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I was never into ramen. Like, at all.

It just didn’t appeal to me. Every time I saw a steaming bowl of ramen, all I could think of was instant noodles; something quick, cheap, and honestly… kind of boring. So whenever people went on and on about their love for ramen, I couldn’t relate. I truly didn’t get what the fuss was all about.

I’ve always been more of a rice person. And when I eat out, rice has always been my go-to. I tend to stick with what I know I’ll enjoy, and that definitely didn’t include a bowl of noodles swimming in soup.

That is… until I was introduced to Seirock Ya.

✅ The First Visit To Seirock Ya

I still remember the first time my partner brought me here. We were still in the early stages of our relationship. That day, he was craving ramen and suggested we grab lunch at this ramen spot he really liked. “Seirock Ya”, he said. I wasn’t exactly thrilled. Ramen wasn’t my thing, after all, but because he was craving it, I agreed to go along. I figured, worst-case scenario, I’d just find something else on the menu.

So I did what I usually do when I’m unsure. I played it safe. Very safe. I went with rice and chicken teriyaki. (Classic me, honestly.)

And to be fair, it was good! No complaints at all. The portion was just right, the flavours were nicely balanced, and the chicken was cooked perfectly; juicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed my meal for what it was.

But as I sat there, watching him dig into his bowl of ramen with so much joy and satisfaction, I still felt… nothing. No curiosity, no food envy. Just me, happily munching on my rice while thinking, “Yup, still not a ramen fan.”

✅ The Day I Finally Said “Okay, Fine” to Ramen

Fast forward to another visit.

I wasn’t feeling well that day and wanted something warm, comforting, and a little lighter. That’s when my partner, very gently, suggested, “Why not try ramen this time?”

He looked so hopeful, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to overthink. So I gave in. I decided to finally give ramen a chance.

And that turned out to be the moment everything changed.

There were a few soup options to choose from: creamy, miso-based, and clear broth. Since it was my first time actually ordering ramen for myself, I went with what felt safest—clear broth with thin noodles. Oh, and of course… I made it spicy. 

And omg,

It was love at first slurp.

I still remember that first spoonful of broth; so unexpectedly flavourful. The kind of soup that makes you pause mid-bite because you didn’t expect it to be that good. The clear broth was light, and the kick from the spicy red seasoning brought it to another level.

It was very spicy… like, eyes-watering, nose-running, face-turning-red kind of spicy. But somehow, that only made it better. Every sip was addictively good, and I couldn’t stop myself. I finished the entire bowl, right down to the last drop.

The noodles had the perfect texture; thin, springy, and satisfying to chew — and the toppings complemented the whole dish beautifully. Everything just came together in such a comforting, flavourful way.

That bowl of ramen changed my perspective completely.

✅ My Unexpected Comfort Restaurant

Ever since that day, Seirock Ya has quietly earned a spot on my list of comfort restaurants. It’s the place I think about whenever I’m feeling under the weather or just not in the mood for anything heavy. 

And the funniest part? I never imagined ramen would be something I’d actually crave. Yup, the same girl who used to roll her eyes at ramen is now willingly, even excitedly, ordering it.

Since that turning point, I’ve explored a few different variations from their menu, but my absolute go-to has to be their Traditional Tokyo Style: Tokyo Ramen Spicy. This is the most traditional ramen style with soy sauce flavor. The broth variation is called “Chintan broth.” It’s made from chicken carcass and 5 kinds of vegetables — light yet incredibly rich in umami. 

And the spice? That’s what seals the deal for me. The kick from the karatama (spicy red seasoning) adds the perfect heat, making every slurp exciting. It’s the kind of ramen that warms you from the inside out, a bowl I keep coming back to again and again.

✅ If You’ve Never Tried It… Maybe It’s Time

If you’re anything like how I used to be, not into ramen, Seirock Ya might just be the place that changes your mind too. Give it a try. 

It’s not just about the food (though that’s obviously a big part of it). The ambience is casual and cozy. Nothing too fancy, but it always feels warm and welcoming. The staff are kind, attentive, and quick with service. 

So yeah, thanks to Seirock Ya for turning me into a ramen lover.

Until then.

X, Auri. 

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