March 25, 2025

Mendokoro Ramenba in Makati: The First Ramen Bar Concept in the Philippines

If you happen to pass by Salcedo Village in Makati, you’ve probably heard of this popular ramen house that’s always filled with diners waiting for hours in long queues just to be served with a hot bowl of ramen. Well, you should be curious because this restaurant is unlike any other!

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Established in 2014, Mendokoro Ramenba is the first-ever ramen house in the country to adopt a common Japanese ramen bar concept that brings diners closer to the kitchen. Inside the restaurant, counter seats surround the open kitchen, offering a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience to locals and expats alike.

The 23-seater dining counter / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

You will also be amazed by how aesthetically pleasing the restaurant’s interior is. Unlike other ramen houses with designs similar to restaurants in Japan, Mendokoro boasts a bright, modern interior, lending a sophisticated appeal.

Having a ramen bar concept is actually quite challenging especially in the Philippine setting where Filipinos are used to dine as a family or group on tables. It may be unconventional for some but surprisingly, many customers seem to love the concept since 2014.

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

When it comes to their specialty, Mendokoro Ramenba is known to put a lot of time and effort into their every bowl of ramen. Each bowl is also served as soon as they are ready as the taste of the soup and texture of ramen noodles change in as fast as 15 seconds!

Shoyu Ramen / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

Owner Ryan K. Cruz adds that the temperature plays a big role in enjoying ramen which is why it is best to savor it while it is hot and fresh from the kitchen—the not-so-secret rule to enjoying ramen.

Choose from Mendokoro Ramenba’s ramen menu which includes the Miso Ramen. One of the favorites among the ramen choices, this ramen is made with miso base and tonkotsu broth topped with cubes of pork.

Miso Ramen / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

If you are looking for something out of their usual menu, order the Garlic Shoyu. It is a shoyu-based ramen with a touch of garlic, served with a tender piece of chashu or braised pork belly. It has all of the garlic flavors you’ll never find in any other ramen in their menu, making it a must-try!

Garlic Shoyu / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Last, but definitely not the least, is an item from Mendokoro’s secret menu, the Super Chashu. It is the upsized version of their shoyu ramen topped with a double-marinated chashu meat. No wonder it is the best choice for first-time diners at Mendokoro Ramenba!

Super Chashu / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Partner these with side dishes including Gyoza and Karaage to complete your ramen experience at Mendokoro Ramenba!

Gyoza / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

Karaage / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

These ramen specialties are the exact reason to visit Mendokoro Ramenba, and the fact that many people are actually willing to fall in line patiently for at least an hour at certain times of the day, tells you just how special their ramen is.

So, go ahead and enjoy a bowl of ramen in more branches in the Metro such as the one on the ground floor of MITSUKOSHI BGC in Taguig City!

Exclusive Offerings at Mendokoro – MITSUKOSHI BGC

Mendokoro Ramenba at MITSUKOSHI BGC is a great addition to the first Japanese-inspired lifestyle mall in the Philippines. It features a sleek and modern design that blends natural materials with contemporary elements.

IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

The most striking feature is the ceiling, where wooden ladles elegantly drape down, creating a flowing effect. The bar counter is minimalist yet stylish, with wooden chairs neatly arranged, inviting guests to sit and enjoy their meals.

On the walls, rows of small potted plants add a touch of greenery to the space. The lighting is soft and warm, enhancing the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The open kitchen in the background adds an element of authenticity to the dining experience, with chefs visible at work. This combination of wood, subtle lighting, and simple yet effective design elements gives the space a harmonious, welcoming ambiance.

IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

Further, Mendokoro Ramenba invites you to savor their exclusive options. For a change, try their Tantan Mazesoba, a soupless ramen consisting of ground meat, blanched veggies, and chewy noodles sitting on a creamy and nutty sauce.

Tantan Mazesoba / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba

Or savor its delightful take on Curry Tsukemen: perfectly cooked noodles and other toppings paired with a curry broth for a dipping experience that’s both comforting and soul-warming.

Curry Tsukemen / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba