The unique name Go-En comes from the Japanese five yen coin called “goen” and is also known for being good luck. Go-En Ramen has succeeded in being a real Japanese restaurant offering unique and true to its taste dishes.
John and Marilyn, owners of Go-En Ramen, sought to bring real Japanese food and culture to their restaurant and continuously strive to ensure the consistency they’re known for. By cross training a number of employees they’ve made their restaurant one of a few that provide delicious Japanese dishes.
Keeping true to the Japanese flavor and taste, Go-En Ramen doesn’t curtail the taste to suit the usual Filipino palate. Rather than being authentic they stay real with the menu that they offer serving food that would taste the same as it would in Japan.
If you’ve been to Go-En Ramen then most probably you’ve met Sylvester the cat. Yes, you read that right. Sylvester is a maneki neko or welcoming cat that has many fans.
Their interiors are simple yet spark an interest with guests who dine. The restaurant can seat up to 40 people and is perfect for small intimate events.
From the wall lined with manga to the toys on display your experience at Go-En is not only a dining one but a fun one as well. The manga comics can be read in-house. In fact many customers order a big bowl of their favorite ramen and read manga. Unfortunately, the manga comics are not for sale. There is no limit to reading though. 🙂
Another notable part of the restaurant is the collection of Kendama toys on display. Kendama is a wooden skill toy that requires hand eye coordination and balance.
There are regular Kendama exhibitions by the staff and diners are welcome to join in. More about this fun sport later.
Menu
Being a Japanese menu and a ramen one at that you can expect some old favorites and some new offerings.
Before you take off for a visit to Go-En Ramen take a look at the dishes I got to try.
Notable are the Wonton Tomato, Kara-age, Cheese Ramen and Mochi Ice Cream. I don’t think any other mochi ice cream will live up to this one!
Cold Tea
Gyoza (Php250)
Pan-fried dumplings with ground prok and vegetables.
Wonton Tomato (new item)
Latin inspired hearty tomato soup topped with negi, pepper threads, shrimp wontons and tomatoes.
Kogashi Shoyu (Php380)
Deep smoky shoyu flavor and black peppercorns
Kara-age (Php250)
Japanese style fried chicken thigh pieces dipped in garlicky batter and deep fried.
Okonomiyaki (Php350)
Japanese version of pizza, has chopped cabbage, egg, squid, sakura ebi, topped with pork, katsuboshi, aonori, and special sauce
Cheese Ramen (Php350)
Miso based soup with moyashi, corn, ajitsuke tamago topped with minced pork and cheese. 
Tantanmen (Php380)
Spicy sesame broth with hosomen, ajitsuke tamago, ground pork, naganegi and chingensai
Omu Rice (new item)
Mochi Ice Cream (Php80)
John discussing the beginnings of Go-En and the passion behind their goal of bringing real Japanese food to the Philippines.
Kendama Toys
Kendama is made of the “Ken” (handle) and the “Tama” (ball), which is connected by a string. Kendama tricks are done by variations of juggling the ball in the 3 cups, spiking the ball with the Ken spike, and balancing both.
The Kendama toys in the restaurant were initially toys for display. It slowly became a popular part of the dining experience wherein customers would play after having eaten until they started asking where they could buy their very own Kendama.
Go-En now has an online shop where you can purchase your very own Kendama. Aside from that. John has brought the Kendama to events and schools introducing this special art of playing.
Having tried it myself, I’m definitely a fan. It’s a fun way to pass the time, to get your mind off things and to get physical.
I was ecstatic when I achieved 3 kinds of plays during my dining experience at Go-En Ramen. If you’d like a memorable and unique dining experience, Go-En Ramen is the way to go.
go-en – The Japanese Ramen Shoppe
Jardin de Zenaida, Unit B1, #34 Sgt. Esguerra, 1103 Quezon City, Philippines
441-GOEN (4636) or 376-5761
Mon-Thurs: 12:00–23:00
Fri-Sun: 12:00–00:00
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Fascinating post , with excellent photos , i need to try some of the dishes you have showed 🙂 I feel some experimenting coming along ! .