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I’ve always been a Japanese food girl.

It’s one of those cuisines I default to when I don’t want to think too hard about where to eat. There’s something comforting about it. The predictability of a good ramen bowl, the familiarity of sushi, the quiet confidence of a well-seasoned broth.

And in Davao, we’re not exactly lacking in Japanese restaurants. But Japanese-Filipino fusion isn’t something I come across often.

So when I realized that Oishi Ramen Bai, a place I’ve passed by multiple times when I go to Aloha Kakou, was actually leaning into that fusion concept, I was curious.

I’ve seen it countless times whenever I visit Aloha Kakou. I’ve even cross-ordered a dish or two before. But I never really sat down to try their ramen or explore the menu properly. Until recently.

First Impressions: Familiar, But With a Twist

Oishi Ramen Bai is located just in front of SM City Davao, inside Casabella II Building along Quimpo Blvd. It’s one of those places that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but once you notice it, it becomes part of your usual route.

What stood out to me right away is how approachable everything felt.

No intimidating menu. No overly curated aesthetic that makes you feel like you have to “get” the place before you enjoy it.

It felt casual, straightforward, and honestly, a little underrated.

The Sizzling Series: Where the Fusion Happens

If there’s one part of the menu that really leans into the Japanese-Filipino fusion concept, it’s their sizzling dishes.

We tried both the Sizzling Tuna Cubes and the Sizzling Wagyu Beef Cubes, and surprisingly, the tuna was the one that stood out to me more.

There’s something about it that just works.

It’s savory, slightly smoky, and feels familiar but different enough to make you pause for a second and think, “Okay, this is interesting.”

If you’re someone who likes trying dishes that are a little out of the usual ramen-sushi rotation, I’d recommend this. Also, if you’re observing Lent, this is a solid option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

The Wagyu cubes were good too, but if I had to choose, I’d go back for the tuna.

Comfort Food Staples

We also tried a few of their sides and rolls, including the Deep Fried Gyoza and the Oishi Signature Roll.

Both leaned into that savory, slightly indulgent flavor profile.

The Oishi roll, in particular, was something I enjoyed. But also, I have to admit, I’m a bit biased when it comes to anything with cream cheese. So take that as you will.

Their Chasu Chahan (Japanese fried rice) was also a good addition to the table. Simple, filling, and exactly what you’d expect from a comforting rice dish.

Nothing too complicated, but it works.

The Ramen: Rich, Balanced, and Surprisingly Affordable

Of course, I couldn’t leave without talking about the ramen. We tried three variations: Truffle Ramen, Chicken Shio, and Shoyu Tonkotsu.

Out of all of them, the Chicken Shio stood out to me the most.

The broth was rich, well-seasoned, and comforting in a way that good ramen should be. As someone who prefers a deeper, more flavorful broth, this one hit the right balance for me.

The Black Truffle Ramen was also interesting. It uses charcoal noodles, which adds to the whole “black” truffle concept. I appreciated that the truffle flavor wasn’t overpowering. It was present, but still balanced enough to enjoy the rest of the bowl.

If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, this might be worth trying.

Sushi and More: Simple but Worth Trying

They also offer mix-and-match sushi options (starting at around ₱16) and even sushi boats if you’re dining with a group.

Flavor-wise, I’d say their sushi leans more toward the simpler side. Nothing overly complex, but still satisfying if you’re looking to round out your meal.

One Thing That Makes It Stand Out: The Price

I think one of the strongest things about Oishi Ramen Bai is its price point.

Ramen bowls are priced at around ₱299 to ₱400, which makes it one of the more accessible options if you’re craving ramen in Davao without committing to a more expensive spot.

And considering the portion sizes and overall experience, it feels fair.

Not everything needs to be a premium dining experience. Sometimes, you just want a place that delivers good food without overcomplicating it.

What to Expect When You Visit

Location: Casabella II Building, Quimpo Blvd, Davao City (in front of SM City Davao)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

It’s the kind of place you can drop by after errands, a casual meet-up, or even just when you’re craving ramen but don’t want to overthink where to go.

A Place That Grows on You

Oishi Ramen Bai isn’t the kind of place that tries too hard to impress you. And I think that’s exactly why it works.

It’s familiar enough to feel comfortable, but with small surprises that make the experience a little more interesting. If you’re in the Quimpo area and looking for something different but still within your comfort zone, this might be worth checking out.

And if you do end up trying the sizzling tuna cubes, let me know what you think.

I’m still thinking about them.