Ryan K. Cruz Shares His Ramen Journey and Vision for Ramen Yushoken, Mendokoro Ramenba, and Marudori Ramenba
“Ramen may seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually a profoundly deep and complex dish,” says Ryan K. Cruz, the driving force behind some of the Philippines’ most beloved ramen brands—Yushoken, Mendokoro, and Marudori. As the President and CEO of Nippon Hasha Inc., Ryan reflects on the moment that set everything in motion.
Ryan K. Cruz / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
“It all started with a life-changing experience in Japan,” he shares. “At the time, there were already ramen shops in the Philippines, but to be honest, I didn’t find them particularly impressive. Then I visited six renowned ramen shops in Japan and was completely blown away by the quality. That’s when I thought—if we could bring this level of authenticity to the Philippines, we could introduce so many people to the real taste of ramen.”
For Ryan, the soul of ramen lies in the soup. “If the quality and temperature aren’t perfect, we can’t expect customers to be truly satisfied.”
Also Read: Ramen Yushoken in Alabang: A Crowd-Favorite Ramen Shop in the South
Shio Tori Paitan / IMAGE from Marudori Ramenba
At his restaurants, only the finest pork bones are selected to create a rich and flavorful tonkotsu broth. Chashu is grilled over binchotan charcoal for that signature depth. “We don’t use any preservatives or artificial additives. Everything is made from scratch. It’s labor-intensive, but that’s the only way to serve the real thing.”
Shoyu Ramen / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba
Running multiple ramen shops also comes with challenges—chief among them, securing and nurturing talent. “One of the biggest issues in the Philippines is brain drain. Talented people often go overseas, which increases local turnover. At our company, we directly employ all our staff and treat them like family. We strive to create a healthy company culture to retain great people.”
Also Read: Mendokoro Ramenba in Makati: The First Ramen Bar Concept in the Philippines
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Beyond just serving great food, Ryan believes that ramen shops can hold a special place in people’s lives. “Some guests have proposed to their partners in our restaurants. Others visit regularly as a reward after medical treatments. The fact that we can become part of someone’s life journey—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Rapid growth can be risky, but Ryan is taking a thoughtful approach. “When companies expand too quickly, they tend to lose balance. That’s why we’re focused on strengthening our internal systems and preparing for sustainable growth. We’re deeply grateful to all the customers who have supported us this far. We’re still in the middle of our journey—and we’ll keep evolving to offer even better service. Please continue to support us. We welcome all feedback. Your voices are our greatest source of learning.”
Also Read: Marudori Ramenba in Makati: Excellent Shiratsuyu Ramen Offerings
