April 07, 2025

Ramen Nagi’s Kohei Tanaka Brings Japan’s Beloved Ramen to the Philippines

Ramen Nagi, the brainchild of Satoshi Ikuta, was founded in 2004 in the backstreets of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. Since then, it has earned numerous accolades, including first place in “Most Awesome Ramen in Manila Rank” by Our Awesome Planet, as well as annual awards in various regions.

Now a global brand, Ramen Nagi operates five stores in Taiwan, one in Hong Kong, three in China, one in Singapore, and five in the United States. It entered the Philippine market in 2013 and currently operates an impressive 41 locations across the country.

Kohei Tanaka / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

“All of this began with passionate offers from our local partners—but the passion in the Philippines is especially incredible,” says Kohei Tanaka, who has been supporting Ramen Nagi’s operations since its early days. “What really sets us apart here is our strong network with major local companies,” he adds. But beyond expansion and partnerships, what brings Tanaka the most joy? “Hearing customers say the food is delicious. That’s the best part of this job.”

While niboshi (dried fish) and tonkotsu (pork bone broth) are the signature offerings in Japan, Ramen Nagi has adapted its menu for the Philippine market. “We serve four varieties based on our original tonkotsu ramen—Red (spicy miso), Black (garlic oil), Green (basil), and the classic Butao King.”

Butao King / IMAGE from Ramen Nagi

Despite expanding abroad, Ramen Nagi maintains a laser-sharp focus on quality. Everything is handmade from scratch—no preservatives, no additives. The flour is imported from Japan, and the noodles are freshly made in-house. Soup and toppings are centrally managed at a dedicated kitchen and distributed to each location to ensure consistency. This meticulous system of quality control has been a key factor in the brand’s success.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

“We’re planning to open a new branch in Cebu this summer,” Tanaka shares. “We want even more people to enjoy the taste of Nagi.”

With a mission to become the number one ramen brand in the world, Ramen Nagi continues its push into new markets, including the Philippines and the United States.

When asked for his recommendation, Tanaka says, “Start with the classic Butao King! You can customize the spice level, oil richness, and noodle firmness to your liking. Find your perfect bowl.”

And for something special, the Ayala Triangle Gardens branch offers a limited-edition niboshi ramen—hugely popular in Japan. It’s a must-try for ramen enthusiasts.

Also Read: Ramen Nagi in Mandaluyong: A World of Flavor in Every Bowl