu/Shoyu.

Tonkotsu ( NOT tonkatsu) has a soup broth based on pork bones and other ingredients, which are typically boiled for several hours, and the dish is traditionally topped with sliced pork belly and served with ramen noodles that are hard in the center. 

Syoyu (soy sauce in Japanese) has a clear brown broth, based on a chicken and vegetable (or sometimes fish or beef) stock with plenty of soy sauce added resulting in a soup that is tangy, salty, and savory yet still fairly light on the palate. (Wikipedia).

Already a complete set on its own but one certainly cannot resist the add-on especially the spices and sea weeds. But if you're a big eater, you may opt for additional noodles and/or chasyu.

We cannot say no to the Takoyaki balls that sell for an affordable PhP 100 at 12 pieces. It alread has its mayo and its signature brown takoyaki sauce. 

But for just an additional PhP10 each, you can top it with a special cheese sauce and my favorite bonito flakes. These are dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna shavings that add another taste and texture profile to the takoyaki and other Japanese specialties.

Capping our orders, we also had Matcha and Hojicha milkteas with the tea brewed and made from organic tea leaves. They also have a hot and cold coffee line up.

The cafe is unassuming and is located along the road in a busy area with many shops around it. Its al fresco ambiance can comfortably seat around 20 pax but due to social distancing around 8 to 10 pax is just right.

The menu is simple and not confusing. Besides ramen and takoyaki, Mushin also serves gyoza, yakisoba, omelette rice, chicken & chasyu donburi meals. 

Photo grabbed from Mushin Cafe FB Page

And to have a totally unforgettable visit, they offer traditional Japanese costumes called Yukata which diners can rent for just 10 pesos!

Mushin Japanese Cafe is located along Arroyo Street in Santa Barbara near the public market. Commuters can take Santa Barbara jeeps from Ungka Terminal and alight in front of the cafe when in town. Fare is around 18 pesos. 

Those with vehicles can just turn right after Savemore Sta. Barbara and go straight until (before) the public market. Just ask around when you missed it. 

Facebook Page MUSHIN JAPANESE CAFE